The Ideal Team Player

"Written as a fable. "

"This book has been sitting by my bedside for almost two years and on my must read list. So when I finally sat down over the Easter Weekend and read this book - followed by Lencioni’s follow-up book (written 14 years later I believe) I was blown away!<br/><br/>I strongly recommend that you read “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable“ and the follow-up book “The Ideal Team Player: How to Recognize and Cultivate The Three Essential Virtues” one after the other.<br/><br/>Patrick Lencioni’s fables are fabulously crafted and help to bring the reader directly into the mindset of two leaders facing conundrums - how do I turn a company’s culture around to recognize the power of effective teams. <br/><br/>The fables are easily to visualize within your imagination., and you will likely find many of Patrick’s characters familiar from your own career!<br/><br/>Patrick’s first book highlights why teams often fail - and then shows how through strong but loving leadership Kathryn, the CEO starts to move her executive team into one powerful unit. All team members are absolutely focused on a common goal; with no time for “look at me - I am more important” or “my project is more important than your project” egos; and where team members hold each other accountable for meeting their stated responsibilities, function and outcomes.<br/><br/>The second book’s fable follows Jeff, a character from the first book, as he finds himself suddenly thrust into the CEO’s role - and with his HR and Operations manager through trial and error (and some excellent background research) discover the three key traits that each team member MUST have.<br/><br/>Both books show the important impact that each person must play in effecting the change necessary to turn their part of a company or organization into a team-based group.<br/><br/>Leaders must show the same three traits as their team members; and walk the talk through: encouraging the growth of each of the three traits in their direct reports; hiring individual who show the three traits; and making it extremely uncomfortable for individuals on the team who aren’t prepared to change their weaknesses.<br/><br/>I hope that you read these two books together and that you find them as fun and informative as I did.<br/><br/>Best wishes to all of you who want to help lead your teams effectively or work in an organization where these traits are embraced!<br/><br/>"

"Great book"