While many are familiar with Lencioni's pyramid, at Human Capital Builders (HCB), we delve deeper than the well-known model. The journey towards cultivating a high-performing team may seem straightforward in theory, yet, in reality, it poses substantial challenges. Let's begin by clarifying what we mean by a 'high-performing team': it's a team that exhibits exceptional communication and collaboration skills at the highest echelon, all geared towards the achievement of shared objectives.
Embarking on the path to a high-performing team is not just about adopting a model; it involves a nuanced understanding of the complexities that teams encounter in their pursuit of excellence. At Human Capital Builders, we recognize the multifaceted nature of team dynamics and strive to guide organizations beyond the surface level of conventional models.
As we navigate this journey together, we aim to redefine and elevate the notion of team performance, emphasizing not only the theoretical aspects but also the practical strategies and insights needed to overcome the intricacies of team collaboration. Join us in going beyond the pyramid and exploring the true essence of high-performance teamwork.
The Five Dysfunctions of Teams
Navigating Team Challenges: The Fragility of Trust and the Cost of Avoiding Constructive Conflict.
Trust, the cornerstone of any successful team, is an element that develops gradually but can unravel swiftly. Even teams tightly woven together can find themselves ensnared in an unsettling undertow triggered by an incident, often resulting in a facade of harmony, stifled voices, and the emergence of subgroups.
Consider a closely-knit marketing team known for its open communication. However, as a pivotal project loomed, a team member took on additional responsibilities without sharing the workload. Feeling pressured and hesitant to seek assistance, she feared that admitting her struggles might cast doubt on her competence. Although her colleagues sensed her escalating stress, they refrained from addressing it directly. This façade of harmony masked underlying tension, causing a decline in communication, a lack of proper task distribution, and the emergence of divisions within the team. The once robust bond started to wither due to unspoken grievances.
While avoiding conflict may seem judicious, constructive conflict is indispensable for team growth. It introduces diverse perspectives, fostering better decision-making. In practice, however, conflict often remains a taboo, leading to the loss of valuable information. Employees who withhold their opinions gradually diminish their sense of ownership, creativity, and motivation—a counterproductive outcome.
Consider another scenario at an innovative media company where the development team regularly convened to explore fresh ideas. In one such meeting, a team member hesitated to share a groundbreaking concept for fear of opposition from certain colleagues. As team members increasingly refrained from expressing their thoughts, ownership dwindled, progress stagnated, and innovation suffered. This instance underscores how avoiding constructive conflict can deprive teams of valuable insights, contributions, and hinder both motivation and growth.
In essence, acknowledging and navigating through conflicts can fortify trust, foster creativity, and propel teams towards robust growth. Embracing constructive conflict as an integral part of the team dynamic can ultimately lead to more resilient, innovative, and high-performing teams.
Elevating Team Performance: Moving Beyond the Status Quo
The adage "If you do what you did, you get what you’ve got" holds true, especially for teams whose success may plateau when their achievements no longer align with evolving business objectives. While it is common to celebrate a team's accomplishments, it becomes crucial to assess whether these achievements align with the broader goals of the organization.
Consider a graphic design agency team that consistently met KPIs for client satisfaction and project delivery, positioning themselves at the apex of Lencioni's pyramid. However, when the company sought to reposition itself with a focus on innovation and creativity, the team clung to its existing approach. Despite their past success, the team struggled to generate new ideas that aligned with the updated business goals. By adhering to what had previously brought success, they overlooked the imperative for change and innovation.
This example underscores the importance of teams regularly evaluating whether their objectives align with the dynamic needs of the business to ensure continued growth and adaptability.
Our Approach: In-Depth Team Analysis through Lencioni's Practical Dive
For a comprehensive understanding of your team's dynamics, consider the 'Lencioni on the Floor' approach. Each team member, including the leader, individually delves into the five rows of the pyramid and assigns scores ranging from 1 to 10 for each element.
Trust: How deeply do team members trust each other? Place notes on the pyramid.
Confrontation of Conflicts: How does the team address conflicts? Is there open discussion, and are disagreements effectively resolved?
Commitment to Decision Making: Are team members involved in decision-making? Is there active participation?
Responsibility for Agreements: To what extent do team members hold each other accountable for commitments?
Result-Oriented Attention: Does the team effectively collaborate to achieve common goals?
The real magic happens when all the notes are juxtaposed on the pyramid, creating a visual representation of the team’s strengths and weaknesses—a perfect starting point for an in-depth conversation.
In the debriefing, the team can address:
What requires attention? Are there discernible patterns in the scores? Which areas demand improvement?
What actions can be taken? How can weaknesses be addressed and team dynamics strengthened? Identify concrete steps for improvement.
How to take a +1 step? What can team members do individually and collectively to instigate positive change?
This approach encourages open communication and collaboration, leading not only to a better understanding of team dynamics but also tangible steps towards improvement. 'Lencioni on the Floor' is not a mere snapshot but the initial stride toward continuous growth and development within your team.
Human Capital Builders
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