This is the final dysfunction in my Ultimate Team series! This recap of Lencioni’s The Five Dysfunctions of a Team has been a great reminder for me (and Team PPMC) to remember what kind of organizational culture we want to cultivate. We want to create a place where the work we do and the people who do it are thriving.
I’m excited to discuss our final dysfunction. Let’s go.
The fifth dysfunction of any team is “inattention to results.”
When teams are not on the same page regarding their end goal, it leads to an inattention
to results. Instead of focusing on team success, members get caught up in only their
specific area or responsibilities, losing sight of the big picture of the organization.
Team members focus inward, instead of looking to the team or organization’s progress
or success. This behavior typically leads to “winners and losers” within an organization,
instead of the overall commitment to the purpose of the organization. For the organization,
this can lead to turnover, underperformance, and lack of cohesiveness.
Conversely, high performing teams that focus on outcomes and measurable results experience excellent performance and are often highly motivated. Teams with clear-cut, measurable results, work better together – as a team. Attention to results leads to collective results, meaning achievement-oriented employees are retained, distractions are avoided, and individualistic behavior is minimized.
How can we ensure collective results and high levels of teamwork? Here are a few tips from Lencioni’s book:
- Make the organization’s goals clear and measurable
- Communicate goals of the ORGANIZATION often: start meetings with purpose for both the “now” and the “next”
- Publicly declare and discuss results: talk with your team about how things turned out, no matter how small the initiative
- Implement results-based rewards: create a system for your employees to personally benefit from team accomplishment (these can be small celebrations… but the most important part is to remember to celebrate as a team.
How does your team focus on collective results? Has this blog series helped you refocus on creating a high-performing team? Let us know!