OM DENNE EPISODE
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.
