Why I Love the 5 Dysfunctions of a Team
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As a product manager, you're no stranger to the dreaded "team dysfunction". You know the signs: low morale, missed deadlines, and endless meetings that go nowhere. But what can you do to turn things around?
I was introduced to what became a fundamental part of my consulting and product manager tool kit - Patrick Lencioni's "The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team".
This book has been a game-changer for me, and I'm excited to share why.
Its a quick read
Clocking in at just under 250 pages, it's easy to digest and perfect for busy product managers who don't have a lot of time to spare. Even better is that there is a Manga version of the book to make it more fun.
Perspective
The book offers a perspective on team dynamics that I had always thought about and notices but never been able to find the words for. Lencioni argues that the root cause of team dysfunction is a lack of trust and that without trust, team members are less likely to engage in healthy conflict, commit to decisions, hold one another accountable, and focus on collective results.
All about trust
So what can you do to build trust? The book uses scenarios to offer some practical tips, such as trust exercises and team-building activities but it really just gets you to start thinking about trust as a concept within the team. It allows you as a key leader within a team to set the example by being transparent, admitting your own mistakes, and fostering an environment of open communication. Trust starts with sharing information - that doesn’t have to be traumas from your past, but just generally being human. The way it was laid out as the base of a pyramid really stuck with me and has done me well as the first step in building great team cultures.
The other dysfunctions
Of course, building trust is just the first step. Lencioni's book goes on to explore the other four dysfunctions: fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results. Each dysfunction is explored in detail, with practical advice for overcoming it.
In Summary
Overall, "The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team" is a must-read for any product manager who wants to build a high-performing, cohesive team. It's a light-hearted, easy-to-read book that offers practical advice for overcoming common team challenges. So whether you are starting a new team, stuck in a rut with your current team or maybe dealing with a team falling apart, I think you will find something in it to help you on the journey.
I would thoroughly recommend you checking it out, links are below: