This is episode two of our three part series that will cover how to prevent the 5 common dysfunctions within a team and how to increase productivity. As I am sure you remember, in our first episode, we discussed building trust through vulnerability. Once trust is established, our focus should shift to managing conflict effectively and establishing commitment with our teams.

The five disfunctions of a team are:

ABSENCE OF TRUST

This occurs when team members are reluctant to

be vulnerable with one another and are unwilling

to admit their mistakes, weaknesses or needs for

help. Without a certain comfort level among team

members, a foundation of trust is impossible.

FEAR OF CONFLICT

Teams that are lacking on trust are incapable of

engaging in unfiltered, passionate debate about key

issues, causing situations where team conflict can

easily turn into veiled discussions and back channel

comments. In a work setting where team members

do not openly air their opinions, inferior decisions

are the result.

LACK OF COMMITMENT

Without conflict, it is difficult for team members

to commit to decisions, creating an environment

where ambiguity prevails. Lack of direction and

commitment can make employees, particularly star

employees, disgruntled.

AVOIDANCE OF ACCOUNTABILITY

When teams don’t commit to a clear plan of action,

even the most focused and driven individuals

hesitate to call their peers on actions and behaviors

that may seem counterproductive to the overall

good of the team.

INATTENTION TO RESULTS

Team members naturally tend to put their own needs

(ego, career development, recognition, etc.) ahead

of the collective goals of the team when individuals

aren’t held accountable. If a team has lost sight of the

need for achievement, the business ultimately suffers.