Recommended Books on Teams and Teamwork
The Wisdom of Teams

Katzenbach, Jon R. & Smith, Douglas K. 1999. New York: HarperBusiness.

Highly Recommended.This is the best secular book we know of on teamwork. It is based on the authors' extensive study of many different types of teams. It is filled with case studies of successful teams, and describes the discipline of teamwork excellently. - available from Amazon Books or Alibris

 

Teamwork

Jones, Gordon, and Rosemary Jones. 1995. London: Scripture Union.

Highly Recommended. This is the single best book from a Christian perspective and the best book overall. Easy to read and packed with helpful insights. BUT it's out of print and difficult to find. You may be able to get it from the authors. We can't find it in the second-hand internet book sellers.

 

Why teams don't work: What went wrong and how to make it right

Robbins, Harvey, and Michael Finley. 2000. London: Texere

Recommended. This is not a happy-clappy everything-will-be-alright book about teams. It is realistic and makes it clear that teams are not the best option for every situation. The authors do believe, however, that working in teams can be very effective under certain conditions. They describe and explain how to overcome ten major problems in teamwork, such as Bad decision making, Uncertain boundaries, Unresolved roles, Toxic teaming atmosphere, Misplaced goals and confused objectives.

 

Teamwork: What must go right / What can go wrong

Larson, Carl E., and Frank E. Lafasto. 1989. Newbury Park, CA: SAGE Publications.

Recommended. If you want an easy-to-read short book on teamwork from a secular perspective, this is it. The authors' research led them to compile a list of eight characteristics of effective teams. Their description of these characteristics is very helpful- available from Amazon Books or Alibris

 

 

 

 

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TeamBooks

Last modified August 22, 2002 by rh