The Five Dysfunctions of a Team - Patrick Lencioni (5 of 5 Business Allegories)

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team was recommended to me by my manager, Reed Wagstaff.  The director of the Audiovisual Department Finance group requires that each of his managers read this book.  As manifest in my five star rating of the book, I believe everyone in the corporate world, managers and employees alike should read it.  The five dysfunctions prevent a team from reach its full cooperative potential.  Efficiency and productivity are hindered by:

1. Absence of Trust
2. Fear of Conflict
3. Lack of Commitment
4. Avoidance of Accountability
5. Inattention to Results

The way in which Lencioni outlines these principles allows the reader to easily assimilate the material.  Most of the book follows the rebuilding of a fictional dysfunctional corporate team.  The newly hired consultant takes the team members on an off-site training trip.  During the two-day event, she shows them how to overcome each of the principles above.

The last twenty or so pages is a straightforward tutorial showing how anyone can apply these principles to his or her team.  It starts with a short diagnosis test, which allows you to identify your teams strengths and weaknesses.  The test is followed by practical suggestions for improving cooperation.

Working in an office is not a prerequisite for benefiting from this book.  Whenever two or more men or women join together for a common purpose, group dynamics become critical.  Applying the insightful principles in The Five Dysfunctions can improve conditions in Church committees, families, university research groups, etc.  It's a quick read.  Find it.  Read it.  Apply it.  Love it.

What other books on business or team building have you read and really enjoyed?