5 Dysfunctions of a Team

Team Assessment Statements

Rate each statement: 3 = Usually, 2 = Sometimes, 1 = Rarely.

  1. Team members are passionate and unguarded in their discussion of issues.
  2. Team members call out one another's deficiencies or unproductive behaviors.
  3. Team members know what their peers are working on and how they contribute to the collective good of the team.
  4. Team members quickly and genuinely apologize when they say or do something inappropriate or damaging.
  5. Team members willingly make sacrifices for the good of the team.
  6. Team members openly admit their weaknesses and mistakes.
  7. Team meetings are compelling and not boring.
  8. Team members leave meetings confident peers are committed to agreed decisions.
  9. Morale is significantly affected by failure to achieve team goals.
  10. During team meetings, the most important and difficult issues are put on the table to be resolved.
  11. Team members are deeply concerned about the prospect of letting down their peers.
  12. Team members know about one another's personal lives and are comfortable discussing them.
  13. Team members end discussions with clear and specific resolutions and calls to action.
  14. Team members challenge one another about their plans and approaches.
  15. Team members are slow to seek credit for their own contributions, but quick to point out others'.

Scoring Guide

DysfunctionStatements
Absence of Trust4, 6, 12
Fear of Conflict1, 7, 10
Lack of Commitment3, 8, 13
Avoidance of Accountability2, 11, 14
Inattention to Results5, 9, 15

8-9: probably not a problem. 6-7: could be a problem. 3-5: likely needs urgent attention.

Dysfunction Overview

Absence of Trust: reluctance to be vulnerable and admit mistakes.

Fear of Conflict: avoiding open, unfiltered debate on key issues.

Lack of Commitment: ambiguity and weak buy-in after decisions.

Avoidance of Accountability: hesitation to call out counterproductive behavior.

Inattention to Results: prioritizing ego or personal goals over team outcomes.

Download Example Scoring Sheet (XLSX)