By: Gaby Fisch, MBA, ACC
What Defines a Cohesive Team?
In the workplace, the term “team” is often used interchangeably with “group,” but there is an important distinction between the two. For instance, a manager may oversee five marketing specialists, each working on different projects and serving various clients—this constitutes a group, not a team. A true team, by definition, requires interdependence.
An example of a team might be a project team, where individuals from various departments collaborate closely, relying on one another’s expertise to achieve a common goal. In this scenario, team members depend on each other to deliver results, which is what makes it a true team.
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team (Lencioni’s Model)
Creating a cohesive team requires intentional design and effort. When I began my career as a consultant and facilitator, I sought advice from more experienced colleagues about the frameworks they used for team effectiveness. The overwhelming majority referenced Patrick Lencioni’s model, as outlined in his 2002 book The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. Here’s a summary of those five dysfunctions:
- Absence of Trust: Without trust, team members are unable to be vulnerable and open with each other.
- Fear of Conflict: Teams that avoid conflict miss out on healthy debates, which leads to poor decision-making.
- Lack of Commitment: Without clear decisions or alignment, team members fail to fully commit to goals and strategies.
- Avoidance of Accountability: Teams that lack accountability allow poor performance and misalignment to go unchecked.
- Inattention to Results: Teams that prioritize personal goals over collective outcomes fail to achieve desired results.
Having facilitated many workshops using Lencioni’s framework, I know it’s essential for understanding teamwork and the role of leadership. By fostering an environment of trust, constructive conflict, commitment, and accountability, we lay the foundation for exceptional business results. Explore the role of leadership in team effectiveness.
How to Build a Cohesive Team in the Workplace
At Plum Leadership Group, we offer workshops focused on the five behaviors of a cohesive team, based on Lencioni’s framework. These workshops help teams assess their current dynamics and improve the foundational elements of high-performing teams. Here’s a breakdown of those behaviors:
1. Build Trust
Trust is the foundation of any cohesive team. Team members should feel safe to admit mistakes, show weaknesses, and ask for help. Without trust, collaboration becomes stilted and less effective. Creating psychological safety in the workplace is a critical component of team effectiveness. Learn more about improving workplace communication.
2. Engage in Healthy Conflict
Teams must embrace open, honest, and sometimes passionate debates. Healthy conflict ensures that decisions reflect input from all perspectives and prevents artificial harmony or unspoken resentment. Read Harvard Business Review’s take on team collaboration strategies.
3. Commit to Decisions
Once a decision has been made, every team member must commit to it—even if they initially disagreed. Clarity and alignment are essential to move forward confidently. A strong commitment to shared goals ensures that projects stay on track and employees remain engaged.
4. Hold Each Other Accountable
Accountability shouldn’t rest solely on the leader. Team members must hold each other responsible for maintaining high standards and staying focused on shared goals. Building a culture of accountability fosters trust and ensures that high-performance standards are consistently met.
5. Focus on Collective Results
The ultimate goal of a team is to achieve shared results, not individual or departmental success. A cohesive team puts the collective success above personal ambition and ego, aligning all efforts toward a common purpose. Measuring and tracking team performance can help reinforce a results-driven mindset.
Why Cohesive Teams Drive Business Success
Our workshops are highly interactive and tailored to meet the specific needs of intact teams or broader groups. We also utilize diagnostic tools to assess team dynamics and design customized strategies for cultivating high-performing teams. When we put in the hard work to create the right conditions for teamwork, the positive impact extends beyond the team and influences the larger organizational culture.
Ready to transform your team’s performance? Book a Five Behaviors Team Workshop today and start building a more cohesive, high-performing team. Contact us to get started.
