The I in Team: Accelerating Performance of Remote and Co-Located Teams

The old saw that "there is no 'I' in teams" is poppycock. Of COURSE there are individuals on teams; every member is an individual and the idea that he or she should somehow abandon individuality to conform to some construct called a 'team player' does a huge disservice to great teams everywhere. What's one of the secrets of great teams? Diversity! If we all thought alike, there wouldn't be much of a need for teams at all, except to have groups of people doing work together. Gerke's and Berens' book is the first that I know that tackles this issue straight-on, with great insight and highly practical models and approaches. While it's written for remote and co-located teams, I think the appeal will be much broader than that. Every team leader should get this book and get versed in the principles it offers. The stuff is real, it's true, and it works. We can only wonder how much productivity is lost when employees worry that to be a member of a team, they have to sacrifice being themselves. There IS an I in teams, and Gerke and Berens have written a useful guidebook for team leaders, consultants, and coaches everywhere.

"The I in TEAM" by Susan Gerke never loses its focus on real teams. Instead of theoretical models, Susan uses real team situations and sets forward practical steps in forming and maintaining a team... including special sections on stresses within a team, and remote teams. It is refreshing to have someone say that it is essential to maintain one's individuality upon becoming a team member, rather than what is often taught. The chapters on clarifying the reader's personal temperament are invaluable, whether a member of a team or not. I highly recommend this book.

I've personally worked with Susan Gerke on a number of business projects and can't recommend her highly enough. Her insight on interpersonal dynamics within teams is right on target. I highly recommend her books!