What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Five Dysfunctions of a Team
Patrick Lencioni · Book · 2006
If you loved The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, start with Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast (Life.Church, 2026) — a podcast on the same thread. Below: 4 films, 4 series and 1 podcast, each matched to The Five Dysfunctions of a Team across media.
What hooked you in The Five Dysfunctions of a Team was the fascinating way complex organizational dynamics and leadership struggles manifest within small groups.
Films on the same thread

Nine to Five
Colin Higgins · Film · 1980
Explores: Female Empowerment, Workplace Rebellion, Underdog Story.
Just as The Five Dysfunctions of a Team dissects toxic corporate culture, this film explores the necessity of collective action when employees face an insufferable and egotistical leadership structure.

The Social Network
David Fincher · Film · 2010
Explores: Ambition, Betrayal, Friendship.
Fans of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team will appreciate how this drama exposes the fractures in teamwork and trust that inevitably arise when ambition collides with professional partnerships.

Monsters, Inc.
Pete Docter · Film · 2001
Explores: Friendship, Overcoming Fear, Found Family.
While The Five Dysfunctions of a Team focuses on corporate strategy, this story highlights the essential nature of collaborative support and reliability that defines a high-functioning, effective team.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Peter Jackson · Film · 2001
Explores: Good vs Evil, The Corruption of Power, The Burden of Responsibility.
This epic mirrors the core message of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by demonstrating that even the most disparate individuals can overcome adversity through unwavering commitment and unity.
Series on the same thread

30 Rock
Tina Fey · Series · 2006
Shares a thread with The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: Corporate Culture.
If you enjoyed the analysis of corporate culture in The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, you will recognize the familiar struggle of managing oversized egos in this chaotic workplace.

The Office
Greg Daniels · Series · 2005
Explores: Office life, Everyday life, Eccentric characters.
This series serves as a humorous case study of the team dynamics and communication breakdowns that Patrick Lencioni explores in The Five Dysfunctions of a Team within a paper company.

Parks and Recreation
Michael Schur · Series · 2009
Explores: Small Town Politics, Government Satire, Optimism vs. Cynicism.
Readers of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team will appreciate how this show portrays the grit required to build a cohesive community despite constant bureaucratic obstacles and conflicting personalities.

Succession
Jesse Armstrong · Series · 2018
Explores: Wealth and Power, Dysfunctional Family, Corporate Intrigue.
This series offers a dark, high-stakes look at the power struggles and lack of cohesion that represent the extreme opposite of the healthy collaboration taught in The Five Dysfunctions of a Team.
Podcasts on the same thread

Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast
Life.Church · Podcast · 2026
Shares a thread with The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: Organizational Development.
Building on the practical leadership lessons found in The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, this podcast delivers actionable coaching to help you improve team dynamics and foster professional growth.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Five Dysfunctions of a Team a fictional story?
Yes, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team is presented as a workplace fable. It follows the story of CEO Kathryn Petersen as she identifies and addresses five specific corruptions that hinder the effectiveness and success of her company's teamwork.
What does The Five Dysfunctions of a Team focus on regarding leadership?
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team focuses on the leadership challenges faced by CEO Kathryn Petersen. The book details how she identifies five corruptions within her organization and implements specific action steps to overcome these obstacles to build a more cohesive and productive team.
Does The Five Dysfunctions of a Team provide practical solutions for managers?
Yes, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team offers practical value by illustrating how the protagonist, Kathryn Petersen, implements actionable steps. By following the fable, readers learn how to identify the five corruptions of teamwork and apply strategies to resolve these issues within their own professional environments.
What is the primary goal of the narrative in The Five Dysfunctions of a Team?
The primary goal of the narrative in The Five Dysfunctions of a Team is to demonstrate how to improve team collaboration. Through the experiences of CEO Kathryn Petersen, the book highlights the five corruptions that prevent teamwork and provides a framework for overcoming them through structured action.