University Libraries Promotion and Tenure Recognition

We in Cooperative Extension have continued to focus on team-based approaches to providing top quality applied research and public education. As an informal leader, then a formal leader, and now an administrator, it has not been easy to make the changes that need to be made in order to have individuals truly function as a team. In "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team," Lencioni makes a compelling case for a very practical approach to team building. In short, the dysfunctions circle on trust, productive conflict, commitment to the team and its goals, accountability, and a focus on results (as defined by the team). The model is simple, yet powerful. For me, it affects my approach to supervising team members, how meetings are run, ongoing communication, and a host of other issues. Not since "Good to Great" has a book made a fundamental change in how I operate. It doesn't hurt that it's a really easy read!