What are some of the pitfalls that teams face as they seek to grow together?
There are many factors that can contribute to a team's dysfunction, but these five are some of the most common. If you're looking to improve your team's performance, be on the lookout for these dysfunctions.
- Lack of trust.
The first and most important dysfunction on this list is a lack of trust. Without trust, team members are less likely to be open and honest with one another, which can lead to communication breakdowns, misaligned goals, and resentment. If you want your team to be successful, it's crucial that you cultivate an environment of trust. - Fear of conflict.
If team members are afraid to speak up or disagree with one another, it can lead to a lack of creativity and productive debate. Without healthy conflict, teams are more likely to make decisions that everyone is comfortable with, even if it's not the best solution. - Lack of commitment.
If team members are unwilling to commit to decisions or put in the extra effort to make the team successful, it can lead to a decline in performance. When team members lack commitment, it's often because they don't feel ownership or buy-in for the team's goals. - Lack of accountability.
If team members are not held accountable for their performance, it can lead to a decline in standards and a general feeling of apathy. When accountability is lacking, it's often because there is a lack of clear roles and responsibilities. - Inattention to results.
Finally, if team members are more focused on their individual goals or objectives, it can lead to a decline in team performance. When attention to results is lacking, it's often because the team is not working towards a common goal. These are just a few of the many dysfunctions that teams face. If you're looking to improve your team's performance, be on the lookout for these issues and address them head-on.
(Ref source: The five dysfunctions of a team by Patrick Lencioni)