The Five Dysfunctions of a Team (Lencioni)

Patrick Lencioni’s “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” outlines common hurdles that prevent teams from working effectively. These are: 1) Absence of Trust—team members hesitant to be vulnerable or admit mistakes; 2) Fear of Conflict—avoiding healthy debate and discussion; 3) Lack of Commitment—uncertainty or disagreement preventing clear decision-making; 4) Avoidance of Accountability—difficulty holding each other responsible; and 5) Inattention to Results—prioritizing individual or departmental goals over team success. Addressing these dysfunctions builds trust, encourages open dialogue, clarifies commitments, promotes accountability, and focuses everyone on collective goals.