Teams Books

It is obvious that Dr. Seagal has worked extremely hard to confirm her research since 1979. Her style of writing is clear, concise and void of jargon. I found the content easy to absorb, understand and apply. Just the heightend awarness of how diverse we are has made a significant difference in how I work and related to people. I can see some real possibilities for applying in a business context.

the first time that I have found an approach which looks at humans holistically and systemically. It is not a group of personality characteristics describing superficial behaviours, but a way of understanding and recognising internal processes particular to various human dynamics. It therefore goes much deeper than any other personality assessment technique I have seen and because of this can not be reduced to a paper and pencil test. However, the gift this approach brings is that it can be taught to everyday people and can provide access to better relationships and a greater understanding of how to release our judgement of others. A truly life changing book.

If you have found most personality tests insignificant, unhelpful, or unrevealing, then perhaps this book is for you. Human Dynamics goes into much more depth and provides a greater understanding of human communication and actions than any simple personality test. While people can be placed into certain "dynamics," these dynamics are not nearly as restraining or stereotypical as personality tests tend to be. Rather than explaining one's personality, dynamics explain how groups of people tend to process information, not necessarily how aggressive, passive, or "likeable" they are. This book helped me in terms of personal discovery, and has also helped me understand why it always seemed that so many people "just never seemed to think like me."

It is obvious that Dr. Seagal has worked extremely hard to confirm her research since 1979. Her style of writing is clear, concise and void of jargon. I found the content easy to absorb, understand and apply. Just the heightened awarness of how diverse we are has made a significant difference in how I work and relate to people. I can understand why this work is being applied internationally, especially in business and education.

Models to describe human personality are presented. Each model has it unique characteristics, its strengths and weaknesses. Each model will respond most effectively to certain modes of communications. This understanding of the different models presented will help a manager, a teacher, a student or just about anybody to understand themselves and people around them better. This will enable better communication of ideas and thoughts. Students will learn better and managers will be able to communicate more effectively with individuals. The models can be taken up to an organizational level. The applications of this book are far and wide. It is also simply and clearly written.

This book not only accurately depicts the life of Curly Lambeau, but also the start of professional football. David Zimmerman reveals many interesting facts about the game, the players and the era in this timeless masterpiece.

In the interest of accentuating the positive (and I did enjoy this book) I will say that it was purchased from my wish list by my mother, who ended up buying a copy for my cheddarheaded sister as well. My mother grew up in Green Bay (one block from Curly's birthplace! she exclaimed) and said that it brought back her childhood in the 30s and 40s quite vividly. With every mention of every store or venue she recalled stories of old Green Bay. She would tell me of the Packers practicing in leather helmets just outside of the old East High School. She would tell me of going around the corner to the modest home of Mike Michalske (an oft-mentioned Packer in the book) to play with his newborn. She loved it.

To me (and she admitted as much) the book read at times like a low-scoring football game. By this I mean that it appeared the author had several anecdotes which he strung together into chapters, not paying great amounts of attention as to whether or not he had already introduced a trainer here, or used a turn of phrase there. The reader, therefore, is left going over the same phrases repeatedly, with their repetition distracting from the overall telling of the story of Lambeau. You read one account, skip back several years for another account, and then read the first account as a natrual terminus of the second. Like a low scoring football game, on each play you main gain a few yards or lose a few, and find yourself forced recover the same yardage.

That said, the author seems to both idolize Lambeau as the patriarch of the team, and find little for which to do so. He repeatedly shows players that did not much like the guy, nor respect his actual abilities as a football coach. Players would have to explain where plays wouldn't work, and though his dependency on the forward pass was innovative in 1919, he was unable to modify his game as football evolved in the 30's and 40's. He's portrayed as a vain, egotistical salesman who (quoted some three times in the book ver batim) "did more for his hometown than anyone else" and founded a great tradition in professional sports.

A recurring theme in Packers History seems to be frustration with intervention by the executive committees governing the franchise causing the head coach to leave. Lambeau cited this when he left the Packers (and later the Cardinals). Lombardi warned against interference when he stepped up to the plate, and of course as Packer fans of this era remember, Holmgren went to Seattle largely to enjoy the general managership denied him at Green Bay. Ironically, Sherman has the dual role today, and Holmgren has been stripped of the same in Seattle.

Anyway, the book provides a light and interesting look at an era I've not seen well covered elsewhere. It covers the first 31 seasons relatively well, and Green Bay at the time as well. It identifies the times this unlikely team faced dissolution early in their institutional life, and how the means by which it was saved sets the team apart from every other team in professional sports. It covers the Packer-Bear rivalry through the years (although showing Halas as quite the protagonist and Packer Backer by the end) and provides a cursory look at Lambeau's Post-Packer life.

I'm glad I read it, but it's not exactly 5-star material.

The first chapter draws you in so completely, you feel like
you are there with Curly and makes you want to read more.
This book has so much information on Curly's professional and
personal life. Never before has a book covered so much on the
history of Curly Lambeau and the beginning of Packer football.
A book to be shared by everyone who wants a piece of Wisconsin's great local sports history. David Zimmerman is a thorough writer with a personal touch.

As a life-long Green Bay Packer fan (since 1960), I was amazed to learn that nobody had ever written a biography on Curly Lambeau until now. After all, he's been gone since 1965. It's incredible to think that two generations of fans have been going to Packer games in Green Bay and seeing the name "Lambeau Field" emblazoned on the stadium but possessing little or no knowledge about the man who founded the team, coached it for 31 years, nurtured it financially and emotionally through thick and thin, and brought home six NFL Championships! David Zimmerman truly fills a stadium bowl-sized void with this book! It's packed with intriguing information about how the Packers - and the league - were formed. Lambeau's larger-than-life aura shines through, both in his football success and his human failures. But you don't have to be a football fan to enjoy this book. No doubt, women will be intrigued with Lambeau the ladies man. Colorful characters like Johnny "Blood" McNally will make you laugh and scratch your head in amazement. You'll meet other NFL Hall of Fame legends like Don Hutson, Clarke Hinkle and "Iron Mike" Michalske. This book is a must-read for any Packer fan, football fan, history buff or anyone who just enjoys a good, colorful collection of all-too-human stories. Plus, the pictures, many of which have never before been published, are outstanding. I loved it!

I heard the author David Zimmerman on a local sports radio program. I was impressed with his historical knowledge of the Green Bay Packers and Curly Lambeau. So much so I bought the book. In it he has given us special access into the colorful life of a football pioneer and icon Curly Lambeau. Packed with insights, great photo's, bigger than life characters and legends of the game. I found the book well researched, carefully compiled and absorbing, a welcome addition to my football library. If you have an interest in the Green Bay Packers or the NFL, you will want to read LAMBEAU-The Man Behind The Mystique.

This book is a quick read filled with many immediately useful actions. I finished the book completely re-energized. Management is not for the faint of heart. It is difficult to tell people things they don't want to hear, but it is essential to be able to do so if one is to be a successful manager. With humor and significant insight, Margaret Morford reminds us of the role we've chosen as managers and the committment required. Management Courage is essential for effective leaders. Margaret Morford is as compelling in print as she is in person.

This was a wonderful read! I love the stories that put a real personal touch to the book. This book represents what it takes to have courage to hold integrity on issues that take great character in dealing with people.
The courage to hold true to standards has a wonderful outcome if all people are treated like human beings. Employees of today need to be feel valued and appreciated! This is a manager must read!

I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated this book.

It is a quick read (I read it between Seattle and Dallas) due to its length and the interest level it generates.

Rarely do I read a management book with which I can wholeheartedly agree. This is one. This book reinforces what my experience has shown me, and encourages me to stick to what I know is true and right.

Do you want to test your Management Courage? Read this down-to-earth, insightful, thought provoking, easy to read, challenging and entertaining book. By far the best management book I have read in many years. This is a book you will want to read in one sitting - really!

Management Courage is a refreshing, straightforward book of principles anyone striving to be a leader should read. What is most refreshing about this book is the author's ability to relate personal and practical examples to the reader that can truly be applied to his/her actual workplace. Management Courage discusses concepts, that on the surface seem to be common sense. In reality, they are often difficult to execute. Examples are shared that show the reader what courage truly looks like in a variety of real life work situations. I would recommend this book as a "handbook" of sorts for every leader I know.

A unique book... A collection of the best teambuilding-tools from the Pfeiffer-annuals. If you only should buy one book in your life about team activities... Choose this one!

I found the book to be chockful of helpful information--particularly the checklists, personal evaluations, and learning games and tools. I also liked the step-by-step instructions on everything. Very well organized. Easy to find things--just want you're looking for to solve a key issue or use in a special training class.

A terrific book of tools for trainers, consultants and facilitators. Edited by Elaine Biech, the contributors provide comprehensive and integrated teamwork activities to help you develop high-performing teams. A must buy!

This new offering from Pfeiffer/Elaine Biech allows trainers to learn from their peers - working professionals in the field of human resource development. The Ten Block Model clearly presents both a roadmap for new teams and a diagnostic tool for established teams that want to move to the next level. Each of the chapters offers training activities that focus on one of the ten blocks. The final chapter presents a series of team building tools that are practical, easy to use, and thought provoking. This book is the team building equivalent of a recroding star's top hits CD - it presents only the best, culled from a large selection of really good ideas from past Annual editions. A wise addition to your library - a book you'll turn to again and again!

In my work as a training consultant, I get called on to do a lot of work in the area of team building. There are a lot of books on the market that offer games and exercises, but fall short on theory and in depth debriefing. Elaine's book does a tremendous job of doing al of the above. Not only is there a wealth of the practical, but Elaine has gone over and above the expectations of delivering in depth training for the trainer so that one's tool kit if filled with reserve information when conducting teambuilding. YEAH!! Elaine has a way of taking the best of herself and others to make it work for the least to the most experienced trainer in the field. I will use this new tool a lot in my upcoming seminars. I look forward to new books from Elaine...they are ALL on my bookshelf and I use them all regularily for research as well sa recommend them to others!

This book presents a great selection of Popper's writings, a real a crash course on the thinking of one of the greatest philosophers of science of the 20th century. The book also presents his work regarding social and political philosophy. As almost any text dealing with philosophy, a calm and slow reading is absolutely required to fully grasp Popper's ideas, especially if you are a layman like me. I mean, this is not the kind of page-turner you can read entirely during a flight. This collection allows you to learn about Popper's legacy without the burden of reading his whole work, which I guess is almost reserved for scholars and students of philosophy.

I particularly enjoyed his ideas regarding the philosophy of science and scientific progress, specifically his critical rationalism and the concept of falsifiability (meaning that a hypothesis must be falsifiable and that a proposition or theory cannot be called scientific if it does not admit the possibility of being shown false). I highly recommend this book for those with a serious interest in the evolution of science and the scientific method. A worthy follow up to Sir Karl's views on science would be Thomas S. Kuhn's "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions" (1962). Tough many ideas between these two philosophers of science are similar, Kuhn, in his book "The Essential Tension: Selected Studies in Scientific Tradition and Change" (1977), presents an interesting discussion in Chapter 11 (Logic of Discovery or Psychology of Research) about the disagreements between his views and Popper's regarding scientific development.

By the way, Popper's ideas come very handy and this book is a must-read for those with a genuine interest in the trustworthiness of science behind the current "Consensus Theory" explaining the causes of Global Warming. You can bet that in a few years the way most climate scientists are handling simulation modeling, making predictions with an immature science, with selective interpretation of weather data will become a textbook case of politicized science, together with complete disregard for the most basic principles of the scientific method, including the fact that no criticism is allowed. As Popper said:

"If we are uncritical we shall always find what we want: we shall look for, and find, confirmations, and we shall look away from, and not see, whatever might be dangerous to our pet theories. In this way it is only too easy to obtain what appears to be overwhelming evidence in favor of a theory which, if approached critically, would have been refuted". The Poverty of Historicism (1957).

This book came to me quickly and efficiently. Its contents were in terrific condition and I feel that Amazon.com did a great job at satisfying my expectations.

Brilliant, clearly written, and wonderfully brief essays that span the life works of Karl Popper, organized into four parts: Theory of Knowledge, Philosophy of Science, Metaphysics, and Social Philosophy.

Perhaps best known for his 'Open Society and Its Enemies' (written during WWII while in New Zealand), Popper is clearly an advocate of open and free debate in all academic disciplines. Against solving irrelevant 'puzzles of language' - a habit of philosophers and Ludwig Wittgenstein in particular (Read book on this: 'Wittgenstein's Poker') - Popper is most concerned with solving real world 'problems' that impact human life. 'Our ignorance is sobering and boundless' he suggests but, together, through open-ness we can move toward finding ever-adjusting solutions for a better world.

Like other survivors of WWII (e.g. Isaiah Berlin), Popper is especially concerned with those who advocate 100% solutions to society's woes. One of our clearest advocates of the lessons of the Ancient Greeks, Popper tells us: The 'tradition of critical discussion' was the secret of the ancients. This tradition leads us to the realization that our attempts to find 'truth' are never final; and that criticism and critical discussion are our only means of getting nearer to the truth.

For those interested in: 1) Clear-headed discussions on science and philosophy, and 2) Hearing from a strong advocate of freedom and the 'western tradition' read this book. And bring a pencil.

Popper's favorite philosophers are the pre-Socratics. He celebrates them for their willingness to entertain/invite/encourage alternative points of view. The pre-Socratics sought to explain the universe ( a goal modern philososphy/science has lost sight of) but no one theory was viewed as absolute, rather each theory was viewed as a proposition that could then be honed/improved/altered by further argument/inquiry. This spirit of inquiry begins to vanish around the time of Plato and Aristotle for their teachings begin to be passed down not as theories that can be improved upon (modified or dismissed) but as knowledge. For Popper reverence for "great men" and "great ideas" only stands in the way of pluralism and progress.

Poppers method is to identify the mistakes made by the "great men" and therefore clear the way for further inquiry. Of all the western philosphers Plato receives the most attention. Popper finds much to admire in Plato but also much that needs amending. In an essay on "subjective" and "objective" knowledge Popper evolves his idea of a third "world" of knowledge. This autonomous third world of knowledge is reminiscent of Plato's theory of ideal forms with one essential difference. For Popper all knowledge is man made and so his third world of knowledge contains not ideals(in Popper's world ideals do not exist) but "problem situations" -- the state of a discussion or the state of a critical argument at the present time and these "states" make up the "objective contents of thought".

In the world according to Popper thought ( in the philosophic and scientific realms) evolves because a variety of thinkers make a variety of creative propositions that are then examined and found to be true or false. Popper calls this method "critical rationalism".

In each of these essays Popper addresses a key philosophic issue and discusses it with his signature grace, eloquence and humor. His contribution to social theory seems especially significant and on this topic he is especially eloquent. Being no great believer in the great man theory of history and knowing full well that all of mans ideas as well as social theories are riddled with mistakes Popper thinks the best way to advance socially is in a piecemeal fashion. This limits the harm any one man or theory or institution can do. For Popper society like philosophy and knowledge is the result of an ever renewed inquiry.

This is clearsighted and jargon free writing and these are model essays!

Warning: I am highly biased, as Karl Popper is one of my most influential "mentors." As time passes, his wisdom increases, and his value as an original thinker becomes more, not less, vivid -- even if many of his "controversial" ideas in the Thirties are now considered normative.

Popper's collected essays, derived from class lectures, offers a broad introduction to the work of this seminal philosophy. These essays cover scientism, the scientific method, the scientific attitude, nominalism, historicism, democracy, falsification principle, evolutionary thought and applications, rationality, epistemology, and more.

While heralded as the scientists' philosopher of science, Popper's thought is not so provincial. His brevity and clarity of analysis are brought to bear on many subjects, practical and theoretical. His perspicacity and directness leave no room for ambiguity. The one philosophical topic not addressed in this representative volume is ethics.

Popper's central theme, of course, is science and how the scientific attitude and method fundamentally change our modern perceptions. While no longer controversial, indeed his thought has become commonsense, he, alone of the Vienna Circle, survived intact decades later. Because of the clarity, incisiveness, and rectitude of his claims, I purposefully return to him every five or so years to get "grounded" again.

One doesn't experience "eurkea" with Popper, one simply becomes reacquainted with basic knowledge and a few first principles. Perhaps a few "tweaks" occur, but Popper is more of an anchor than a revolutionary. Even his "defense" of science comes with numerous caveats. Given the topsy-turvy intellegensia stirring up the pot with new "-isms," it's useful to have a "home" to come back to. Because his commonsense prevails, his controversial stances several decades ago, while not quite platitudes now, are "defaults" that have withstood the strongest assaults. I cannot think of another major thinker who has withstood time and challenges better.

A couple of examples of Popper's gems: Democracy is not the best form of government; rather, it is the best form for excising bad government (this novel insight, a Popper first, is repeated by many subsequent political theorists, e.g., Ian Shapiro, Michael Walzer, John Rawls, etc.). An "open society" is more important, but this preeminent value requires the "background" of democracy. Central planning by governments should be confined to the margins, tinkering with changes that can be reversed before bad policy and unintended consequences become ensconced. If useful, then begin the reach. His skepticism does not permit purchase of any ideology. All historicisms are fortune-telling religious dogma, erroneously believing the past predicts the future, or that "inevitability" resides with the forces of History. Humans exist in an "open" environment, while science's predictability requires a "closed" environment; ergo, all "human sciences" are at best informed or educated guesses. Their ability to predict is next to nil.

Again, these Popperean gems may no longer be earth-shaking insights, but they once were, and the repitition of these claims is welcome against the ever-advancing onslaught of new "-isms." Popper's innately skeptical stances are a constant reminder that our fantasies can become our nightmares. This is most evident with science, where Popper insists that all knowledge, even scientific knowledge, is "tentative" at best. It's not just its verification, but ultimately its falsification, that requires this tentative stance. And, just because "science can," does not mean "science should:" Technology must "be harnassed."

An encounter with Popper leaves one speechless. Contentious by nature, I try to find loopholes in his claims; Popper does not leave many, if any. I'm still puzzled by his appeal to nominalism, but I cannot fault his logic. His thought experiment with tripartite worlds (not "universes") of the empirical, the conscious, and their overlap, is one of the best examples of Occam's Razor. But above all, Popper is as accessible as he is grounded. His clarity, brevity, and incisiveness are not common to philosophers, and thus, all the more welcome. He may not change your life, but he will provide a needed grounding for further venture!

I am a CQE & Six Sigma Black Belt and have owned this book for a little over two years now. This book provides a very handy and useful reference for the tools used in problem-solving, quality management, six sigma and project management as well. The Tool Matrix in the first chapter divides the tools under various categories and helps to identify the right tool needed for a certain stage or situation.

The chapter on Quality Improvement Stories show the use of these tools in successful continuous improvement projects. The quality tools are arranged in alphabetical order with details like when, what and how with a very relevant example.

This text is recommended for anyone in the area of quality/process improvements. It is a learning book for beginners and reference for advanced users.

I got this book as part of a college course i was doing, but in reality it is so good it has helped me out in my job. There are times in our jobs when we dont get a chance to do new things and this book actually makes it very simple to introduce new initiatives. I would highly recommend this book to anyone considering a career in quality mangement.

This book is so well done. For Six Sigma and Quality professionals it will become one of your most well worn books.

This is just about the most relevant and useful quality book I have come across. It provides a comprehensive library of tools to use to solve different kinds of problems. Many of the tools covered in this book are covered elsewhere, but in this case the author has a knack for guiding the reader through a set-by-step process in a way that it was very easy for me to instantly apply the tools to my job.

I also welcomed the fact that the book covers the overall history of the different quality methodologies. This is important because there are many choices to be made when it comes to choosing a quality methodology, so knowing where a tool came from helps you determine whether it applies to your particular problem.

If your job relates to quality, this is money well spent.

This is one of the best books I have ever reviewed. It is so easy to know the quality tools but understanding the tools is the key to effective implementation. The book provides a comprehensive review of all the tools in the quality profession with indexed case studies and applications. I use the quality tools while training Meirc participants on Total quality, six sigma, simplification of work processes and procedures in Dubai seminars and it is certainly has gained our participants lots of benefits on applying these tools. I would highly recommend this book for all quality professionals in the quality management and training.

Much has been written over the past several years about teams and teamwork. For the most part, these books have concentrated on the criteria of effective teams and how to create the high performing team. Of critical concern to many is how to reward the high performing team - - - how to recognize in a meaningfull way the team's outstanding performance. This book - a first - answers that question with examples from a number of companies. If your company is actively involved in teams and teamwork, this is a volume that you need to read. It is a valuable resource.

Rewarding Teams is a helpful and practical book that addresses a topic that is very timely in our "virtual" team business world. The case study format from real organizations adds credibility and makes it very user friendly. The failures, successes and lessons learned approach is a great way to find out invaluable information that can be applied to your organization. It has certainly helped me assist my constituents in the mostly uncharted area of team recognition and rewards versus individual.

Rewarding teams is an excellent book. It offers an easy to understand and powerful reinforcement model as well as a six different types of reward plans. It also has great real life examples to prove the model and illustrate the power of rewarding teams correctly. This book is helpful for both the team leader wanting to establish an effective incentive plan as well as for the professional looking to understand the nature of team rewards. Glen Parker has done it again. This book takes a great deal of complicated information and makes it easy to understand and easy to use. I highly recommend it.

For those of us helping to develop team-based work environments, this book hits the mark. I already know the theories. What I need are some examples of how to make it work in the trenches. It provides the kind of practical, down-to-earth examples that show what really works in the real world.

This book isn't a simplistic, one-dimensional approach to recognition. It reviews all aspects of the development, care and maintenance of strong teams, and provides a clear understanding of the role that recognition and rewards play.

The first chapter is a great primer on the right way to get teams up and running. Parker, et. al. throw in numerous tips for team leaders on how to get the ball rolling, and alert you to potential pitfalls and traps and how to deal with them. Chapter one puts team rewards and recognition in the proper context.

I didn't realize how superficial my understanding of team rewards was until I read the book. For example, the book differentiates incentives from rewards, an important distinction that I have to admit was somewhat muddied in my thinking. It illustrates how rewards and recognition need to fit with the organizational culture, and show how this works in practice in organizations.

The authors use a fictitious team start-up situation in the first two chapters to add another dimension to aid the reader in understanding the principles of team development from the team leader's perspective. I found myself wondering if the authors had worked in some of the companies I was in. They clearly have "been there and done that."

Chapters three through five profile almost twenty companies to provide actual examples of how to implement the various approaches to team reward and recognition to address different situations and challenges. For example, the book goes into the rationale, philosophy, criteria and detailed administration of Chase Manhattan Bank's Service Star Program, as well as the organization's candid assessment of the program's strengths and weaknesses. Some companies are large, some small. Government, non-profit, and associations are also represented. Some use stock options, some cash awards. Some tie in team performance with individual performance reviews. Throughout, "successes and lessons learned" enable the reader to benefit from what others have done.

This is an example of the improvements one company decided to make in its approach after the initial evaluation period: - Give plants more control in choosing and tailoring plan metrics. - Encourage employees to get involved in creating goals - Shift the burden of plan communication from the corporate level to the plants

The final chapter summarizes the key principles and insights from the authors' work.

I would highly recommend this book for executives who are responsible for creating the organization culture, operating managers and human resource staffs. It should be REQUIRED reading for anyone involved in forming, leading and supporting teams because it can prevent so many problems that affect team performance.

"Certainly there are good books for compensation professionals on the technical aspects of designing incentive plans for teams, and handbooks that offer creative laundry lists of recognition ideas of individual contributors. But there are few sources for people on the firing line looking for practical advice coupled with real-life examples of how to design reward and recognition systems for teams, not individuals. This book provides practical advice and detailed examples of effective organizational unit (group) incentives, project team incentives, and recognition plans. It is for managers in organizations that have made a commitment to a collaborative culture and who want to create effective reward systems for teams...At the heart of this book are case studies of reward plans in companies large and small, in many industries, and of many cultures...Whenever organizations try to make teamwork the norm, many supporters become frustrated because the usual reward-and-recognition programs don't support it. In this book, the fictional BIZCOM Corporation and its managers show how frustration about teams can turn into success. BIZCOM's trials and tribulations are based on the authors' years of experience working with organizations" (from the Preface).

In this context, Glenn Parker, Jerry McAdams, and David Zielinski:

* describe BIZCOM, a fictitious company that wants to use a team approach to adress a critical business problem, and discuss team and organizational development issues such as vision, sponsorship, membership, stakeholders, launches, training, coaching, management style, and organizational support.

* discuss reward and recognition systems, communications and performance feedback, and training and development tools for creating a team-based organization.

* introduce an organizing model for rewards, and discuss organizational culture. At this point, they argue that "One general description of the whole organization's culture is possible, although organizations are made up of a number of suborganizational units, each with a slightly different culture. Accounting has a different culture than marketing. Manufacturing has a different culture than customer service. Hopefully, they are aligned with the overreaching organizational culture, with the differences simply reflecting the nature of the work they do". And they also argue that "One of the keys to success in improving organizational performance is to ensure that reward plans reinforce the desired culture, or at least attempt to reduce the gap between the existing and desired culture".

* define six types of reward plans: (1) individual base compensation and benefits, (2) individual capability (competency), (3) individual incentives, (4) recognition, (5) project team incentives, (6) organizational unit incentives. (But throughout the book they mainly focus on the last three plans - more detailed examination of these plans in several companies and review of their experiences see Chapters 3-5).

* summarize how you can best utilize project, recognition, and group incentive plans to improve teamwork and organizational performance as lessons from the trenches (more detailed discussion of these trenches see Chapter 6):

(1). Customize the plan.

(2). Align plans with business objectives.

(3). Send the right message.

- create many winners, few losers

- involve employees in the selection process

- trust the folks

(4). Use noncash as well as cash awards.

- noncash awards are not limited to recognition plans

- give a few big awards and lots of small ones

- pay the taxes on noncash awards

(5). Communicate, communicate, communicate.

- never assume people understand

- tell people how they are doing - all the time

- reinforce the messages

- role modeling works

(6). Create a smorgasbord of plans.

(7). Budget for recognition activities.

(8). Keep administration in mind.

(9). Payoffs are in the eye of the beholder.

(10). How plans are introduced and operated is paramount.

Finally, they argue that "There are no silver bullets. There is a good will, faith in the value of employee contributions, good business judgement, and willingness to act on a strategy of teamwork reinforced by rewards and recognition plans. We've learned how to manage financial, fiscal, and customer capital. Leveraging human capital is the challenge for the next century. Reward and recognition plans designed to encourage teams and teamwork is one way to meet that challenge".

I highly recommend this invaluable study to all executives and HR professionals.

Remember that? This is a must read/item for those that have lived the history. If you've been part of the ride, then you know the story. But Jerry Reynolds has filled in the blanks with information that you could only get from... well, from Jerry Reynolds: The front office background on the Terry Tyler and Derek Smith trades; Bobby Hurley's potential and toughness; the head coach candidates; actual Bill Russell conversations (apparently he could talk... and laugh). What? We could have "stole" Detlef Schrempf!?!? The book even helped explain my "unique" encounter with Jawann Oldham on the day he was cut loose by the Kings.

Aside from all the great Kings gems that have been unearthed, there is some foreground on Jerry himself as well as documentation of his "rise" up the organization. Like everyone else, I would have liked for the book to be longer--182 pages for 20 years is just not enough. Oh well, Reynolds Remembers is a great and easy read, but to the Kings fan, it's truly great literature--the man did minor in English after all.

The details within "Reynolds Remembers" paint a vivid and entertaining picture of what life was like for a struggling and then reborn NBA franchise. It was filled with anecdotes and humorous observations of true events. I enjoyed it very much.

Although, I wish there had been more than a single page describing Jerry's "the Carly Simon period." Maybe we'll hear more in a sequel.

Jerry Reynolds and Don Drysdale's Reynolds Remembers: 25 Years With The Sacramento Kings is for any interested in the evolution of a shortstring operation which couldn't compete to a model NBA franchise. The Kings are celebrating their 20th season in Sacramento, California - and Jerry Reynolds was part of them before their rise to fame. His memoir celebrates their growth and provides a powerful leader's first-person experiences.

I have been a Kings fan my whole life and I truly enjoyed reliving the past 20 years with Reynolds. It is amazing on how fast we forget the early teams and players and how soon we get used to 50 win seasons. Reynolds uses the same humor and great one-liners in the book that he uses in his telecasts. I just wish the book contained more personal stories and memories and I can only hope that a sequel is in the works. Here's to another great 20 years of Reynolds and to another book.

A riveting read. I could not put this book down. A truly must read for all Sacramento Kings fans. A book any real NBA fan should enjoy. Being able to learn some of the inner thoughts of a real NBA insider is rare.

If only there had been more amusing stories and anecdotes Reynolds is so well known for. These reflecting the personalities of NBA players few of us fans ever see. Maybe this will be in Reynolds next book "Reynolds Remembers More" ?? We can only hope!!

Insightful reading for every Gator fan to appreciate the players and coaches who left their mark and influences on the Gator football program. Even some of the unflattering moments in history makes you appreciate where the program is today. The Wilbur Marshall chapter is a must read.

As a UF Alumni, I have kept track of Peter Kerasotis columns in the FL Today paper over the years. Now he has written a great book that is full of wonderful Gator stories and tradition.

It is a great book for any Gator Fan--young or old!

As a co-worker of Kerasotis for many years, I have long admired Pete's eloquent prose in Florida Today's sports section. He has a gift for spotting stories others miss and presenting them simply and surely.

When I first heard that Pete was writing this book, I told him I wanted to get a copy as soon as it was released, even though I have no connection to UF and am in fact an bigtime Ohio State fan. Having enjoyed Pete's writing for years, I was sure that I would enjoy the book even though I have never set foot in the Swamp.

I wasn't disappointed. Pete's substantial knowledge of Gator football was evident on every page. And one needn't be a Gator fan to enjoy the stories here. The tale of Mr. Two-Bits will resonate with the reader who feels that the fan loyalty and pageantry of the college game make it so much better than the NFL product. And the look at UF legend Wilber Marshall is one of the best profiles I've ever read of an athlete.

I highly recommend this book to anybody who loves college football. It is a must-have for any Gator fan's bookshelf.

I have had the honor and privilege of knowing Pete for many years and the pleasure of being able to ready his columns in Florida TODAY for many years.
His wit and writing style make for an easy and fun read and this collection provides anecdotes and inside Gator tales many of us have never read before.
Pete's book offers the insight of a beat reporter, which he has been, and the prose of a seasoned author, which he is.
It's a wonderful read for Gator fans everywhere! Thanks, Pete!

This is a great book for all Gators - easy to read and full of information about our football program.

My favorite chapters were on Steve Spurrier the player and Mr. Two Bits. Peter spells out why and how we got onto probation in the 1980s which I found very informative.

I found it to be a book I didn't want to put down. I would highly recommend all Florida Gators read this book!

Go Gators!

I'm a UW grad and a big Badger fan. This book had some great stories about things that happened when I was a student that let me relive those college years all over again. I really enjoyed it!

I have long been a fan of Mr. Doherty's work. His latest collaboration does not disappoint. Justin never seizes to amaze. Nine out of 10 dentists agree, "Tales from the Wisconsin Badgers" is a must-read.

This book is a must have for Badger fans. It is a fantastic way to relive Badger football memories - well written and entertaining!

I've been a lifelong Wisconsin football fan and so has everyone in my family. This book is interesting because of the different stories it tells about Badger football. It's a pretty easy read and you can open to any point in the book to find something good.

Tales From The Wisconsin Badgers by Justin Doherty (Director of Athletic communications, University of Wisconsin) is a compilation of anecdotes, personal recollections, and original research that provides the reader with glimpses of what makes Wisconsin Badgers football both unique and inherently interesting. Doherty surveys the entire history of the Badger football program from its humble beginnings through the glory years of head coach Barry Alvarez. Along the way readers are treated to the bizarre tale of "Kangaroo Kicker" Pat O'Dea, the mysterious discovery of a long-forgotten trophy of one of college football's longest rivalries in a Camp Randall storeroom nearly 50 years after its disappearance, a 23-game winless streak finally broken with a victory over archrival Iowa in 1969, and dozens of other humorous, poignant, and memorable stories about the Wisconsin Badgers. Drawing upon personal interviews with more than two dozen players, coaches, and staff members, Tales From The Wisconsin Badgers is a "must read" sports team history for all Badger fans and an essential acquisition for Wisconsin's community libraries for future generations of Badger football enthusiasts!