The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

A Leadership Fable

By: Patrick Lencioni

Narrated by: Charles Stransky; introduction by Patrick Lencioni

Length: 3 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

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.)

its doable not just fable

Would you listen to The Five Dysfunctions of a Team again? Why?

Enlighten perspective about a Team. Traditionally in team formation, being a leader supposed not only to lead but also to use the Pyramid concept to have the team for leading them self to common goal

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team?

The Pyramid concept.

Have you listened to any of Charles Stransky; introduction by Patrick Lencioni’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No

Any additional comments?

A must read.

good story about team building

After reading this book I gave it to my boss, she didn't like the story telling aspect, she just wanted quick lessons. I really enjoyed it, though. The team building strategies presented in this book and the instructional portion at the end were great. Eye opening and unique. Well worth the listen.

go team

Easy read, fun story with solid team strengthening fundamentals. "ambiguity is the enemy of accountability." great line

Excellent

This was the best team building book I have listened to in the past year, highly recommend.

eye opener

great way to view a team you think works but doesn't. exercises great and really makes you dig in

I love the fable/story aspect of teaching

First time I've read a book like this - a management book that tells a story and wondering where it was going and if the characters were good or bad or if they'd be around on the end! It reminded me of past employers very much.

great book! I've listened to it twice already!

my friends and I really enjoyed and learned from this book about teams. you well too!

Good book about improving the teamwork in business

Very good book. Good stuff about building a better team. Story went very quickly and was easy to follow

Excellent excellent book!

I am eight months into my third business with a new business partner and this book has been one of most helpful, insightful, eye-opening reads in my career. I learned so much from this book and M incredibly happy and grateful to have read it. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who wants to build a business and lead a team.

Makes great points

Already seeing where a few of these techniques can be helpful in the place I'm working at.