HBR On Leadership
How to Fix Dysfunctional Team Dynamics
May 7, 2025
Amy Edmondson, a Harvard Business School professor and author of The Fearless Organization, joins the discussion on transforming dysfunctional team dynamics. She emphasizes the critical role of psychological safety in fostering effective communication and trust. Topics range from managing difficult personalities to navigating the complexities of feedback and recognition in the workplace. Edmondson provides practical strategies for enhancing collaboration, promoting accountability, and ultimately improving team performance, making it a must-listen for any leader.
31:11
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Quick takeaways
- Maintaining open communication and transparency is essential for preventing team frustration and enhancing collaboration during leadership transitions.
- Recognition of team members' efforts is vital for motivation and performance, especially in hierarchical structures where acknowledgement is often overlooked.
Deep dives
Team Communication Breakdown
A transition to a less transparent communication style within teams can lead to frustration and disengagement among team members. In one case, a junior associate expressed concern about being excluded from decision-making processes after a shift in team dynamics. This situation highlights the importance of leaders maintaining open lines of communication and recognizing the need for transparency to foster collaboration. Encouraging team members to ask questions and express their concerns can help address misunderstandings and reintegrate them into the communication loop.
