Description

“The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable, 20th Anniversary Edition” is a highly acclaimed business book written by Patrick Lencioni. This anniversary edition builds upon the original edition’s success and offers fresh insights into building effective teams in the ever-evolving workplace.

The book takes the form of a fable, following the story of Kathryn Petersen, a newly appointed CEO of a struggling technology company. As Kathryn endeavors to turn the company around, she discovers that the team’s dysfunction is impeding progress and hindering success. Through this engaging narrative, Lencioni skillfully portrays the challenges and dynamics that commonly plague teams.

Lencioni presents five interrelated dysfunctions that hinder team effectiveness. These dysfunctions include:

1. Absence of Trust: Trust is the foundation upon which cohesive teams are built. The book highlights the importance of vulnerability-based trust, where team members are willing to admit weaknesses and mistakes without fear of judgment.
2. Fear of Conflict: Conflict is a natural part of teamwork, and its absence can lead to artificial harmony and unaddressed issues. Lencioni emphasizes the need for healthy debate and constructive conflict resolution to enable teams to make better decisions.
3. Lack of Commitment: Without open and active participation in decision-making, team members struggle to commit to agreed-upon actions. The book explores techniques to foster buy-in and ensure commitment from all team members.
4. Avoidance of Accountability: When individuals on a team fail to hold each other accountable for their actions and performance, it undermines overall team effectiveness. Lencioni highlights the importance of mutual accountability and establishing clear expectations.
5. Inattention to Results: Teams that prioritize individual goals over collective objectives fail to achieve sustainable success. The book encourages teams to focus on measurable results and collective goals to foster a culture of achievement.

Throughout the fable, Kathryn Petersen discovers valuable insights and techniques to address these dysfunctions, ultimately leading her team toward cohesiveness and high performance.

The 20th Anniversary Edition includes additional reflections and practical guidance from the author, providing readers with new perspectives on the book’s concepts and their application in today’s rapidly changing business landscape. It remains a timeless resource for leaders and managers seeking to build and sustain effective teams in any organization.

Product Details