Rarely is the term metamorphosis used to describe the evolution of team dynamics in the workplace. In the book Team Being, Gemmill and Schoonmaker re-imagine the power of creative collaboration in the future of work ecosystem by offering a future-forward roadmap for fueling a creative, agile and inclusive approach to organizational transformation. Gemmill and Schoonmaker examine the intricacies of individuals and their unique contribution to a powerful, meaningful and inclusive team experience, reinforcing that premise that differences, inclusion and belonging are critical accelerators to effectively leveraging the collective talent that exists in all organizations.
Currently most organizations, their managers/executives and individuals face uncertainties associated with substantial challenges-- which upset the status quo. This book looks at an ingenious approach employing "creative collaboration" to cope with such challenges. The authors' diverse background enrich the possibilities associated with this approach.
Decades of experience in fostering and studying teamwork and creative collaboration are evident every page of Team Being. Gemmill and Schoonmaker employ real-world examples and an expansive array of illustrations from across disciplines as they compose a compelling case for taking a holistic approach to cultivating this critically important element of effectiveness for organizations of all types in an increasingly diverse and increasingly complex world.
If you have anything to do with forming teams at work or at home, this is an exciting book to read. Why? Since the inception of the United States, individualism has often been the hallmark of success. Yet, as work and life have become more complex, the need for teams has surpassed the need for individualism in nearly all endeavors. Here in this easy to read text is a path forward from the trite saying that there is "no I in TEAM" to effective team building. The authors provide a clear understanding of what needs to happen to move from individualism (singularity) to effective teams (Team Being). This book is foundational for modern living where teams have become essential for successful work and indeed life itself.
Rarely a book comes along that casts a light on that intangible "something" that you know has been missing from every book you've ever read on a subject, and Team Being does just that for the subject of teamwork. Focusing on the real challenges undergirding teams and collaboration, such as chaos, conflict, risk, and abrasion, the authors focus on the surprising way these each benefit the the process of collaboration. Engaging and thought-provoking, this work thoughtfully dissects the mixed human attributes and emotions that lead to individuals engaging successfully in teamwork.
Team Being provides astounding and much-needed insight into two of the most significant issues in our contemporary culture. Across today's hyper-connected economy, leaders bemoan a growing lack of face-to-face engagement and emotional connectedness, while others struggle with growing beyond established experiences and interpretations. The authors expertly draw on decades of experiential research to both identify the underlying dynamics and issues, as well as develop a culture centered on creative collaboration and teamwork, across virtually any organization or group.
This book is filled with the most practical and eye-opening wisdom about human collaboration. It gives insights into the crucial social dynamics that make or break a team or group, so rarely articulated in such a clear way. "Team Being" goes far beyond the textbooks on groups and team performance, bringing in leading-edge insights from psychodynamic literature, neuroscience and physics, all of which enhancing our understanding of consciousness. Every chapter is a gem, shining with practical wisdom and grounded in experience and organizational examples. Team Being is ultimately a guidebook to authentic collaboration, pointing to the alchemy by which tensions, abrasion and human vulnerability play an integral role in enhancing fresh creativity and together meeting the challenges of the world around us.
This is an interesting and different way to look at teams that completely debunks conventional thinking. The authors explore the paradoxes and complexities of team life rather than propose a set of [too] simple how to-s and whys. They recognize the inherent need for individuals to acknowledge their singularity and to focus on team, and to do it at the same time. So instead of the oft used motto "there is no I in team", they suggest an "and" focus; an inside focus on self and an outside focus on collaboration. Simple and brilliant, and as they would say, not so easy to do.
Whether you're new to the workforce and looking for tips, or a seasoned professional striving to improve effectiveness, this book should be in your toolkit. Communication and collaboration are simple in concept, but often difficult in execution. If you're looking to learn and improve through understanding, this book is key. Gemmill and Schoonmaker spent years unlocking the art and science behind effective collaboration. The result is surprising, informative, and will no doubt make you a stronger professional.
