Why even the best teams struggle to work together?
Tags: management, culturalfit, peoplemanagement, productivity
Published: 2023-09-27 15:23:26

I recently had the amazing opportunity to engage in a truly fascinating and thought-provoking conversation about the various tactics and approaches that teams utilize in order to attain outstanding and remarkable results.

During this enlightening discussion, we delved into the reasons behind the challenges faced by even the most exceptional teams when it comes to collaborating effectively, and we also explored numerous practical and actionable strategies that can be implemented to successfully accomplish significant objectives and targets.

One particular resource that was mentioned during our conversation was the highly acclaimed book titled *"The 5 Dysfunctions of Teams"*, which presents a comprehensive model in the form of a five-layer pyramid. This pyramid serves as a visual representation of how dysfunction within one layer can inadvertently lead to dysfunction in subsequent layers, ultimately resulting in a detrimental and adverse work environment as well as an underperforming team.

![The 5 Dysfunctions of Teams](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/b9244wahule1u3yoz7iq.png)

## **Some thoughts that emerged from our discussion:**

It is important to recognize and acknowledge the potential of the team and ensure they understand that these dysfunctions exist. Building trust is a process that takes time and effort, and it cannot be achieved overnight. A conducive environment should be created that not only accepts but also rewards vulnerability, rather than punishing it.

It is crucial to emphasize that the team should not shy away from conflicts, as they can be valuable opportunities to refine and improve solutions. In order to foster a culture of open communication, it is important to ensure that everyone's ideas are genuinely considered and respected.

Furthermore, it is essential to clearly communicate to everyone within the team what the collective goals and objectives are. Each team member should have a clear understanding of their individual responsibilities and tasks, and how they should behave in order for the team to achieve success.

Ultimately, the focus should always be on the collective results and outcomes. It is important to recognize that regardless of how well an individual performs within the team, if the team as a whole fails, everyone suffers the consequences. Therefore, it is vital to foster a collaborative and supportive environment where the success of the team is prioritized above individual achievements.

## **What can you do? Ask your team these questions:**

**Do team members openly disclose their opinions?** This is crucial for fostering transparency and creating a collaborative environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas.

**Are team meetings compelling and productive?** It is essential that team meetings are not only engaging but also result in tangible outcomes. Effective meetings can drive progress and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

**Does the team come to decisions quickly and avoid conflict?** Efficient decision-making is a hallmark of successful teams. By minimizing unnecessary conflicts and reaching consensus swiftly, teams can maintain momentum and achieve their goals.

**Do team members confront one another about their shortcomings?** Constructive feedback and accountability are vital for personal and team growth. Encouraging team members to address their shortcomings with empathy and support can lead to continuous improvement.

**Do team members sacrifice their own interests for the good of the team?** A strong team is built on individuals who prioritize the collective success over personal gains. When team members are willing to put the team's interests first, it enhances collaboration and fosters a culture of unity.

## **Conclusion:**

In my opinion, teamwork is an indispensable competitive advantage for successful organizations. Teams that effectively address these dysfunctions will not only excel in their work but also establish harmonious relationships with others. By continuously striving to improve, teams can unlock their full potential and achieve remarkable outcomes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Please feel free to share with me.

## **References:**

1. **“The Five Dysfunctions of a Team”** by Patrick Lencioni 
    - [**Goodreads Link**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21343.The_Five_Dysfunctions_of_a_Team)
2. **“The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are**” by Brené Brown 
    - [**Amazon Link**](https://www.amazon.com/Gifts-Imperfection-Think-Supposed-Embrace-ebook/dp/B00BS03LL6/)
3. **“The power of vulnerability”** by Brené Brown 
    - [**Youtube Video**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCvmsMzlF7o)
4. “**Leaders Eat Last”** by Simon Sinek 
    - [**Amazon Link**](https://www.amazon.com/Leaders-Eat-Last-Together-Others/dp/1591848016)