Planning FAQs |
Strategic Planning and The Five Dysfunctions of a Team
In his popular book, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, Patrick Lencioni identified five characteristics that can be
used to measure the functionality (or quality) of a team. These characteristics often show up in the strategic planning
process. In fact, the planning process often reveals weaknesses in the team and helps the team grow stronger by
addressing those weaknesses head on. Here are the five dysfunctions and how they relate to the planning process.
Absence of Trust - Without trust there is no truth. To improve as an organization, or an individual, we must
be able to recognize and understand our weaknesses. We must be able to gather feedback and hear criticism. If you can't
admit your weaknesses to others, they can't help you improve and grow. The planning process begins with a
fair and honest assessment of where the organization is now. When that assessment is skewed, it is often because of a
lack of trust.
Fear of Conflict - The planning process is designed to create a type of creative conflict. The conflict comes from
sharing insights and perspectives that often differ greatly among the team. The status quo is challenged and people are
encouraged to voice their opinions. An absence of healthy debate on important strategic issues is a sign of a breakdown
within the team and a fear of conflict.
Lack of Commitment - If consensus was required for every decision, nothing would ever get done. Most organizations
are not run like a democracy. Fortunately, you don't have to agree with a decision in order to support it. Once a team makes
a decision, everyone on that team should commit 100% to implementing the decision regardless of their position before the decision
was made. It is not easy to go back to your department and tell your people you are completely committed to a decision you
didn't originally support. However, it is impossible to provide that commitment if you were not given an opportunity to fully voice
your position before the decison was made.
Avoidance of Accountability - A strong team will always hold its members accountable. The planning process will always
include a clear set of expectations that include: 1) What will be done 2) Who will do it and 3) When will it be done.
Without this clarity, peer-to-peer accountability will never gain traction.
Inattention to Results - A focus on results is the key to success with any organization. Some results are well defined
and easily measured. Others are more fuzzy and harder to pin down. A good planning process forces an organization to define
the results it desires. Sometimes defining success is the most important part of the entire process.
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Poll Question |
The poll question last quarter asked: How do you expect the Republicans to do in November?
Here is the result:
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60% | Win Both the House and Senate |
25% | Win the House Only |
10% | Win the Senate Only |
5% | Win Neither |
0% | Don't Know |
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Our poll question this quarter is: How do you think the economy in 2011 will compare to 2010?
Much Better
Somewhat Better
About the Same
Somewhat Worse
Much Worse
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We will report the results in the next issue. Click here to participate in our poll.
You may return to the Poll Page to monitor the results as often as you like.
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Free Board Assessment Tool |
I have been involved in the nonprofit community for several years as a consultant, a volunteer and board member.
Regardless of the type of nonprofit, success often comes down to a strong and competent Executive Director and a Board of
Directors that are knowledgeable and engaged in the mission and vision of the organization. Board development is almost always
a good investment.
A good place to start is a self-assessment of the board. This gives the board a chance to assess themselves which
will also reveal their expectations about their role. I have created an online board assessment tool on our website that I am
making available to any interested nonprofit at no cost. You may review the survey at the link below. Once completed by
the board, the results are summarized in a series of graphs also available online. Your confidentiality is protected
by an access code.
http://vantageassociates.com/BODEval/SvyForm.asp
If you would like to use the assessment tool, simply send me an email and I will add your organization to the list.
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