Five Dysfunctions
Absence of Trust → Fear of Conflict → Lack of Commitment → Avoidance of Accountability → Inattention to Results.
Explanation
Management consultant Patrick Lencioni discovered that team problems aren't random—they follow a predictable pattern. Without trust, people won't engage in productive conflict. Without conflict, they won't truly commit to decisions. Without commitment, they won't hold each other accountable. Without accountability, everyone focuses on personal success instead of team results. Each level depends on the foundation below it.
Real-World Example
Team misses targets (inattention to results). Why? No one holds each other accountable. Why? No real commitment to plans. Why? Decisions made without real debate. Why? People don't trust each other enough to disagree. Start with trust, everything else follows.
How to Apply
Build from bottom: Trust: Share personal histories, admit weaknesses. Conflict: Mine for conflict, real-time permission. Commitment: Disagree and commit, clear decisions. Accountability: Peer pressure, published goals. Results: Team scoreboard, collective rewards. Can't skip levels.