This presentation is based on the book by Patrick Lencioni - The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. The principles have been applied to a board.

1. The Dysfunctional Board
LOWENFIELD ALLEYNE
JANUARY 9, 2021

2. The Dysfunctional Board

5. Absence of Trust
Where TRUST is absent Boards that have TRUST
Members conceal their weaknesses/issues/problems
from each other
Admit weaknesses and mistakes
Members are hesitant to reach out for help Ask for help
Members jump to conclusions about the intentions of
others without first attempting to clarify them
Give one another the benefit of the doubt before
arriving at a negative conclusion.
Members are afraid to affirm and tap into each other’s
skills and abilities
Appreciate and tap into one another’s skills and
experiences
Members try unsuccessfully to manage each other’s
behavior
Focus time and energy on important issues, not politics
Members hold grudges Offer and accept apologies without hesitation

6. Bible verses on Trustworthiness
Psalm 5:9 NIV
Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is
filled with malice. Their throat is an open grave; with their
tongues they tell lies.
Psalm 41:9 NIV
Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared
my bread, has turned against me.

9. Fear of Conflict
Where there is a FEAR of CONFLICT Boards without a FEAR of CONFLICT
Boring interactions Have lively, interesting interactions
An environment of politics and personal attacks thrive Extract and exploit the ideas of all team members
Critical conversational topics are avoided Not afraid to have open discussions on critical topics
Opinions and perspectives of others are ignored/not
explored
Solve real problems quickly
Time and energy is wasted on focusing on one’s image Minimize politics
Infrequent admission when one says or does
something inappropriate
Issues are discussed and debated not individuals
Issues are discussed outside of the proper forum and
individuals that disagree, seek allies
The appropriate forum is used to handle discussions on
issues even if there are disagreements

10. Bible verses on Conflict
John 7:24
Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge
correctly.
James 1:19-20 NIV
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone
should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to
become angry, because human anger does not produce
the righteousness that God desires.

13. Lack of Commitment
Where there is a LACK of COMMITMENT Boards with COMMITTED MEMBERS
Lack of confidence and fear of failure Create clarity around direction and priorities
Decisions are visited again and again and again… Move forward without hesitation
Ambiguity exists among members Align the entire team around common objectives
Blame is levied when a direction or strategy fails Change direction without hesitation or guilt
Paralysis in decision making leads to missed
opportunities
Take advantage of opportunities before they disappear
Mistakes are held against persons Develop an ability to learn from mistakes

14. Bible Verses on Commitment
Proverbs 16:3 NIV
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
Acts 2:42 NIV
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the
breaking of bread and to prayer.
Colossians 3:23 NIV
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not
for human masters,

17. Avoidance of Accountability
Where there is an AVOIDANCE of ACCOUNTABILITY Boards with ACCOUNTABILITY
Inconsistent standards of performance Establish respect among team members who are held
to the same high standards
Counterproductive behaviors are constantly displayed Identify potential problems quickly by questioning one
another’s approaches without hesitation
Poor performers get a ‘free ride’ Ensure that poor performers feel pressure to improve
Everyone is afraid to call the other out on performance Share the burden of discipline

18. Bible Verses on Accountability
Romans 14:13
Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another.
Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block
or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.
2 Corinthians 8:13
Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you
are hard pressed, but that there might be equality.

21. Inattention to Results
Where there is INATTENTION to RESULTS Boards focused on RESULTS
Stagnation – Little or no growth Enjoy success and suffer failure collectively
Frustrates/Loses members who are driven by results Retain result-oriented members
Members execute their own strategies independent of
the church
Benefit from individuals who suppress their own
goals/interests for the good of the church
Inflated egos and members crave individual recognition Minimize individualistic behavior

22. Bible Verses on Results
Ecclesiastes 10:10
If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more
strength is needed, but skill will bring success.
1 Samuel 18:14
In everything he did he had great success, because
the LORD was with him.

23. Summary - The Five Dysfunctions of a Board

24. Members of a successful Board