Citation
Nolan, S. (2013), "Recommended reading", Strategic HR Review, Vol. 12 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/SHR.37212faa.012
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Recommended reading
Article Type: Resources From: Strategic HR Review, Volume 12, Issue 4
The Team Formula: A Leadership Tale of a Team Who Found Their Way
Mandy Flint and Elisabet Vinberg Hearn
MX Publishing
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-7809-2347-5
ePub ISBN: 978-1-7809-2348-2
PDF ISBN: 978-1-7809-2349-9
This is a leadership tale – a book told in story format that features a newly created team during a post-acquisition merger period. The lead character is a team leader called Stephen, and he is responsible for getting everyone in the team working together. The team is faced with fear and suspicion, as rumors of an acquisition are rife, followed by conflict and bad feeling when the deal goes through with some casualties. However, in the midst of the negativity, some hope and excitement prevails. The tale follows Stephen and his team as they address the challenges and overcome the obstacles of working within the new team dynamic, and Stephen explores and adapts his own leadership style.
It is written in an entertaining format and includes discussion questions at the end to help readers reflect on what they have read and how it relates to their own situation and learning. There is also a summary of key learning points based around the key issues faced, and behaviors displayed, by Stephen and his team – team leadership, communication and meetings, team time, journaling (which Stephen uses throughout the book to record his thoughts and feelings), conflicts and problems, trust and leadership.
It is an easy-to-read book that puts forward ways of dealing with conflict and developing leadership during times of change. Its style – particularly the use of Stephens journal – conveys the human/emotional side of change and how peoples apparently hostile reactions may be a reflection of feelings of insecurity and fear. It would be a useful read for anyone facing a major change, in particular, a merger – both team members and leaders alike.
Sara Nolan
Editor, Strategic HR Review