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.)

Excelente, muy apropiado.

Todo líder de empresa debe leer este libro si desea tener un equipo exitoso.muy muy bueno

Great info and so much to learn!

Well told story about a "typical" team and how to pull them together for results.

So good, I'm starting the third listen.

Engaging from the Start

Any book that can mix business principles into a story format earns 5 stars. I was fully engaged with the business problem and the application of the solutions all woven on a dynamic plot. It makes sense!

Great quick read

I enjoyed this audiobook because it drove its point across via anecdotal story. My interest was throughout the whole recording. I’d recommend this book to people in both managerial and non-management positions.

Helpful Book

I enjoyed listening to this book. It was a course requirement that really highlighted the needs for effective problem solving and leadership. The format used by the author allowed me to apply it to my team in a practical way.

Great Team Building Book

I plane on using this book as blue print for my leadership team great ideas

Good Book but Crass in Spots

I enjoyed the principles outlined in this book. The communication of these principles in narrative form are helpful. The crass language at times was unnecessary.

A must read for any agile coach

Love the pragmatic very down to earth tools for analysing and overcoming the dysfunctions. the novel also helps brining some context and generates lots of powerful insights.

Another amazing book by Lencioni

Lencioni always presents such complex, life-changing concepts in a way that is easy to understand and apply. I came away from this book with a lot of goals and new understandings, feeling inspired to enhance our teamwork in new ways.

Very practical and easy to understand.

Listened to it twice to make sure I had all the key points. The fable style works well in an audio book as it creates an image.