This is a self-help book which stresses on the importance of teamwork since it constitutes the pillar of success of human beings. While a number of books can be found focusing on the theoretical aspects of teamwork, very few can be seen which give importance to the ground realities. Here the book points out that while leading small or large teams at various levels, leaders encounter problems in day-to-day and movement-to-movement dealings calling for on-site solutions to tide over the crises. These turn out to be more often that not quick-fix solutions which do not take into consideration long-term implications of the behavioural patterns of individuals who constitute the teams.
To illustrate his observations, the author makes use of real-life experiences based on primary data gathered through his own practical experience acquired when taking teams out on expeditions?expeditions because the author takes teams for rock climbing. He also shows that with the fiercely competitive work culture in the corporate sector where ?one encounters zero tolerance for imperfections?, knitting and sustaining teams are the only viable solutions in the milieu of the corporate war-game. The author says, ?Out in the world, Darwinism is being re-invented and the new mantra to survive is no longer survival of the fittest, but survival of the fittest team.?
The book begins by explaining the point that days of individual brilliance are pass?. The 17th-18th century was witness to periods of ?individual forays? in a wide variety of areas like scientific research, space exploration, medicine, sea and land expeditions, etc. with discoveries and inventions taking place in abundance. ?All individual discoveries had one thing in common?the synergy to reach new heights to explore Nature anew,? admits the author. The book explains how names of organisations, institutes and corporate houses have reached astounding heights with individual excellence giving way to teamwork.
A team is effective because it acts as a force multiplier and is able to achieve exponentially more than the sum total of its individual members.
In short, this book provides a peep into the respective roles each person plays in any group activity in which he/she participates, understanding each other'srole and introspecting on each person'scontribution to the overall team effort. It suggests ways and means of constituting an ideal team by collecting a set of people and assigning them a particular task and transforming them into a role-oriented task force. By providing an ideal team environment, how the team is nurtured. It suggests three very valuable pieces of advice and these include?learning by experience, learning through education and learning through practical training. This simple and lucidly written book provides the mantra needed to inculcate team spirit, create successful teams and nurture them for better output. The author is an army officer engaged in practicing team motivation concepts and analysing team behaviour and its various facets.
(Wisdom Tree, 4779/23 Ansari Road, Darya Ganj, New Delhi-110 002.)
Comments