Five Dysfunctions of a (Leadership) Team

Patrick Lencioni is one of my favorite authors. My favorite book of his to date is Five Dysfunctions of a Team. Although Lencioni writes for a secular audience - primarily for executive leadership teams, his insights are just as valid for teams within a church or ministry context. I have used his model to diagnose problems in both local churches as well educational institutions. I would go so far to say, it could be applied to every level of a denomination (international, national, state, and local).

Below is a brief summary of the model (as listed on his website).

Dysfunction #1: 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.

Dysfunction #2: 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.

Dysfunction #3: 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

Dysfunction #4: 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.

Dysfunction #5: 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.

So...just how dysfunctional is your ministry team?

Actually, you can begin from the bottom up (i.e., invert the sequence). The lack of trust is often the root of all team dysfunction. Not surprisingly, we tend to highly esteem leaders we can trust and, conversely, hold in low regard those whom we don't trust.