Review: Making a `group' a TEAM
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 09 28, 2013
Michael Nir continues his series of leadership role formation with this book devoted to motivating and empowering the team the leader creates to facilitate the job at hand. Though there are many points of psychological insights made here, some that need some background reading for the true leader (information easy accessed in Nir's other books), as with many of Nir's manuals about leadership development there is considerable emphasis on understanding human behavior to the point of being able to maximize productivity.He wisely includes the Belbin Team model: Action Oriented Roles - Shaper (challenges the team to improve), Implementer (puts ideas into action), Completer Finisher (ensures thorough, timely completion), Coordinator (acts as chairperson): People Oriented Roles - Team Worker (encourages cooperation), Resource Investigator (explores outside opportunities), Plant (presents new ideas and approaches): Thought Oriented Roles - Monitor-Evaluator (analyzes the options) Specialist (provides specialized skills).Without going into detail, the six secrets of the title (so beautifully explained in this book) are Self-disclosure, the Incredible impact of ME, the simple magic of Gestalt concepts (projecting, introjecting, retroflecting), Focusing on the 'here' process, the practicality of Perception, and revealing ideas of the NLP (neurolinguistic programming) and the use of words. While many of these terms and ideas may seem foreign, Nir makes them not only understandable but also usable. And given all the information found here he assures the team will perform better, will help the leader motivate the team better, and help the leader understand how to influence team members to make them work well. Solid information from a solid leader in this field. Grady Harp, September 13