Only 31% of your C-suite see themselves as a team. The others? Think about their own function.

Only 31% of your C-suite see themselves as a team. The others? Think about their own function.

Gartner study, 2024: 200 CXOs were asked: whom do you see as your primary team?

69% say: "My function." Not the leadership team.

The problem:

It is not new! Patrick Lencioni clearly described the five dysfunctions of teams back in 2002. The first two: "Lack of Trust" and "Fear of Conflict". If I do not trust others or avoid conflict, I would rather focus on my own function. That is where I feel at home — like members of a shooting club who enjoy gossiping about the carnival club next door!

The consequences:

Silos instead of synergies. Everyone optimises their own function. Nobody pulls together.

The question is: do you identify with the team you belong to — or with the area of responsibility you lead?

What I see in effective C-level teams:

Three things work differently:

1. A clear expectation: team first

If someone puts their function above the leadership team, it is addressed. Early.

2. Team dynamics are continuously reviewed and reflected on together

Not just at the beginning, but continuously. Does collaboration work? Where does it get stuck?

3. Shared goals, not just functional goals

At the start of the year: two or three goals for which everyone is jointly responsible. Not just each person individually.

Hand on heart:

💬 Whom does your CFO see as "their team"? Finance — or the C-suite? Do you just observe it, or actively address it?

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#Leadership #Management #LeadershipTeam