5 team dysfunctions that hinder performance

Great teams are essential for building successful products, and a leader's role is crucial in preventing dysfunctions that can hinder a team's performance. The concept of team dysfunctions, introduced by Patrick Lencioni in "Five Dysfunctions of a Team," identifies five primary dysfunctions: lack of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to outcomes. These dysfunctions are interdependent, and addressing them requires a step-by-step approach, starting with building vulnerability-based trust within the team. Leaders should model vulnerability and foster an environment where productive conflict is encouraged, ensuring all team members feel heard and respected. Commitment is achieved when team members can express their disagreements and still support the final decision, while accountability is maintained through consistent enforcement of agreed-upon processes and standards. Finally, focusing on outcomes requires team members to prioritize collective goals over individual interests, with each dysfunction managed to improve team dynamics and productivity.