Teams That Work by Scott Tannenbaum and Eduardo Salas provides a comprehensive look at the drivers of team effectiveness, emphasizing the importance of sustained performance, team resilience, and vitality. The book highlights five team distinctions and seven key drivers that contribute to team success, offering practical tips for leaders, members, and consultants.
Teams That Work by Scott Tannenbaum and Eduardo Salas is a detailed exploration of what makes teams effective over the long term. The authors identify three key components of effective teams: sustained performance, team resilience, and vitality. They argue that not all teams are the same and introduce five team distinctions—reliance, membership stability, task consistency, proximity, and similarity—each placed on a continuum. The book then delves into seven drivers of team effectiveness: capability, communication, cognition, conditions, coordination, cooperation, and coaching. Each driver is explored with practical insights and tips for implementation. The authors emphasize the importance of shared understanding, effective communication, and supportive conditions for team success. Whether you are a team leader, member, or consultant, this book offers valuable insights and actionable advice to enhance team performance.
Quick quotes
Quality communication means sharing useful information clearly, accurately, and on time to the right people.
Cooperation isn’t like a skill or personality trait that you take with you from team to team.
Positive work environments create positive outcomes.