The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

A Leadership Fable

By: Patrick Lencioni

Narrated by: Charles Stransky; introduction by Patrick Lencioni

In keeping with the parable style, Patrick Lencioni begins by telling the fable of a woman who, as CEO of a struggling Silicon Valley firm, took control of a dysfunctional executive committee and helped its members succeed as a team. Story time over, Lencioni offers explicit instructions for overcoming the human behavioral tendencies that he says corrupt teams (absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability and inattention to results). Succinct yet sympathetic, this guide will be a boon for those struggling with the inherent difficulties of leading a group.

Building a cohesive team is not complicated, declares Lencioni. Departing from the dry, theoretical writing of many management books, he presents his case in the context of a fictional organization, and in doing so succeeds at communicating his ideas. The scenarios are recognizable and can be applied anywhere teamwork is involved, whether it is a multinational company, a small department within a larger organization, or a sports team. At the end of the story, the main points are summarized, and clearly expressed suggestions and exercises are offered to help bring about change. Concise and easy to follow, this program is recommended for anyone who is a member of a team that needs improvement.

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team is also available in print from Wiley.

©2002 Patrick Lencioni
(P)2002 Random House Inc.

Critic reviews

"A gripping analysis of what makes teams work effectively. This fine work is a must-read for any leader that has come to grips with the fact that no one makes progress - much less succeeds - alone." (James Amos, president and CEO, Mail Boxes Etc.)

Entertaining Education

The business fable is entertaining education. A great listen. I wish Patrick Lencioni had many more.

I'm going to recommend this to my superior

I work for a highly dysfunctional organization. I love the company and my job, but if something doesn't change it's just going to completely implode. I don't know if this book cam save it. I don't know if me speaking up at all is even worth it, but I gotta try. This book explains how a leadership team needs to function in order to lead a company towards success. it does it in a very easy to understand manner and wraps it up with action steps. I have no real power or influence at my company so me listening to the book was more to validate my intuitive concerns and arm myself with applicable solutions when I bring up my concerns. I'm never one to just complain about what's wrong without offering resolutions of some sort.

Amazing must read for any leadership role

Favorite characters were Martin and Kathryn I am Martin and want to be Kathryn 🤣such a cool book! Also, is this considered fiction or non fiction? Haha! You know they’re a remarkable author if you have to ask this question!

Great Review

I have read this book and used it for work and personal life multiple times, but about 5 years ago. For work, I needed to review the book and using the Audible copy was an excellent way to refresh my memory during my daily commute. I highly recommend it.

great listen

I really enjoyed the book. Patrick's style of business fable first then takeaway suggestions is a winning format for learning and retention.

Great Book

Great book, written well and great ideas. I would have liked to see the story wrapped up, however. It seemed to be interrupted with a discussion of the 5 dysfunctions and then the summary. I would have liked the storyline to end the book in some fashion.

Must Read for Owners and Managers

An easy read with extremely effective solutions to produce consistant results. Very much worth the few hours to help remove many management strains.

Good leadership principles

This book teaches good principles od organizational leadership. The methods illustrated can be implemented in any setting.

Very accessible introduction to concepts

My goal was to prepare my way to lead a team, and took up this book on recommendation of a mentor. Very easy to see and understand what types of organic harmless seeming interactions can lead to chaos and push true success out of reach. Would definitely recommend to anyone who’s been on a team (even high functioning) to help set direction and goals, and how to maintain and accomplish them.

GOOD RESOURCE TO HAVE

The way he put it in a story format with characters was easy to follow. We got to see it play out.