Senior Management Professional Development
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team
At the 2008 Senior Management retreat, the team read Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni. This book focuses on the following dysfunctions that any team can be prone to:
- Absences of Trust
- Fear of Conflict
- Lack of Commitment
- Inattention to Results
- Avoidance of Accountability
A trained facilitator led the managers through a discussion of the dysfunctions, and where the team could concentrate on any needed improvement.
After reading this book, the Senior Management Team took the time to identify where the opportunities for improvement were within the group. Team members worked in pairs to facilitate discussion of ways to overcome any “dysfunctions” that it has. Each of the five dysfunctions was explored in depth, as members attempted to determine if the group was subject to the specific dysfunction and worked to provide a way for the team to become stronger.
The Fred Factor
Senior managers read the book, The Fred Factor, by Mark Sanborn. It is the true story of Fred, a mail carrier, who always went the extra mile in providing customer service. A trainer reinforced the lessons learned in the book.
360-Degree Feedback Appraisal
Leadership evaluation involving a full perspective of feedback from peers, subordinates, bosses, and other constituents (i.e., customers and vendors) who are able to observe a leader's behaviors and skills (Wilson, 1997). Approximately 40 employees, supervisors and senior managers have participated in this appraisal process.