Patrick M Lencioni (2002) identified the following five elements that contribute to team dysfunction:
- Absence of trust
- Fear of conflict
- Lack of commitment
- Avoidance of accountability
- Inattention to results.
Identifying and Overcoming Team Dysfunctions
Mike Woodcock and Dave Francis (2005) identified the following 10 potential blockages that can lead to dysfunctional teams:
Blockage 1: Inappropriate Leadership. A dysfunctional leader will inevitably lead a dysfunctional team. An effective leader upholds integrity and ethical behavior; deals with conflict in a timely and honest manner; and ensures that the work performed by team members is a rewarding experience.
Blockage 2: Unqualified Membership. The result of a high performance team is greater than the sum of its parts. A team has predefined roles such as a planner, a facilitator, a doer and an analyst. Team member roles should be designed in an effective manner to meet all the roles and responsibilities of the team.
Blockage 3: Unconstructive Climate. An unconstructive climate refers to a lack of commitment among team members. A positive climate is attained by commitment to a shared vision and a shared identity that defines the importance of the team’s objectives.
Blockage 4: Unclear Objectives. Unclear objectives lead to a lack of direction and a lack of motivation. A shared vision and clear objectives motivate and support team members in achieving the specified targets. Objectives need to be specific, measurable, realistic and attainable.
Blockage 5: Low Standards. A high performance team takes pride in the achievement of difficult targets and in the excellence of its result. High standards within a team stimulate motivation and individual competence.
Blockage 6: Ineffective Work Methods. A high performance team works against a logical plan that outlines how the team is to attain its objectives and targets. Defined working methods and effective decision-making are crucial for effective teamwork.
Blockage 7: Insufficient Openness and Confrontation. Effective teamwork upholds open communication between team members and promotes a working environment where team members are not afraid to express their own opinions. Divergence of opinions is valued and conflict is managed effectively.
Blockage 8: Undeveloped Individuals. A high performance team is comprised by strongly developed team members, who value open communication, show a sense of commitment towards other team members and possess specific talents.
Blockage 9: Low Innovative Capacity. An effective team values and displays innovation by proposing new working methods, brainstorming, and developing new proposals.
Blockage 10: Unconstructive Inter-team Relationships. Inter-team relationships are a critical element in the effectiveness of an organization. Positive inter-team relationships are attained through a shared organizational vision and common objectives between teams that assists in building trust and comradeship among teams.
Read more on team dynamics and leadership on Suite101:
- Effective Team Building in the Business Workplace
- The Elements of Team Collaboration
- Leadership with Emotional Intelligence
- Management Leadership Development
- Three Classic Leadership Styles
- Theories of Leadership
References:
Lencioni, Patrick, M. (2002). The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, Jossey-Bass.
Woodcock, M, and Francis, D. (2005). Team Assessments, Gower Publications.
Maureen Cutajar - Maureen is a professional IT project manager, web writer, and eBook formatter with educational background in English literature and ...
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