In keeping with the theme of teamwork this month, I chose to go back to the bookshelf for a book I’ve read several times and find something new each time I read it. “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” by Patrick Lencioni speaks to many of the challenges leaders face with creating a true high performing team. In his book he identifies these five team dysfunctions told through the eyes of a new CEO of a fictitious company:
- Absence of Trust
- Fear of Conflict
- Lack of Commitment
- Avoidance of Accountability
- Inattention to Results
The fable format allows the reader to identify with some of the challenges he identifies in the story. While I liked the discussion around all five, my favorite is the discussion around the Avoidance of Accountability. I believe the true measure of a team is their ability to hold themselves mutually accountable and, in my experience, is a rare quality in today’s business environment.
Enjoy the Book!