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The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

A Leadership Fable

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The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

By: Patrick Lencioni
Narrated by: Charles Stransky; introduction by Patrick Lencioni
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About this listen

 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. Leadership Management Management & Leadership Business Thought-Provoking Business Management

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.)
All stars
Most relevant  
When it comes to organizational and team health advice; accept no substitute. Lencioni is practical and gracious and the book is easy to read.

The very best in its class

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Having the book written in the way of a story helped to see the principles put into practice straight away and keeps you wanting to know more. This style kept me more engaged than others.

Easy Listening

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I found this book very interesting, for me the case study become very real life. I enjoyed the case study. I have since listened for a second time. I have recommended this book to 2 other managers

The Five Dysfunctions

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The narration of the story was very easy to listen to, well paced and articulate. The story was solid too, though I wish that there was more in-depth information of how the dysfunctions are exhibited in the team and then resolved - it seemed to go too well, too fast, but the point came across. I followed up with further reading to consolidate. Recommend this book for leaders who need to remind/refresh the culture and behaviours they are looking to build in their team.

Great story-telling, wish it was longer!

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This book gives a great theoretical model on how to build a cohesive team. By telling the story via a case study, this book is exciting (and not dry like some other books in this genre). For any aspiring CEO, it’s a must read

Great thought provoking book

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Amazing listen, easy to follow and the storyline makes it real-world.
Excellent summary to toe it all together at the end

Must read for anyone leading a team

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Very insightful and engaging. the concepts are presented in as a story that teaches and entertains. Highly recommend it.

Great book

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Loved it. Simple yet structured explanation of the 5 disfunctions. Love the learning from storytelling method

Simple yet valuable

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doesn't matter what kind of team you manage, or what industry you're in, this book can help you be a better leader and support your team to deliver their best work.

still very much relevant

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This is a brilliant guide to leading a team not only in the workplace, but I all areas of life. If you interact with people, at all, I strongly recommend this book.

Brilliant

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