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Unite the Tribes: Ending Turf Wars for Career and Business Success

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After reading some of the reviews, I was pleased to see that many readers were also finding great value and answers to common problems in this book. However, I was dumbfounded that one reviewer stated that in her company someone would be fired for following the advice of this book. To be blunt, that's just plain scary as the advice in this book centers on the approach of bringing people together in order to set and accomplish company-wide goals. In fact, the entire premise of the book is that if you stop thinking of only yourself and think of ways to help everyone reach their goals, everyone ultimately wins out in the end - both the company and each individual.

I personally believe that the main reason for such a sharp decline in customer service over the past few decades can be attributed to one element - employee apathy. I also believe that this apathy - which leads to poor job performance, which ultimately results in an inferior product - is caused by corporate environments where people feel under-appreciated, overworked and that everyone is simply out to satisfy their own personal agendas - at the expense of the company's well-being.

This is specifically the problem that this book addresses - as the title "Unit the Tribes" suggests - bringing people together in the name of a common goal where in the end everyone wins. While this book doesn't pretend to have all the answers, I was very impressed with the stories and advice related from someone who's obviously been in a myriad different fields for over 30+ years. Give me this type of person's advice over a "consultant" who's all about theory with no real experience to back it up. My advice is that if you're looking to become a more productive and happy employee, buy this book today. Even better, if you're a manager, then you owe it to your team to purchase a copy for each member of the team and make it required reading.

Do you work at a company where most of the energy is spent fighting each other instead of the competition? Unite The Tribes is an extremely good book that outlines a program for learning how to focus the company to conquer the real enemy, your competitor who would rather you didn't exist. This should be required reading in most all large corporations.

Mr. Duncan hits the nail on the head over and over again with his pillars! Anyone working at any level of corporate America can benefit from this book.
I`m a department manager for an international distribution company and I see, everyday, the unneccesary struggle not only between departments, but within departments as well. Mr. Duncan`s suggestions help alleviate those struggles and help reiterate why we get up every morning and pursue the careers we`ve chosen.
All companies serve a customer of some sort and the further removed you are from the customer, the more difficult it is to see exactly how much of an impact each and every person has on whether or not your customer chooses to do business with you or your competition. This book brings that hieracrchy into focus for everyone on the ladder no matter where you happen to fall. Thank you Mr. Duncan for your honest approach and useable information for us folks in the real world!

Duncan has dropped the political correctness and gone straight for the real deal on corporate and interpersonal dynamics. He hits the nail on the head of human nature and shows you how to motivate your people and eliminate any divisiveness within your ranks.

Having specialized in building and managing elite corporate technical teams for years, I found his observations and advice to be spot on. He makes the ideas and core concepts of "Uniting The Tribes" not only accessible but also digestable so that you have something meaningful to apply to your world straight away when you put the book down. It doesn't matter if you are in management or a single performing role, the information has value and if properly applied will yield results. It's all in the Pillars. Well done Christopher.

Duncan's a colorful writer who sometimes gets a bit carried away with the metaphors. But that is part of the charm of this book. And it's what makes it work for the reader. Rather than give you a list of steps and then follow those with explanations that require mental gymnastics, Duncan paints you a picture. That picture is within the framework of ancient tribal warriors. This framework appeals more to men than to women--but for either audience, it makes you think.

This book is organized into three main parts: The Lay of the Land, The Pillars of the Empire, and Making It Work.

The Lay of the Land is basically an overview of where we are and why we're here. Duncan describes the basic problem every business faces, and where the real solution to that problem lies. He compares a business to an empire, and then bases the rest of the book on that metaphor.

The Pillars of the Empire consists of ten "pillars," which are the competencies upon which a business (or empire) will succeed or fail. Each pillar consists of ten stones. So in this book, the stones are subchapters. First, Duncan briefly discusses the pillar, then he "takes it apart" stone by stone to show you the elements that make that pillar strong. You end up with 100 concepts for business and personal success.

As Duncan goes through each concept, he provides a mix of anecdotes, metaphors, practical suggestions, and probing questions. He goes to great lengths to engage the reader, rather than merely to fill the page.

Making It Work is basically the conclusion of the book. Duncan reviews the core ideas, and then prescribes methods for putting them into practice.

If you're tired of bickering as usual, negative office politics, morale problems, and other issues related to infighting, this book offers fresh insights. If you want to thrive in the empire, this book can definitely help you. But approach some of the ideas with caution, or the empire will strike back.

A a rah-rah feel-good tome offers hope by making you feel good--this isn't one of those. And a "here's how I did it" book is interesting, but what worked for the author won't work for you--this isn't one of those, either. We've all read books that give false hope or describe cures from a perspective that won't work for us--this isn't one of those, either. Most of us have attended seminars where we're all charged up until we think about what the speaker really said (if anything). And we've all been asked to paint by numbers on a canvas that isn't our own.

This is where Duncan stands out from the crowd of management-relate books. This isn't feel good or "do these six simple steps." It's about reprogramming your viewpoint so you can function in reality.

I think this book makes a solid addition to anyone's management library. It doesn't have all the answers, and you may disagree with some of the answers it does provide. But if you thoughtfully apply Duncan's ten pillars, you will come up with the answers that work for you.

This book is a great personal tactical manual for career success and job satisfaction reminiscent of a sort of "Art of War" or "Book of Five Rings" for people in the modern corporate world. I think that no matter what problems you're having at work or how much you hate (or like) your job, this book has solutions to the job situations you're facing. Christopher Duncan presents a clear analysis of typical work situations and problems encountered on the job and then enumerates effective tactics to deal with these problems and create a work environment that is productive and satisfying. His strategy involves using effective personal tactics and strategy to facilitate an effective work environment, deal with coworkers and bosses, and to motivate people.

However, his approach is not the usual "personal success at the expense of others" approach; instead, it also has the goal of getting people to work together (unite) effectively for common success. It provides strategies to motivate and redirect the activities of coworkers (even the "problem" ones), to get the team, department, or company working together effectively, and to replace internal competition between groups (tribes) with competition against other companies in the marketplace. To this end his book is also an effective field manual for leadership that allows anyone to analyze their job situation and develop effective plans and tactics to transform their career into a path of personal success and job satisfaction.

In part I like this book because I have already used some of the same tactics enumerated by Duncan effectively in my own career and I know they work. However, this book has really made me take a look at my work situation and approach it in a whole new frame of mind. I've had a range of employment experiences, having worked for corporations, non-profits and for government bureaucracies. I'm always looking for effective strategies to deal with the people I work with and to manage the job situations I encounter. Duncan has organized a lot of very practical strategies and tactics into a sort of job combat manual, which I like, but he's gone beyond a mere laundry list of tactics to provide a clear vision of what goes wrong at work and how to fix it to the advantage of yourself and your entire team, department and company.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for job success, but more importantly I want to make sure everyone I work with reads this. This is the kind of book you stick on the desks of your co-workers and your boss so that they will get the message too. I also ordered the companion CD from the website listed in the book and have been playing it in the car on the way to work in the morning. It's a great way to run over a few tactics so that I am prepared for whatever the day throws at me.

When I received my copy of Unite the Tribes, I thought, "OK, here is another philosophical book about corporate business life". As I started to get into the heart of this book, I found this to be true. However, Unite the Tribes, is a much more valuable resource than simple philosophy.

Unite the Tribes is not just another book about corporate life but rather a road map to follow with lots of practical advice. This book is useful for anyone in any job. Duncan knows how to analyze systems.

He has the ability to explain what works and what doesn't. More importantly, he gives the reasons why. Add to that specific suggested strategies, and you have a hand-book for success, in any business or organization, for that matter.

There are many books which analyze business systems.
Unite the Tribes is no exception. Duncan has the ability to explain ideas and concepts in plain English. He is a master teacher who takes time to make sure his students understand. He does not use the latest "buzz words" to make his point.

Rather, he offers clear, concise examples. He wants you to comprehend the business system. He encourages you to look beyond the surface. He wants you to see the impact of your decisions and actions on the entire system.

He describes "The Pillars of the Empire" as being the cornerstone for any organization. His message is clear from the beginning: unite and survive or continue to be divided and be conquered. Heed this advice or you may be out of a job. Valuable lessons for anyone, in any business.

Duncan emphasizes, this book should not be read once and discarded. He emphasizes, Unite the Tribes is a handbook. This book is meant to be read and reread. Your copy should be "dog eared" with sticky notes and comments in the margin.

Duncan has taken his concepts and broken them down into easy manageable bites. There is so much information contained in this volume, you need reminders. He gives you permission to write your own notes.

I recommend Unite the Tribes to anyone in any business or system. I feel this is an incredible resource if you work in corporate America, a non-profit or even small or large business.
Read this book, live this book. You will be a success!

I have to admit at the outset, I was doubtful about what this book could contribute to the entire question of free-market economics. After all, I've heard a lot of this before. What does Mr. Duncan have to contribute to this discussion? Well, let me see.

I firmly believe -- and I think history confirms this -- that the free market and the beneficial relations which ought to exist between the owners, managers, and employees of any company -- no matter how large or small -- work (or ought to work) to enhance the lives of all involved and enable virtually all participants to improve their status regarding the so-called "pursuit of happiness," which is, after all, the intent of the whole capitalistic enterprise. Yes, contrary to those who think capitalism should be destroyed -- is the most evil of economic practices -- and that the future lies in so-called "socialistic" solutions, let me simply say this: "NoWhere, NoHow, Never, has socialism worked," and such an economic design will never work because it is basically contrary to human nature, something which has not changed within our knowledge of human history, in spite of those who have argued otherwise. The free market has done more to improve the lives of ordinary individuals than any other phenomenon in history.

Now, let me address Mr. Duncan's book directly. His book is really a guidebook as to how to deal with people within the free-economic marketplace. His book is an attempt to unite those various categories of employees -- the "tribes" -- who have been, unfortunately, divided by those in "authority" and others who have sought to keep that division intact for their own selfish purposes -- as a political and social agenda. His call is for "tribal members to stand together." There should be no divide between those who are in "charge" and those whom they supervise. There should be no divide between those who manage and those who work for the management, in terms regarding the "ends" or the "purpose" of the company. Sounds pretty reasonable to me. After all, not everyone can be the "boss."

Duncan's message is really rather simple: "Strive for excellence and inspire those around you to reach for greater heights themselves." In my opinion, what more could one ask? And, in fact, this is very Aristotelian, if I may say so -- and Aristotle is the one philosopher in history whom I admire without equivocation and who would have approved of Duncan's prescriptions. Aristotle's views regarding ethics and business policy is being promoted today by such an esteemed philosopher as Dr. Thomas Morris who conducts seminars for many major corporations about this very subject.

The point is, in my view, that so-called "turf-wars" in the marketplace are ridiculous. They not only harm a company, but the employees as well. The old "office politics" syndrome, which I have experienced myself, is counterproductive. For a period of two years, back in the 1980s, I was a corporate executive for a major corporation, the Director of Advertising and Media for the company, and I saw firsthand what infighting amongst the executives at every level could do to destroy a company. We went through three Directors of Marketing during that period, mainly because of one management employee after another destroying a previous one for the sake of self-enhancement. The company, in the end, suffered and so did all the employees, even those below the management level.

I have read the critique by a previous reviewer regarding this book and am, frankly, flabbergasted by her remarks. She says: "The first thing I noticed about this book is the lack of knowlege [sic] the author has of what is right and wrong activity in the workplace." I have to ask: What right and/or wrong? She doesn't say. Silence.

Then she goes on to say: "Most organizations, such as the one I work for, would have to step in and put an end to activities such as those the author suggests in this book." What organization do you work for and, moreover, what activities should be ended? She doesn't say. Silence.

Then she says: "Many of the ideas of what is appropriate behaviour in an organization are questionable. 90% of the activities suggested in this book are repetitive - it's like reading the same thing over and over." OK, but what behavior is questionable? She doesn't elaborate or spell it out. Regarding the repetitive matter, well, sometimes a reader doesn't get it the first time -- so what? Repeat, I say. Big deal!

Now comes the clincher, as she says: "I would only recommend this book, perhaps, if someone couldn't afford a professional Human Resources or Organizational Management guide." Like you, Dr. Halstead? Let me state my opinion on that. These so-called "human-resourses" people have no more knowledge or information about us common human beings than we have about ourselves. This is not a "science," friends -- and many recent studies within the discipline of psychology itself shows this to be the case at this point.

And finally, she says: "The pillar idea presented in the book is a good concept but, it could be a little too 'warrior' for some people who are looking for a serious guide to help their workplace." A little too 'warrior'? -- what the heck does that mean? I wasn't aware that Mr. Duncan was recommending that weapons were to be taken into the marketplace. Really.

This is, despite the fact that much of it is really commonsense stuff, a book I would put into the hands of my managers and other employees simply to remind them that we are all in this together and we are not really enemies within the economic enterprise. Whatever can be done to bring all the components together to bring prosperity and happiness to all the members of a corporation or company together has my unqualified approval.

As a retired Marine, former director of a school of leadership studies, and as a practicing leadership consultant, I found Christopher Duncan's book to be superb. He sets forth and discusses many of the leadership and teamwork principles I learned, observed, and practiced over 24 years in the Marine Corps and beyond. For that I am grateful. I also see a lot of Sun Tzu's superior wisdom (which is timeless) in Duncan's writing. Hence, anyone who is a maneuver warfare advocate will also enjoy this book.

Duncan is a gifted writer who exudes common sense when it comes to dealing with people-the most important element in any leadership/teamwork equation. His vast experiences as a leader and follower, his obvious love for people, and his willingness to take risks enhance Duncan's credentials in the leadership/teamwork arena.

In his introduction, Duncan provides a powerful essay, "Unite, and be invincible!" ( p. xviii) which clearly set the tone for what is to follow and (for me) brilliantly captures the essence of the book. This essay, alone, is a "keeper!" Following this, Duncan sets the stage by introducing the reader to "The Lay of the Land." As such, he defines the problem, discusses the empire, examines the people, and provides his solutions (strength, action, and a good understanding of sound pillars) for effectively uniting organizations.

Duncan's pillars of the empire are: vision, leadership, organization, mobility, competitiveness, persuasion, strategy, brilliance, morale, and unite. His discussions of each pillar and his recommendations are absolutely on target. For example, when he discusses leadership, Duncan, among other things, recommends building a sense of ownership in the cause, rewarding every single person who contributes to success, swiftly removing those who work against the common good, knowing the work that you lead, being one of your people, leading the charge personally, giving credit to those who did the work, and taking the blame yourself. All of these are very sound principles that are too often overlooked or violated. This being the case, is there any wonder why the morale, productivity, and results of so many organizations (business, military, and otherwise) are so low?

To his credit, Duncan brings the same lucidity and understanding to each of his pillars. Yes, there are some redundancies, but that's okay. Since good leaders and sound teamwork seem to be scarce commodities these days, "telling them what you're going to say, telling them, and telling them what you said" isn't a bad approach!

Christopher Duncan's "Unite the Tribes: Ending Turf Wars for Career and Business Success" should be a welcome addition to the libraries of anyone (business, military, church, volunteer group, etc.) who is interested in sound thoughts regarding leadership and teamwork. The lessons are universally applicable. Mr. Duncan should be applauded for his clarity of insights into the nature of what leaders (at all levels in an organization) should actually do, the importance of treating people properly, and the significance of well organized and properly focused teams. I recommend this book strongly!

Christopher Duncan takes off his developer's hat to explain how to successfully use the politics and rivalries of the modern corporation to your company's advantage, and have fun doing it. Turf wars among departments are de rigueur but Christopher points out that it doesn't have to be this way. He gives practical advice on how to unite your company's groups and succeed beyond your wildest expectations. Your company's enemy is, or should be, the competition and the company that works, fights, and plays together is the one that is going to win.

Thinking way outside the box of traditional business practices, Unite The Tribes outlines a series of short, simple team-building concepts that can be easily applied at any company. From communicating among departments to rewarding innovation to focusing on external threats, Christopher points toward what really matters: uniting your empire's tribes against the competition. Simply put, the corporation that wins and thrives is generally a better place to work than the one that doesn't. If you don't defeat your competition, they will defeat you, destroy your job, and make it difficult to feed your family. With frankness, humor, and brevity Christopher shows you how to defeat the empires that threaten yours no matter where you are in your company's organization structure.

Buy this book, read it once a month, and get a copy for everyone who works with you.