Book Review: Subject - Team Dynamics & Team Building

Title: Teams and Team-Working
Author: Phil Baguley
Publisher McGraw-Hill Ryerson Ltd
ISBN: 0-0714-0721-9

"Dolphins do it, humpback whales do it, even lions, orcas and wolves do it, and of course humans try to do it." So say's Author Phil Baguley. Teams and teamwork, like leadership, are words often used, but seldom understood. A lot of organizations continue to jump on the team bandwagon in an attempt to develop a team culture. Why are they moving in that direction? What are the benefits of being more team orientated? The move to a team environment for the most part has been orchestrated because of the right sizing that has taken place over the past 5 years or so.

Companies continue to redefine their work force. Productivity is still the name of the game. The jobs still need to get done. You still need to do those things that got you to where you are and will get you to where you need to go. How do you ensure that you are getting the most bangs for your dollars? The answer; Teams and team working - how to do more with less.

Phil Baguley's book, "Teams and Team-Working" published by McGraw-Hill Ryerson, is an encyclopaedia of the what, why and how of teams and team-working. It's a must have book if you're thinking of creating a team culture in your organization. If you're a team leader or team member trying to get your team un-stuck, you'll find his book invaluable. Henry Ford said it best, "Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success." To quote Phil, "Teams are key to performance and success in the organizations of the 21st. century. They tap into the sorts of creativity and productivity that are essential for survival in a world in which standing still is no longer an option."

Don't let the size of Phil's book fool you. There is a great deal of value packed into its 184 pages. Do you think you are a team player? Check out page 165 and complete the team and team-working questionnaire. The author has put together some top team tips including team basics, the what and where of teams, team building, team problem solving, team communication, team motivation, how to be an effective team leader and most importantly, how to be a great team member. Phil includes a list of some useful web sites and additional books on the subject of teams.

"Working in a real team isn't an easy option. It will take time, hard work, effort and commitment on everyone's part to get it right" says Phil. "The aim of this book is to help you do just that. But in the end, what happens is up to you. You have a choice - a choice that lies between: (1) putting up with the make-believe or false teams that litter the muddy waters of our organizations, or (2) striking out to gain the clear blue sky of a real team. The choice is yours. May good luck attend your choice". Well said indeed.