---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The next dysfunction of a team is the…"
description: "\"“The next dysfunction of a team is the lack of commitment and the failure to buy in to decisions.” She wrote the dysfunction above the previous one. “A..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3f7/jossey-bass-51677_failure_the-next-dysfunction-of-a-team-is-the-la_1649722.jpg"
---

#  The next dysfunction of a team is the lack of commitment…

![“The next dysfunction of a team is the lack of commitment and the failure to buy in to decisions.” She wrote the dysfunction above the previous one. “And the evidence of this one is ambiguity, ” which she wrote next to it. Nick was reengaging now.” quote by Jossey-Bass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3f7/jossey-bass-51677_failure_the-next-dysfunction-of-a-team-is-the-la_1649722.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3f7/jossey-bass-51677_failure_the-next-dysfunction-of-a-team-is-the-la_1649722.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3f7/jossey-bass-51677_failure_the-next-dysfunction-of-a-team-is-the-la_1649722.jpg)

> ““The next dysfunction of a team is the lack of commitment and the failure to buy in to decisions.” She wrote the dysfunction above the previous one. “And the evidence of this one is ambiguity, ” which she wrote next to it. Nick was reengaging now.””

[Jossey-Bass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jossey-bass/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A team fails when members aren’t fully committed and remain ambiguous about decisions, undermining collective action.

**In simple terms:** Lack of commitment creates ambiguity and weakens teamwork.

Key Takeaway

Ensure clear buy‑in and shared commitment.

Themes

teamwork commitment clarity leadership

Mood

determined reflective

Type

leadership motivational

When to use this quote

- project planning
- team meetings
- strategic retreats

Key Concepts

psychological safety decision ownership

Questions to Reflect On

- How can leaders foster genuine buy‑in?
- What rituals reduce ambiguity?

A Different Perspective

Commitment can be hard to achieve without transparent communication.

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[Dysfunction](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dysfunction/) [Failure](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/failure/) [Football](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/football/) [Lack of commitment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lack-of-commitment/)

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[Jamie McGuire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jamie-mcguire/)

## More by Jossey-Bass

> [“Well, some teams get paralyzed by their need for complete agreement, and their inability to move beyond debate.” JR spoke up. “Disagree and commit.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jossey-bass/well-some-teams-get-paralyzed-by-their-need-for-complete-agreement/)

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