This occurs when team members are reluctant to be vulnerable with one another and are unwilling to

admit their mistakes, weaknesses or needs for help. Without a certain comfort level among team

members, a foundation of trust is impossible.

Dysfunction #2: Fear of Conflict

Teams that are lacking on trust are incapable of engaging in unfiltered, passionate debate about key

issues, causing situations where team conflict can easily turn into veiled discussions and back

channel comments. In a work setting where team members do not openly air their opinions, inferior

decisions are the result.

Dysfunction #3: Lack of Commitment

Without conflict, it is difficult for team members to commit to decisions, creating an environment

where ambiguity prevails. Lack of direction and commitment can make employees, particularly star

employees, disgruntled

When teams don't commit to a clear plan of action, even the most focused and driven individuals

hesitate to call their peers on actions and behaviors that may seem counterproductive to the overall

good of the team.

Team members naturally tend to put their own needs (ego, career development, recognition, etc.)

ahead of the collective goals of the team when individuals aren't held accountable. If a team has lost

sight of the need for achievement, the business ultimately suffers.

Striving to create a functional, cohesive team is one of the few remaining competitive advantages

available to any organization looking for a powerful point of differentiation. Functional teams avoid

wasting time talking about the wrong issues and revisiting the same topics over and over again

because of lack of buy-in. Functional teams also make higher quality decisions and accomplish more

in less time and with less distraction and frustration. Additionally, "A" players rarely leave

organizations where they are part of a cohesive team.

Successful teamwork is not about mastering subtle, sophisticated theories, but rather about

embracing common sense with uncommon levels of discipline and persistence. Ironically, teams

© Copyright 2007 The Table Group, Inc.