Book of the Month for February 2007: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

Almost did not make it! 

Welcome to the February book of the month, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable by Patrick Lencioni.

I borrowed this book from my mentor Nikki Weiss, and I do not plan on giving it back unless she asks.  :-)  It is a great book and written in a story fashion (hence the fable part of the title).  The story talks about a new CEO that joins a company and has to lead herself, and her leaders.  Interwoven throughout the story are some great leaders in you. 

Leadership is not always about courage but also about looking within you to see how to adjust things.  Have a great team does not mean that everything is harmonious.  Conflict when it is open and respectful can be driving force behind achieving results you want.

The five dysfunctions that Patrick Lencioni weaves fantastically through the story are: absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability and inattention to results.  He also positions this in a pyramid and they do build upon one and another.  For example, if you do not trust someone (this may be a friend, co-worker, or a manager) are you going to spend the time having open conflict with them?  Probably not and conflict can be a very positive thing.  So if you look at the list of five from above do you see areas that you, your team or your company can work on?  If you do then check out this book, it is a great and easy read, especially if you aspire to leading in your organization!

Call for Feedback:

I am looking for other books to read and broaden my horizons. Please let me know what books that you have enjoyed, they can be books, which changed your perceptions, gave you knowledge, or just good ole fun.

So please comment or email me with your suggestions.

Take a look at my other book of the months here: https://blogs.technet.com/matthewms/archive/tags/Book+of+the+Month/default.aspx

Please comment if you have read the book and let me know what you think!