3 Types of Executive Team Dysfunction

In this HBR On Leadership episode, Thomas Keil and Marianna Zangrillo discuss the three main patterns of dysfunction in leadership teams: excessive competition ("shark tank"), extreme conflict avoidance ("petting zoo"), and complacency/mediocrity. They emphasize the importance of CEOs recognizing these dysfunctions by watching for telltale signs and understanding that these issues are surprisingly common and often hidden. The discussion covers how these dynamics arise, the influence CEOs have, and strategies for CEOs to navigate and improve their teams, including setting clear directions, building trust, changing team composition, and redefining team purpose and responsibilities. The experts also highlight that team members themselves can initiate positive change, emphasizing the need for clarity in vision, alignment of skills and behaviors, and well-defined responsibilities within the team.