On great teams - the kind where people trust each other, engage in open conflict, and then commit to decisions - team members have the courage and confidence to confront one another when they see something that isn't serving the team.

In this quote, Patrick Lencioni, a renowned business consultant and author, outlines the key characteristics of great teams. He emphasizes that the foundation of effective teamwork is built on trust among team members. Lencioni points out that in the best teams, members are able to engage in open conflict, meaning they are willing to have honest, sometimes uncomfortable discussions, without fear of damaging relationships. After these discussions, they are able to commit to decisions and align on a unified path forward. This dynamic creates an environment where individuals feel empowered to act in the best interest of the team.

The quote also highlights the importance of courage and confidence in great teams. Lencioni suggests that when team members trust each other, they develop the courage to confront one another when necessary, addressing issues directly rather than letting them fester. This ability to confront challenges head-on is essential for maintaining the health and effectiveness of the team, as it prevents unresolved issues from hindering progress. Confrontation, when done respectfully, fosters a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

The origin of this quote comes from Lencioni’s work on team dynamics and organizational health. His book The Five Dysfunctions of a Team outlines the challenges that teams face and provides a framework for creating a cohesive, high-performing team. Lencioni’s approach centers around the idea that trust and open communication are essential to overcoming the common dysfunctions that plague teams, such as lack of commitment or avoidance of conflict.

Ultimately, Lencioni’s message is that the best teams are not free from conflict, but rather, they embrace conflict as a natural part of decision-making. By cultivating an environment of trust and encouraging open dialogue, team members are more likely to confront issues and make decisions that truly serve the team's goals. This process of engagement, confrontation, and commitment is the key to building teams that are both effective and resilient.