2003-01-05 Not a "happy-talk team book" and all the better for it.

The book centres around their concept of 'team intelligence', which is knowing how to work together to survive and succeed. 'Teams' is actually too narrow a scope for this book, you can apply the ideas to workplace collaboration generally. If we can coach people to work together better, improve understanding, communications and problem solving skills, we'll have more productive organisations.

Robbins and Finley use four behavioural profiles developed by a psychologist called David Merril to explain individual behaviour within teams (these are Analytical, Driver, Amiable and Expressive). I much prefer Belbin's team roles - the wider classification provides more scope, and is more widely known and understood. However, Merril's four profiles suffice, and if you prefer other definitions the book won't be any less valuable.

They stick to conventional wisdom in their explanation of team evolution, using Tuckman's model (Forming, Storming, Norming and Performing). This is a thorough introduction for anyone who isn't familiar with Tuckman's work, and provides some good new ideas on how to manage teams through the process for people who are.

I found the most enlightening section of the book to be the dispelling of team Myths that Robbins and Finley do convincingly. These include the myth of outdoor teambuilding events; the myth that sports teams and work teams are similar; and the myths of team leadership.

If you are an HR practitioner who has to deal with numerous requests from line managers for "team building events" - and they specifically want something sporty or outdoors - read these chapters and reconsider if that is the best use of your budget....

At the beginning of the book the authors warn the reader that this isn't going to be a "happy-talk team book" and it isn't (which is good). They get right to the heart of why teams fail to live up to expectations, and they tell you what you need to do to fix them.

If you were enchanted by the promise of teams and have been disillusioned by the reality, this book will probably restore your faith.