Patrick Lencioni wrote one of the most well-known books on team building and functioning and called it The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. Now, how Eden Lost is that title?! But the truth is, dysfunction has become more natural for us than functioning. Sigh. Please pass the brownies.
He builds a pyramid from the most crucial, the system CANNOT work if you don’t have this, up to the cherry on the top of functioning. And it will come as no surprise to you, dear reader, that “Absence of trust” is the number one dysfunction of teams. He nicknames this one invulnerability.
If there isn’t trust, there cannot be healthy functioning. It’s that simple, that complex, and that maddening.
Here are the verbs Lencioni uses to describe when lack of trust is present: Conceal, hesitate, fail to recognize, and dread.
Yup, that about covers it.
He also mentions that members of trusting teams
- Admit weaknesses and mistakes
- Ask for help
- Appreciate and tap into one another’s skills and experiences
- Offer and accept apologies without hesitation
- Look forward to meetings and other opportunities to work as a group
So, trust isn’t about having it all together and never making mistakes. Mistakes can be made without it being sin. I think Eden still had mistakes – but when they were surrounded by trust the mistakes didn’t result in sin.
In Eden we can trust people with pieces of information, news that isn’t to be spread, a secret, or a piece of your story. Isn’t that a breath of fresh air?
If you are in a position now where you are wise to mistrust someone, I get it, I really do. Mistrust may be part of our temporary state, but we were made for better waters and someday we’ll swim in them!
All the posts in the series will be added to this page each day of October. If you would like to receive these reminders in your email inbox, subscribe now. I am enjoying the journey together. Amy
Reminders: Love, satisfaction, extravagance, freedom, belonging, recreation, truth, trust
I don’t think any relationship can flourish without trust.
Stephen R. M. Covey said about trust in his book The Speed of Trust “There is one thing that is common to every individual, relationship, team, family, organization, nation, economy, and civilization throughout the world-one which, if removed, will destroy the most powerful government, the most successful business, the most thriving economy, the most influential leadership, the greatest friendship, the strongest character, the deepest love.”
I have read that book The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. I think the things about teams translate into families and individuals as well.
Mark, I’ve read some of Covey’s books … but I haven’t read that one and you know how I like a good book suggestion. Thanks! And I agree, that trust is necessary in any relationship :)
Yup. This one is tough. Trust is a risk. But if you choose not to take it you choose not to really live. So looking forward to that swim!
aye aye on that book. My boss likes it, but he’s better at giving than accepting ‘feedback.’ A friend once said when you’re vulnerable, you make allies not enemies. True. But sometimes you get wiped out too.