The Challenge - From Silos to Shared Success
Case Study: Building Accountability and Connection Across Frontline Leaders and Within Teams
When this organization reached out, they wanted to provide their frontline leaders with targeted development training - practical tools to handle the common challenges of leading staff day to day.
The organization had some prior exposure to DiSC and Colours behavioural theory, but many of their newer leaders had not. These were working leaders - people juggling supervision and daily operations - so flexibility mattered.
We designed a series of micro-learning sessions (one hour each) delivered over six weeks, blending on-the-job application with reflective learning. Each week focused on small, intentional shifts that could strengthen personal awareness, relationships, and team dynamics without disrupting operations.
The Solution - 5 Dysfunctions of a Team + Practical Tools for Real Change
To meet the need, participants completed the Overcoming the Five Dysfunctions of a Team program with several targeted mini-modules to address specific on site challenges.
This hands-on, discussion-driven experience combined theory and real workplace practice, giving participants time between sessions to apply what they learned and experience results in real time.
The course integrated:
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team - to surface and address patterns like avoidance of accountability and fear of conflict.
Mini-introduction to DiSC workstyle theory - to build awareness of how different styles and motivators shape team interaction and conflict.
The Empowerment Triangle - to shift from a reactive to resourceful approaches, helping leaders act as coaches rather than referees.
Rules of Engagement - to bring clarity and consistency to how the team communicates, collaborates, and sets expectations.
During Rules of Engagement, a key discovery emerged: team members had different interpretations of what timely communication meant. That single insight exposed the root of many frustrations and opened the door to uncovering others.
The Results - Measurable Growth in Confidence, Skills, and Team Awareness
Progress was visible - both in data and in how participants engaged.
After completing the program, leaders described greater ease in addressing issues directly, more willingness to seek input, and a deeper appreciation for accountability as a shared responsibility rather than an individual burden.
Participants reported:
Increased trust and openness.
Stronger self-awareness and intentional communication.
A greater understanding of the importance of alignment and unity.
Participants rated the course as useful or highly useful, and many expressed interest in continued development opportunities or extended workshops.
Beyond the metrics, the greatest shift was in mindset - leaders began to approach challenges as opportunities for clarity and connection rather than sources of tension.
| Skill Area | Pre-Course | Post-Course | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Confidence spotting team issues | 4.0 | 4.4 | +10% |
| Navigating trust/conflict/accountability | 3.6 | 4.4 | +22% |
The Conclusion - Connection Creates Results
This organization’s leaders didn’t just learn about team dynamics - they learned how to lead with understanding, clarity, and accountability.
They left equipped to support one another through honest dialogue, consistent expectations, and a shared commitment to results. Accountability became less about pressure and more about partnership.
If your leaders are working hard but not working together, it’s not a performance issue - it’s a connection issue.
And connection can be built.
Ready to Create a More Cohesive, Accountable Team?
Empower your leaders to overcome the patterns that hold them back.
Enroll your team in the Overcoming the Five Dysfunctions of a Team program and start turning communication breakdowns into breakthroughs.