HBR IdeaCast Dysfunctional Leadership Teams — and How to Fix Them
18 snips
Sep 3, 2024 
In this talk, Thomas Keil, a management professor at the University of Zurich, and Marianna Zangrillo, a partner at The Next Advisors, dive into the hidden struggles of leadership teams. They share insights from over 100 interviews with CEOs, revealing three dysfunction types: shark tanks, petting zoos, and mediocracies. The conversation highlights how these dynamics can undermine performance, and they offer practical strategies to foster trust, encourage accountability, and transform team effectiveness for better organizational success.
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Hidden Dysfunction
- Dysfunction in leadership teams is surprisingly common, often masked by a projected image of success.
- CEOs themselves are sometimes unaware of these dysfunctions, highlighting the need for careful observation.
Spotting Dysfunction
- CEOs should watch for telltale signs of dysfunction, like excessive emotionality or lack of challenge.
- Pay attention to subtle cues both inside and outside of meetings to assess team health.
Schultz and Jobs
- Howard Schultz complained to Steve Jobs about his leadership team, and Jobs advised firing everyone.
- Schultz didn't fire everyone immediately, but within a year, the team had completely changed.