The World's Best Book Summaries
At what point is a team too large? Are team-building activities worth it? Renowned business consultant Patrick Lencioni knows all about teams. In his book Overcoming the Five Dysfunctions of a Team, he defines what a team is and provides guidance on putting a team together and getting it on the right track from the start. Read on for Lencioni’s recommendations for the team-building process.
Do your team members feel like they can be completely open with you and each other? Or, do they tend to guard themselves and be careful about what they share? According to Patrick Lencioni, trust is foundational to team performance. He has written two books about the dysfunctions of teams. The first dysfunction is a lack of trust among team members. He explains what he means by trust, why it’s critical, and how to build it. Keep reading to learn about team trust.
Do you want a promotion at your job? How do you climb the corporate ladder and reach the highest point of your career? The corporate ladder is a term used to describe the progression of one’s career, typically starting at an entry-level position. Reaching the top of the corporate ladder means getting a promotion, a pay raise, or more responsibility at a company in general. Keep reading to learn how to climb the corporate ladder and have your hard work pay off.
Which people on your team work best in collaboration? Which ones have a lone wolf personality type? We all have mental habits or motivation patterns that inform the way we behave. One of these is our work style. Generally, people prefer to work alone or in collaboration with others. They find that one style over the other brings out the best in their performance. Read more to learn how to identify the work style of the people on your team and interact with them in a way that resonates with their style.
Do your team members know how to handle disagreements in a constructive way? Or, do they let conflict build up until it explodes? In Overcoming the Five Dysfunctions of a Team, renowned business consultant Patrick Lencioni says that, once you’ve tackled Dysfunction #1 (the absence of trust), you can take on Dysfunction #2: a fear of conflict. When it’s managed well, conflict is healthy for teams. Continue reading to learn Lencioni’s advice for mastering conflict in teams.
How much do people get away with on your team? Which is more effective—accountability from managers or colleagues? Patrick Lencioni addresses the issue of accountability in both of his books about team dysfunctions, identifying the avoidance of accountability as the fourth dysfunction. He says that it’s much easier to call people out on results than behaviors, but the latter is far more important. Continue reading for Lencioni’s advice on overcoming the avoidance of accountability in a team.
Are your team members more interested in their personal success than the team’s success? If so, what can be done about it? Patrick Lencioni identifies inattention to results as the fifth dysfunction of a team. He argues that employees too often direct their attention toward their own interests at the expense of the team’s interests. Keep reading to learn how to get your team to focus on results instead of themselves.
How well does your team function? Is it hitting on all cylinders, or does it need a tuneup (or even an overhaul)? “Teamwork” is one of the most common buzzwords in the modern business world. But, what does it actually mean, and how do you foster it? In Overcoming the Five Dysfunctions of a Team, Patrick Lencioni answers those questions and teaches you how to turn a group of individuals into a true team. Continue reading for an overview of this book that every manager should read.
What’s a company’s “flywheel,” according to Jim Collins? Why’s it important to keep your focus on said flywheel? According to How the Mighty Fall by Jim Collins, flywheel means the small wins that gain momentum for your business. If you take your mind off the flywheel for even just a moment, it could have dire consequences. Check out why the flywheel is the foundation of a business strategy.
Is your team unified? What role does communication play in getting people to buy into team decisions? In his business fable The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, Patrick Lencioni identifies a lack of commitment as the third dysfunction. In his follow-up book, Overcoming the Five Dysfunctions of a Team, he shares ways you can break through this challenge. Read more to learn Lencioni’s advice for getting each member of your team wholeheartedly on the same page.