This work straddles the fence between a short novel and a book on business. It covers a helpful topic of five common dysfunctions of a team. Through reading it, I helped identify pits that teams I have participated in have fallen prey to.
The story itself is relatively easygoing, if a bit short and superficial. A new CEO faces the scenario where her new form has more cash and more talented leaders, but is underperforming. Her answer, as indicated by the books title, is to address teamwork.
The company’s leadership gets shaken up, but (as it seems always in the novels of this genre) success is finally borne out by applying the right management principles. And everyone becomes more productive and happier in the end.
While this sort of novel is not particularly known for its depth, the format of fiction engages the reader in helpful discourse about the applicable principles of management. It’s a lot more fun, inspiring, and thought-provoking than just reading a dry theoretical treatment. (For those who like such treatments, look to the end of the book, which contains a section on theory.) A fan of this genre, I find that these types of works encourage me to see the interpersonal issues better than mere theory.
Lencioni’s book teaches common theories of leadership in a short and engaging way. It only took me about three-and-one-half hours to listen to the entire book. It’s a lot more edifying than listening to the top forty pop songs… again. Maybe I’ll be able to lead myself and my co-workers better in the long run.
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable
by Patrick Lencioni
Copyright (c) 2002
ISBN13 9780787960759
Audiobook
Genre: Business/Management, Fiction
www.amazon.com