In the ever-changing world of work, the idea of spending some or all of your time working in teams is becoming more and more common. From solving problems, to tackling projects, to providing organizational leadership, the roles and importance of teams continue to grow. Leading a team is no easy job, but when a team gels, they can far outperform traditional work groups.

Managing Teams For Dummies is for anyone who has been asked to take on the role of team leader. This book can help you manage your team, whether youre a senior manager or worker who doesnt have supervisory responsibilities, but has become the point person on a specific project.

Managing Teams For Dummies can help you build and lead high-performing teams. Packed with tips on setting and reaching goals, resolving conflicts, leading teams through change, and providing team members with the skills to work together productively, this book will help you keep any team you mange focused and efficient.Managing Teams For Dummies will also:

Take you beyond the conceptual idea of teams and provide practical advice for developing groups that become winning teamsDescribe the type of leadership needed to guide teams successfully and prepare you for challenges that ariseReveal the three cornerstones model for developing team success and provide how-to strategies to make them happenDiscuss the types of teams that are growing in popularity, namely self-directed teams, project teams, and task teams Teams make it possible to bring together the variety of skills, perspectives, and talents that you need in the contemporary workplace. WithManaging Teams For Dummies you can make sure your team performs to the best of its ability and while trying to achieve its goal.

Marty Brounstein is a consultant and trainer specializing in management, career development, and customer service. He is the author ofCommunicating Effectively For Dummies, among other titles.

Introduction 1

Part I: Getting Into Teams 7

Chapter 1: Recognizing a Business Team When You See One 9

Chapter 2: Creating a Team Culture: Going Beyond the Magic Wand 23

Part II: Leadership for Team Success 37

Chapter 3: Leading Teams as a Coach 39

Chapter 4: Leading Teams Through Change 55

Part III: Strategies for Building Productive Teams 73

Chapter 5: The Focus Cornerstone: Seeing Where the Team Is Going, and How 75

Chapter 6: Everyone Working Together: The Cohesiveness Cornerstone 99

Chapter 7: Taking Responsibility: The Accountability Cornerstone 121

Part IV: Developing Tools for Productive Team Players 139

Chapter 8: Communicating: Listening and Speaking at Your Best 141

Chapter 9: Problem-solving and Planning: Adding Method to the Madness 159

Chapter 10: Resolving Conflicts on the Team 179

Chapter 11: Making Decisions as a Team 197

Chapter 12: Making the M Word (Meetings) Meaningful 215

Part V: Managing Some Tougher Team Matters 239

Chapter 13: Managing Without Supervisors: Self-Directed Teams 241

Chapter 14: Managing Project Teams and Task Teams to Success 263

Chapter 15: Show Us the Money: Incentives and Other Rewards for Teams 281

Part VI: The Part of Tens 299

Chapter 16: Ten Tips for Management Groups to Work as Teams 301

Chapter 17: Ten Tips for Getting a Team Back on Track 307

Chapter 18: Ten Qualities of an Effective Team Player 313

Index 317