5 Dysfunctions of a Team
Team Assessment Statements
Rate each statement: 3 = Usually, 2 = Sometimes, 1 = Rarely.
- Team members are passionate and unguarded in their discussion of issues.
- Team members call out one another's deficiencies or unproductive behaviors.
- Team members know what their peers are working on and how they contribute to the collective good of the team.
- Team members quickly and genuinely apologize when they say or do something inappropriate or damaging.
- Team members willingly make sacrifices for the good of the team.
- Team members openly admit their weaknesses and mistakes.
- Team meetings are compelling and not boring.
- Team members leave meetings confident peers are committed to agreed decisions.
- Morale is significantly affected by failure to achieve team goals.
- During team meetings, the most important and difficult issues are put on the table to be resolved.
- Team members are deeply concerned about the prospect of letting down their peers.
- Team members know about one another's personal lives and are comfortable discussing them.
- Team members end discussions with clear and specific resolutions and calls to action.
- Team members challenge one another about their plans and approaches.
- Team members are slow to seek credit for their own contributions, but quick to point out others'.
Scoring Guide
| Dysfunction | Statements |
|---|---|
| Absence of Trust | 4, 6, 12 |
| Fear of Conflict | 1, 7, 10 |
| Lack of Commitment | 3, 8, 13 |
| Avoidance of Accountability | 2, 11, 14 |
| Inattention to Results | 5, 9, 15 |
8-9: probably not a problem. 6-7: could be a problem. 3-5: likely needs urgent attention.
Dysfunction Overview
Absence of Trust: reluctance to be vulnerable and admit mistakes.
Fear of Conflict: avoiding open, unfiltered debate on key issues.
Lack of Commitment: ambiguity and weak buy-in after decisions.
Avoidance of Accountability: hesitation to call out counterproductive behavior.
Inattention to Results: prioritizing ego or personal goals over team outcomes.
