The Sixth Dysfunction

The same little red book followed me from one job to the next, like the little grey storm cloud over Charlie Brown's head: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. In my old job it was a little disheartening to see the leadership team each toting around their required reading; the little red book seemed like a big red flag that they really didn't get along. The optimist would say that at least they were interested in improvement. Except that they were overheard wondering aloud why this was necessary. I pretended not be in the room (but, if you've read the book, this is an expected part of the team building process.)
In my new job I spied the slim book tucked between two binders on my co-worker's desk. With an inward groan I thought to myself, "Another train wreck team?"
This time I had to read the book myself, and now I've actually found myself as the leader of the development of an action plan.
How did this happen? How was I made captain of my new ship? Well, you see, I was the only one that actually read the book.
Just like grade school again, or junior high again, or college. The English professor asks with veiled impatience for those of us who read the 500 page Salman Rushdie book to raise our hands. The week before when she had asked about a book that was lighter by a few tens of trees I confidently raised my hand, feeling assured when a few of my classmates joined me. This time, I find my lonely hand wavering in the thin atmosphere of the classroom air. My English professor exhales with an angry huff. I lower my hand shyly, hoping that I'll be excused since I did my homework. (No such luck, I have to sit through the harangue about why we are here in the classroom and our own responsibility for learning.)
I suggest that the sixth dysfunction is the team not willing to read the book. There ought to be a chapter on how those of us (all six nationwide) who have read this book can coach our peers through the important points.
My boss reassures me, noting his belief that it's really only 2% of people who lead in any organization. I gloat momentarily, congratulating myself on my natural aptitude for leadership (hurrah!) until I realize that maybe he's just telling me this so that I won't bail out of the ship for which I've just been made captain.
He doesn't have to worry, I'm thinking of initiating a little reading list of my own. The DIY MBA. Might be a wise project to tackle once the infamous Chicago winter hits.