The Five Behaviors
of a Cohesive Team
Based on the bestselling book “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” by Patrick Lencioni, The Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team is a model and development program that guides intact teams through a journey to improve in five areas that are key to productive team dynamics: Trust, Conflict, Commitment, Accountability and Results.
The Key to Productive
Team Dynamics
1: Trust One Another
Members of great teams trust one another on a fundamental, emotional level, and they are comfortable being vulnerable with each other about their weaknesses, mistakes, fears, and behaviors. They get to a point at which they can be completely open with one another, without filters.
2: Engage in Conflict Around Ideas
Members of teams who trust one another are not afraid to engage in conflict around ideas that are key to the organization’s success. They do not hesitate to disagree with, challenge, and question each other, all in the spirit of finding the best answers, discovering the truth, and making great decisions.
3: Commit to Decisions
Teams that engage in conflict around ideas are able to gain commitment to decisions, even when various members of the team initially disagree. That is because they ensure that all opinions and ideas are put on the table and considered, giving confidence to team members that no stone has been left unturned.
4: Hold One Another Accountable
Teams that gain commitment to decisions and standards of performance do not hesitate to hold one another accountable for adhering to those decisions and standards. What’s more, they don’t rely on the team leader as the primary source of accountability.
5: Focus on Achieving Collective Results
Team members who trust one another, engage in conflict around ideas, gain commitment to decisions, and hold one another accountable are more likely to set aside their individual needs and agendas and focus on achieving collective results. They do not give in to the temptations to place their departments, career aspirations, or ego-driven status ahead of the collective results that define team success.
Watch the Video of How It All Began
Here is author of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable discussing how the 5 behaviors of a cohesive team came about.
Cohesive Teams are the Ultimate Competitive Advantage
Teamwork is the ultimate competitive advantage because it is so powerful and so rare. A high-functioning team can achieve its potential, resulting in a healthier, more productive organization. Additionally, improving teamwork is an important endeavor beyond merely helping organizations become more effective. It also reduces stress and dissatisfaction of the people who work in those organizations, which has a profound impact on the lives of their friends and family members as well.
The Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team is the Most Complete Team Assessment Available
The Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team assessment gives team members a sense of their team’s unique strengths and areas of improvement. It’s a tool that evaluates the team’s dynamic across the five fundamental behaviors so members can decide what improvements are necessary for becoming a higher performing team.
The assessment also serves as a powerful measurement for growth. By first taking the assessment at the outset of the development effort, the team will establish a baseline for the current state. Then – after the team learns and practices new skills – taking a re-assessment will provide valuable feedback about where the team is progressing and about where more focus must be placed.
The Five Behaviors of a Cohesive team includes a DiSC behavior-style assessment for each team member, with the results presented on a single graph that plots the personality and behavioral “style” (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Conscientiousness) of everyone on the team. Personality and behavioral style is a key determinant for how people present themselves and interpret the words and actions of others. Gaining a better understanding and greater appreciation of each team member’s style gives the team as a whole the ability to work together more effectively.