The FIVE Dysfunctions of a Team
by Patrick Lencioni
Realistic, this is how I would describe this book in one word. In this book the author breaks down how a new CEO, which honestly the way the book presents the scenarios can correspond to any leadership role, manages through not only the intricacies of inheriting a team but also navigates through moments of self-doubt. What I did find interesting is the way the author purposely selects a character that is not only a female but has never been a CEO and much less of tech company in California, which has come to be know at the tech capital of the nation. He depicts this character as one whom you would think has the potential of failure for lack of experience and in the end finishes it off with a surprising result.
Throughout the book the author presents us with a framework of how a team works effectively if there are 5 main components of teamwork that are followed. The uniqueness of how the author presents this framework is in the form of a parable. The parable takes you through the daily life of that new female no-technology industry experience CEO that was hired to take the mantle of a technology company that was struggling to drive business. With a highly sought out already established executive team this new CEO has the responsibility to come in and drive results very quickly (within one year). Her approach to that challenge is what you will read.
Now don’t get me wrong it’s not all great and perfect. The book walks you through tense moments, difficult decisions and nail-biting situations. It also presents moments of self-discovery, maturity and understanding what it means to have the right person in the right seat, which might not always be an easy growth process for an organization.
It’s an extremely easy read, with colloquial language, small chapters and visuals you can relate to, as added guides through the book. The final chapter summarizes in a more scholastic method the 5 dysfunctions and how to overcome them. However, if you do not read the whole book, it might seem a bit like theories that are hard to put into practice. The parable style really gives you tangible life scenarios that are relatable, can easily be put into practice and overall realistic.
Amazon Link: The FIVE Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni