Dysfunction No. 5: Inattention to Results

"When everyone is focused on results and using those to define success, it is difficult for ego to get out of hand. No matter how good an individual on the team might be feeling about his or her situation, if the team loses, everyone loses.

Patrick Lencioni

1. Focus on results

After all, the only indicator of a team’s true success is tangible results.

2. Fail to grow

Stagnation means a lack of interest in what you do. A functional team tries to retain result-oriented members because they can ignite the spark in others.

3. Rarely defeat competitors

Business is business, and falling behind competitors can slowly get you out of the game. Healthy teams understand that, and work on it.

4. Get easily distracted

A deep focus on strategic, meaningful work is a mandatory condition for a team to achieve success.

To get focused on results, Lencioni suggests two main ways:

Public declaration of results. Public proclamations about future success can be dangerous in some scenarios. In sports,for instance, this can cause excessive pressure on players. But when it comes to business, boldly stating the intent to succeed can motivate people to work more passionately. Beware the phrase “We’ll do our best” as it subconsciously prepares you for failure, says Lencioni.

Result-based rewards. Financial rewards should not be the main trigger to work harder; however, they are useful if tied to a specific result.

The Role of the Leader. Lencioni underlines the fact that leaders must permanently emphasize the importance of results, and what’s more, fairly reward and recognize those team members who really deserve it.    

"A fractured team is just like a broken arm or leg; fixing it is always painful, and sometimes you have to rebreak it to make it heal correctly. And the rebreak hurts a lot more than the initial break because you have to do it on purpose."