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21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A clear start in understanding groups and team building, July 6, 2000
This review is from: One Minute Manager Builds High Performing Teams, The Rev. (One Minute Manager Library) (Hardcover)
The "One Minute Manager Builds High Performing Teams" delivers key concepts and strategies regarding group dynamics and team building in a quick-to-read, clear and concise form. In this respect the book is a cleverly crafted publication. If this was the aim of the authors (and I suspect it was) then it should be awarded 5 points. From my own point of view I'm left feeling that the analysis oversimplifies the processes of group dynamics and team building, and that in applying the analysis and strategies suggested my resulting awareness would leave me asking more questions that this text could answer. Of course in doing this, it would have made a great start! Group dynamics, teamwork and leadership styles are complex interacting areas; but this book, purposely and successfully written as a quick-reader for all team members conveys the current thinking of these best-selling authors in an easily understandable and applicable form. Blanchard et al. mange to reduce the complexities to key points and make them relevant most directly, to business contexts. The conversational style of the book is written with regard to business projects and the key points and informative charts (though drawn from right to left, which seems rather odd for a mainly Western audience) convey the message well for such contexts. The success of the book rests a good deal on its simplification of the subject matter, and omission of relevant concerns. The most notable to me was the exclusion of issues concerning influences of other 'roles' in group situations, aside from group leader. This topic was only briefly touched upon in relation to the stage of 'dissatisfaction' and the negative roles that are often developed. It would have been interesting to acknowledge the effect of various group-member roles at each of the four stages of group dynamics, and consider the position of group leader in relation to these. Another area of further interest again reflects on the mainly Western audience. The issue of how people who have been taught to value individualism, self achievement, and personal self esteem, often to a greater extent than team-work, adapt to the values of working as a key member of a high performing team, is of much interest here. The skills and values developed in individualism are not necessarily the antithesis of those required for team building, as this text indicates; but the utilization and adaptation of such skills is certainly of relevance to building high performance teams. In summary, this book is a great read if you need a quick overview of current thinking regarding the practicalities of teamwork and groups. If you want to understand more about such processes and practices, you'll only be starting here.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A useful resource for team development, January 16, 2005
I was referred to the One Minute Manager series when I asked someone I considered an excellent manager if he could recommend some management resources. The One Minute Manager Builds High Performing Teams was my first introduction to the series. The book is written as a conversation between the One Minute Manager (a nameless, faceless character), a curious manager named Dan, and a human resource manager named Maria who brought up the question of how to manage teams versus individuals. The print is large and there are only a few paragraphs per page, making it quick and easy reading, especially for those who only have time to read a small segment at a time. The dialogues are occasionally dull and a bit pedantic, but the messages come through clearly. And these messages, how to diagnose the development stage a team is currently in and which management style is appropriate for each stage of development, are usual analysis tools for anyone leading a group. The messages from the book can also easily be identified and passed on to group members through a short presentation. A worthwhile book to look at for anyone wanting to improve team motivation, productivity and functioning.
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8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Simple, But Important Steps to Team-Based Success, June 12, 2000
This review is from: One Minute Manager Builds High Performing Teams, The Rev. (One Minute Manager Library) (Hardcover)
All of us know and can do more than any one of us. That's the logic that makes everyone understand the potential of teams. Just watch a championship sports team, and imagine trying to overcome them by yourself. Fat chance! Yet when teams gets started, they often work less well than an individual. What's needed to get from here to there? That's what this book is all about. A common problem is putting a team together, giving them a task, and waiting for the good results. That won't work. People have to have the right skills, knowledge, information, tools, and attitude to perform. That includes experience with working together on teams. For example, if you put a bunch of Internet-oriented people together on a team to play basketball against the Lakers, the results might not be too good for your new team. Bill Jenson's book, Simplicity, is a good resource on this point, as well. This book does a good job of showing you how you can help the green team become the great team. If you want to enjoy more success in your enterprise, this book is essential reading.
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