The Best Advice on How to Avoid Dysfunctional Team Dynamics

Almost every business leader has encountered dysfunctional team dynamics at some point. When your direct reports don’t trust each other, frequently argue, and refuse to cooperate, it’s a nightmare for everyone involved. However, unsuccessful teamwork doesn’t happen in a vacuum. There are ways to solve this problem or avoid it entirely.

The key is to know what makes a high-performing team and create a workplace where those characteristics are valued. Here’s what you need to know. 

Characteristics of Effective and Ineffective Teams

According to Patrick Lencioni, the renowned author of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, five qualities lead to dysfunctional team dynamics: absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results. Any one of these characteristics can lead to drama and interpersonal conflict between team members. 

On top of that, one of these qualities tends to lead to the rest. For example, a lack of trust between team members can lead to fear of conflict, resulting in a lack of commitment to the company and the team. It’s a domino effect that has far-reaching consequences for your team. 

On the other hand, effective teams trust each other to do their jobs and to communicate effectively. They maturely resolve conflicts and are committed to the company’s mission and core values. Teammates take accountability for their work, the wins, and the losses, and care about the results of their efforts. 

Creating High-performance Teams

To avoid dysfunctional team dynamics, you should create an environment where a high-performance team can thrive. For example, if the root of most team problems is a lack of trust between team members, it’s your job as a manager to nurture that trust between your employees. 

First, ensure your team is on board with your core values statement and overall strategic goals. Your colleagues are more willing to work together when they feel that their contributions matter on a big-picture level, and dysfunctional team dynamics thrive when employees feel that their work doesn’t matter. 

Next, err on the side of over-communication. Your team should never feel so unsure of themselves or their job security that they won’t come to you or their coworkers if they make a mistake or have a question. It would help if you fostered an environment where experimentation is welcome, and everyone can be open about their successes and failures. 

Finally, ensure every team member has a chance to be recognized. Teams thrive when every person is treated with respect and is trusted to do their job without micromanaging. Show that you appreciate what each employee brings and be vigilant in rooting out favoritism. Everyone should know that they are valued. 

Creating a high-performance team depends on how you manage and the values you uphold in your workplace. Please fill out my contact form, and let’s discuss how to address the dysfunctional team dynamics in your business.

Coach Dave