The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni – Book Review

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Patrick Lencioni Teaches Team Strengthening Programs

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team is one of my top ten business books. Most people spend their time developing the skills that will help them on their way to success, but few take the time to delve into the stumbling blocks they will inevitably face along the way. Patrick Lencioni has shown us the most common hidden deficits that can threaten your success. 

Patrick Lencioni has a long history as a successful business consultant and public speaker. Throughout his career, he has examined the hidden dysfunctions that can cripple even the strongest teams. Sometimes, the very strengths of your team members can work against them as you strive for excellence and success. However,  there is good news! The most common dysfunctions of a team are incredibly easy to fix, as long as you know what to look for. 

Keep reading to find out how you can immunize your team against dysfunction and prepare them for success.

• Absence of Trust is the Foundation of the 5 Dysfunctions
• Studying The Five Dysfunctions of a Team can help you Succeed
• Diet and Exercise are Vital for Successful Professionals
• Planning Ahead is Preparation to Win

Absence of Trust is the Foundation of the 5 Dysfunctions

Of the 5 most common problems that can damage your team, trust is the most important. Learning how to trust each other is the most important step to repairing dysfunctions and creating a happy work environment. A good leader knows that being vulnerable enough to share is the first step to building trust. 

The next step down from trust is a fear of conflict. Teammates who trust each other are brave enough to speak candidly about their opinions. They know that if a conflict happens it will be easy to resolve with no hard feelings. Teams that don’t trust each other develop a fear of conflict that makes it harder for your team to grow and develop in healthy ways. Emotional intelligence in leadership is a powerful tool that can help you overcome the fear of conflict among your team members.  

Clearly communicating expectations helps team members focus on what is important. Without clear communication, your team might lose sight of your common goals and develop a lack of commitment. Keep your communication channels open and receptive and it will be easier for your team to buy into your mission.   

Successful workgroups take the initiative. The individual members look for problems so they can fix them. When people are afraid and not communicating, it fosters the avoidance of accountability. This means they have stopped trying to succeed. When a team reaches this point you have to work fast to avoid serious problems. 

Success in the workplace requires a laser-sharp focus on your purpose. Inattention to results is the sign of the most dysfunctional kind of team. Powerful teams blend group goals with individual goals, ensuring everyone is focused on the bottom line and working together. This helps your team not only find success in the present, but prepare for success in the future.

Studying The Five Dysfunctions of a Team can help you Succeed

I run the corporate wellness training program at 1AND1 Life. We specialize in training corporate leadership teams to improve the health and vitality of their work environments. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team plays a vital part in our program. These problems can be subtle, but it’s easy to train people on how to spot them. Spotting these problems early is the key to creating healthy and happy teams.

There are many benefits of reading and the most successful people I know take the time to read several books a year. Reading is especially important at the beginning of a new business. Entrepreneurs need to use the best startup business books to maximize their chances of success. Every project is unique and requires a different set of specialized skills. Learning how to avoid dysfunction can help protect your team from breaking down and increase your chances of success.

If you are thinking about starting your own business, I recommend you study The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. It will show you how to help your people work together in the most effective ways possible. Successful people are happy people, and the key to success is teamwork.  

Diet and Exercise are Vital for Successful Professionals

What does gym class have to do with dysfunctional teams? When you get regular exercise it enhances your emotional and mental performance. If you haven’t already, pick up a good wellness book to help you discover what areas you can improve easiest. 

Exercising together builds trust and improves your ability to connect with others. Most teams can’t work out together every day, but the occasional team activity can lay foundations of trust for you to build on. Encourage your team members to get regular exercise, and if possible, buddy up. In many cases, you can solve a lot of problems by getting your team healthy. People who work out together don’t just work better together, they form friendships that often last a lifetime. 

It can be hard to get enough exercise when you’re a hard-working professional. I recommend this Thinner, Leaner, Stronger review for up and coming professionals. In order to perform your best at work, you have to have your body in peak condition, too. 

Yoga is an excellent form of exercise that can fit into the schedule of almost every office worker. You don’t need to go to the gym or buy any expensive equipment. In a pinch, a small corner of your office or hotel room will do. 

To get the most out of your workout routine, keep a yoga journal to track your progress and celebrate important milestones. It’s easier to make progress when you have a plan, and writing things down makes them easier to remember. 

Planning Ahead is Preparation to Win

I recommend Patrick Lencioni’s book to everyone who manages people at work. It can also benefit you even if you’re not the team lead.  How much easier would your job be if there were more trust and communication between your coworkers? Pick up a copy of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team today and find out how much happier and productive you can be at work.