As the Thanksgiving and winter holidays approach (along with the end-of-year business demands for most of us), it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. To help me make my daily business operations more organized and less hectic, I’ve been relying on the principles outlined in the book The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. Author Patrick Lencioni emphasizes the following:

1) Build Vulnerability-Based Trust. Encouraging openness about weaknesses, mistakes, and areas of improvement can create a more supportive and transparent environment. With trust, you’ll find that problems are solved more quickly, individuals are more willing to help each other, and there’s less room for misunderstandings that can lead to chaotic situations.

2) Encourage Healthy Debate. By addressing issues head-on and encouraging healthy conflict, your business can avoid the negative effects of stagnation and miscommunication. You’ll see more decisive action, better problem-solving, and less emotional tension.

3) Commit to Decisions. It’s essential to ensure that everyone has the chance to contribute to decisions and that there is clarity on goals and priorities. Once a decision is made, the team must rally around it with clear expectations. When everyone is on the same page and feels personally committed to the team’s goals, work is executed with more focus and energy.

4) Hold Each Other Accountable. Lencioni advocates for a culture where team members hold each other accountable – not just the leader. When accountability is shared, there is less micromanagement, and tasks get done more efficiently. People are more likely to stay on track and deliver results, which will reduce confusion and the sense of “hecticness.”

5) Focusing on Collective Results. The final dysfunction is about shifting the focus from individual success to collective results. Lencioni suggests that teams should clearly define and measure success as a collective effort and ensure that individual objectives align with the team’s overall goals. This alignment reduces competing priorities and ensures that everyone is working toward the same vision, making the entire operation smoother and less chaotic.

With these principles in place, your team should be able to move forward more confidently and with less stress. Individuals won’t feel overwhelmed by unclear expectations or unresolved tensions. Give this book a read!

PHCC—National Association President Dan Callies is the owner of Oak Creek Plumbing, Inc., a family-owned plumbing and remodeling business that has been serving southeastern Wisconsin for over 50 years.