The Five Dysfunctions Of A Team: A Leadership Fable

The theme of the power of vulnerability is central throughout the book because in Patrick Lencioni’s view, trust is impossible without vulnerability. Thus, he emphasizes that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a strength, one that can help team members connect on a deeper level. As Lencioni writes, trust “requires team members to make themselves vulnerable to one another, and be confident that their respective vulnerabilities will not be used against them” (196). He dramatizes this position through the exercises and discussions that encourage the team members to share personal stories and experiences, which in turn helps them build trust and create a more cohesive team.

Ironically, one of the most telling examples of vulnerability in the fable is Kathryn Petersen, who, as CEO, is also the most powerful person in the company. During the first off-site meeting, for instance, she is the first to acknowledge that “my weakness is that I'm not the world’s best external spokesperson. […] I'm going to need help with that if we are going to accomplish everything that we hope to” (64). In sharing her insecurities and fears, she builds trust and creates a more open and supportive team culture.