The Five Dysfunctions Of A Team: A Leadership Fable

In Part 3, the forward momentum that has built following the retreat begins to slow and even reverse. In the course of a meeting to discuss the potential acquisition of another company, Nick, the COO, erupts in an angry tirade that reveals that he feels underutilized at DecisionTech. Speaking with him privately after the meeting, Kathryn seeks to redirect his energy toward the bigger picture, refocusing on collective goals.

Throughout the rest of Part 3, tensions continue to escalate while the company struggles to find its way. JR, for example, disagrees with Kathryn’s priorities and resigns. In addition, Kathryn learns that the executive leadership team has leaked information about the off-site meeting to other DecisionTech staff. This breach of confidentiality prompts her to organize a second off-site meeting, this time aiming to address the issue at hand and rebuilding trust.

During this second meeting, when she confronts the team about the leaks, Martin begrudgingly admits to discussing the off-site meeting with his staff out of a sense of duty and loyalty to them. His revelation prompts other members of the team to admit that their own staff members are more important to them than other members of the executive group—admissions that point to a significant gap in alignment and priorities.