Signs of a Dysfunction team

Creating a team is easy. Molding them into an effective team can be very challenging. And once you have a dream team, it can be destroyed in an instant. So watch out for signs of a Dysfunction team before it is too late.

1. Absence of trust

Team members are afraid to be vulnerable with each other. They're not willing to admit they may have made a mistake, not delivering or don't have answers.

The fix: Building trust takes time, but leaders should use tools to help the teams learn more about each other and grow their trust. Leaders can demonstrate their own vulnerability as an example to the team.

2. Fear of conflict

Team members hold back from expressing their opinions and are reluctant to engage in healthy debate.

The fix: Remind team members that conflict is healthy and encourage them to focus on the ideas or solutions, not the problem or people. Where possible, allow conflicts to resolve organically and demonstrate the desired behavior.

3. Lack of commitment

Because they are afraid of conflict, team members can be reluctant to buy in to decisions and commit to them.

The fix: Set clear deadlines and expectations. Encourage the team to close off and resolve outstanding issues and make their own commitments to achieving results.

4. Avoiding accountability

People don't take personal responsibility - or hold others accountable - for delivering results and may miss goals and deadlines.

The fix: Make goals and commitments public and ensure clarity around personal responsibilities. Monitor progress consistently and help team members identify and overcome blockers.

5. Inattention to results

Team members are less interested in team results than their own personal agenda, career enhancement, and achievements.

The fix: Ensure that results are shared publicly and attributed to all the team members rather than a few individuals. Reward desired results and reinforce the importance of holistic approach from the team.

Credits: Patrick Lencioni, ArcTree