Teams Books

Excellent book, it shows in a very clear way how every one, can improve his/her talents an can be a better team player and leader.

I relly like the way Lee Ellis explanis people talents and how every talent has its positive side.

I work with executives and entreprenuers to experience maximum performance, career success and abundant life through continuous assessment, alignment and action steps that help them explore, educate and employ their gifts, passions and calling based on purpose-centered, whole-life planning. Leading Talents, Leading Teams not only provides insight into how people work best, but also develop effective leadership teams. Brian Ray, Founder, Primus Consulting

This book is fantastic!!! It has shone a new light on my struggles... with pinpoint accuracy. Detailed work is the most
challenging for me. As a result of this insightful book - I repeat the "engaging" persons mantra often - "Focus, focus, focus" "No, No, No" & "Prioritise, Prioritise, Prioritise".

It has also provided me the best framework / paradigm I have yet to come across on leadership (accomplish the mission and look
after the people).

I thought Dave wrote a book that is easy to read and easy to understand. Very good information for someone going into a leadership role. I was able to read it in about a day. I have owned the book for years and often refer back to it.

The format and style of this book is ideal for anyone who needs to understand the subject quickly and without too heavy a read.

It's the kind of book that can be slipped into a desk drawer, glove compartment or bedside shelf.

The learning is taking place effortlessly and it's possible to read and retain the learning points that you accumulate as you flow through the sections.

I would recommend this book strongly.

I would recommend this book to anyone that is in a leadership position or on a team. The book took me about five hours to read, but I will be using these ideas for a lifetime. Using the popular temperament theory (ref: Please Understand Me; D.Keirsey) along with the concept of shared vision, Mr. Specht has illuminated the need for incorporating each person's psychological needs into the group's mission, whether it be on a team or within the whole company. A special addition to the book is the last section called "Your Half of the Contract for Shared Vision Process" which is a self-exploratory "quick guide" to going through the process that the main character has described in the text. It helps you get a rough idea of what your temperament is and helps you build a short mission statement for yourself. I can see this book making an impact on employees throughout companies everywhere, so I recommend that you get a head start by reading it today.

and leaders. It captures those behaviors that are so important, but are often forgotten in the rush of working together. Light Bulbs for Leaders isolates the behaviors so that leaders and teams can use them as needed. It is a practical and useful tool. I keep it in my briefcase and refer to it often.

interesting, lively, and very readable treatment on the topic of leadership. Like In Search of Excellence, the material has a curiously inspirational quality which is particularly compelling. This book should be essential reading for those in positions of leadership and those aspiring to be - a welcome, well founded book on the topic.

Wow! This is definetely a five star book and I highly recommend it!! It is filled with lots of great information and tools to help teams move through problem areas and perform at peak levels. It is easy to read and understand, and the information is immediately transferable to real life situations. Great suggestions on how to handle problem situations - especially the Problem Matrix which lists common team/group problems and tools to help you work through them. At one time or another I have seen all 17 problems listed in the matrix. The tools in the book which help you work through and overcome these problems are all practical and useful!

I was touched. This is a diamond in a clam. A pearl in a rock. An unexpected surprise. This book is moving!

While this book was hard to find, when I did I was highly entertained. In a cross between Star Wars and Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, I was spellbound for the entire time I was reading this. I especially liked the development of the characters. Being a businessman, I especially felt a likeness to the character Scott. He was one of the characters who exemplified business knowledge and was extremely likeable. While this is far from a business book, I found numerous applications for not only life, but business life in general. Highly motivational, and exciting. I could not put this book down! While I personally asscoiated with "Scott", there were also numerous other characters in the book who were from all walks of life. I am sure you would find one and follow them through the novel. The ending was extrodinary! This novel will keep you spell bound and riveted at all times. I agree with the person who reviewed this book from St. Louis - in that I wish their were more titles by this author....HELP Mr. McNair! WE WANT MORE!

This story which takes place in an old west setting speaks of a man named Iaman, who is the leader of the "Light Team". His teams purpose is to fight LiarLight the leader of evil. There were Lighteams in the past who have tried, but have failed. This time something is different. Iaman's team is made of of average people - who you would think would be the last choice to form such a team to combat this evil. The character creation of this team is exciting. I felt as if I knew each of these characters, and enjoy their humor and vision to follow Iaman to combat the evil forces. The ending of this story is exceptional, and leaves you with confidence for the future.

My only negative regarding reading this book is that I can not find any other books from this author. This is a MUST READ!

I've been a huge fan of LinguaForum's TOEFL books for the last several years of studying TOEFL. Their books are very different from any other TOEFL books, so you need time to get used to that system. And once you get used to it, there it is - your own new shortcut to the top score!!

Putting aside the contents, this book is huge!!! There's not much chance of getting a book over 800 pages at the price lower than 70 bucks. LinguaForum books are well known for its contents, so I wouldn't worry about them. The price, the size, as well as the contents - all are so much satisfying!!

I've used many kinds of books to prepare TOEFL and I can assure you this book is the best one. This is not like any other TOEFL books. LinguaForum books have their own unique style of studying methods and this happens to be VERY helpful for me.

This was a touching and sensitive book conveying genuine feelings that we animal lovers share. I loved every story and enjoyed the photography. I highly recommend this book for animal lovers wherever you are. I have given copies to friends who enjoyed the book as well. A must for every coffee table!

Bari Mears and Deanna Biddulph have succeeded in putting together
a book that brings together a host of inspiring and heart warming animal stories. The result is nothing short of miraculous. I was enthralled from the first page to the last, and dropped
everything else when I began reading the book -I simply could not put it down! I found many thought-provoking insights in the stories that Bari Mears and Deanna Biddulph so admirably present.
This book is essential for anyone for whom dogs and other animals hold a special fascination. I also place it on the 'must haves' for gifts for animal loving friends.

The first person to gift with this wonderful book is yourself. Then start listing every friend who either has a pet (of any kind) or simply loves animals. There are fabulous photographs of pets and their people, but Bari Mears and Deanna Biddulph have written such a sweet and true portrait of love, you'll want to read it first, then go back and look at the pictures -- again and again. With the world upside down, what better gift to give than love?

CZAPLINSKI OFFERS TIPS FOR TRYOUTS by Pete Goering Topeka Capital-Journal

Lane Czaplinski's new book offers a slam dunk dedication for basketball players who can't dunk: Dedicated to those names who were never called, when choosing sides for basketball. Many have been there, done that. The anguish and embarrassment of awkwardly, nervously waiting to be chosen, only to be left out, or to be the very last person picked simply because everbody has to play is a cruel introduction to athletics. For some, it's also a traumatic goodbye.

Czaplinski, the former University of Kansas walk-on, tries to change that with his book, "Making the Basketball Team: Get off the Bench and into the Game," published by Quality Sports Publications.

What, you ask, is Czaplinski, the Director of Education at the University of Kansas Lied Center, doing giving tips about making a basketball team? Wouldn't Danny Manning or Rex Walters or Mitch Richmond be a better author than Czaplinski? Nothing against them, but...no.

The beauty of Czaplinski, somewhat affectionately known as Roy Williams' victory cigar, writing a book is that he knows what it takes for a person who doesn't have the skill of a Manning or Richmond to succeed.

"I felt I had a viewpoint I could share," said Czaplinski, whose father, George, was a long-time basketball coach. "My Mother told me she could relate better to me than to say, Dr. J." Czaplinski, a senior on KU's 1991-92 team that was upset by Texas-El Paso in the NCAA Tournament, tries to relate to the average player who is getting ready for basketball tryouts. I'm guessing the timing of his book, coming out as it does on the eve of most tryouts, was no accident.

His book includes the usual technical instruction, but its strength is the practical advice Czaplinski offers. "Go (to practice) early, stay late, give tremendous effort, use your head and concentrate on being in the right place at the right time," he suggests. And don't act cool.

"I think kids have (watched players who are) poor examples," Czaplinski said. "They think they should act cool, shuffle around and look slouchy with their pants halfway down the legs. That's fine if you're 6-foot-6. Then, it doesn't matter if you stand around: you always get to play anyway. I wasn't that way. Neither are most of the athletes who will be trying out for basketball teams in the upcoming weeks.

To them, Czaplinski offers plenty of tips, but not without a disclaimer. Just reading his book won't guarantee anyone a spot on the roster. In fact, it may already be too late for some would-be players. "Kids aren't going to be able to read the bood and change their lives," said Czaplinski, who says the best preparation for tryouts is also the most basic - practice, practice, practice. "Play more than anyone else," he say. In his book, he writes, "Others are practicing, too; practicing to beat you." And, remember, the sun will come up even if you don't make the team. "The majority of kids either get cut or don't get to play," he said. "Only a few really come away with a sense of having accomplished something." For those who don't make it, he says, "You cannot determine everything about your situation or what happens to you, but you do decide what happens next...overall, you couldn't ask for a better option." Overall, the boy or girl trying to make the team this month or next couldn't ask for better advice than Czaplinski provides in his book.

If you have a son, daughter or friend who lacks superstar ability but who wants to make the team, this is the book. In my case, my sons are at the age where dad's advice doesn't carry as much weight as that of someone closer to their age. This book solved that problem. I highly recommend it for its practical and witty presentation of common-sense truths that everybody who has ever tried out has seen.

Lane Czaplinski's "Making the Basketball Team: Get Off the Bench and Into the Game" is the only self-help book that may actually help someone instead of driving them into therapy. Czaplinski, who played for the Kansas University baskeball team in 1991-'92, was arguably the most beloved and hardest working Jayhawk basketball walk-on ever. The same determination, talent and intelligence that landed him a varsity spot underpins his book, a step-by-step guide to how to play the fundamentally sound, defensive and team-oriented game that is widely known as "Kansas Basketball."

From the basics of ball handling, foot and body positioning on defense and proper shooting technique through the even more important mental aspects of the game, Czaplinski tells, and illustrates, what it takes to be a better ball player.

Although the book stresses hard work, practice and perseverance, Czaplinski writes without the preaching or flakiness of most sports how-to authors. He also spells out regimes and drills and even includes a model chart to help players document, and reflect on, their daily training.

Conversational, witty, encouraging, well-organized and incredibly informative, "Making the Basketball Team" will do wonders not only for beginning players, but also for advanced ones.

This author has brilliantly anticipated the need for a "How To" manual on the principles and practices of how to get scattered, disparate -- even dissimilar professions and people to work in harmony as a team -- without even meeting.

With the postmodern world's global, multi-national corporate and governmental activities -- the challenge facing project managers has become one of producing results from a workforce that is so far-flung it's impractical, even impossible for personnel to take the time and incur the expense to have the face time ordinarily necessary for a "team" to form, coordinate, and effect its mission.

Willmore has succeeded admirably in laying out the principles involved in forming a "virtual" team -- and the practices involved in guiding it to success. He discusses these issues from the standpoint of every participant in the venture -- whether consultant, member, manager, etc., and does so comprehensively with examples, checklists, and real-life scenarios that seem to cover all the bases. He deals with logistics, likely attitudes, communication, training, and just about any issue that might come up -- including the pros and cons of virtual teams themselves.

I give it five stars for readability, relevance, and usefulness for anyone interested in effective team work from spread out team members.

I'm an aerospace engineering manager with an extensive background of working in Europe, the Middle East, and various locations in this country. I have a keen appreciation for the problems facing any project manager whose task force is scattered, difficult to assemble, and facing continual deadlines. Willmore's tutorial on virtual teams describes the problem and proceeds to solve it with a book that tells me "everything I needed to know - but didn't know who to ask." I only wish such a useful book had been available years ago. But now that it's here, I fully recommend it to anyone who wants to know everything involved in getting the best work product out of a workforce that is too scattered to bring together to conduct normal face-to-face team building/bonding activities. Willmore's book takes you from Step One fundamentals right on through to the completion of the team's task. Along the way he covers everything from personality differences and communication to logistics and training. He not only explains the theory and the principles in a clear, concise, and complete way - he gives authentic case examples to illustrate what to do. His book is five stars in my book

This book is a must-read for anyone who works with virtual teams in any capacity, whether it be as a member, leader, manager, facilitator, coach, or consultant. Willmore provides real-life examples and in-depth scenarios, along with helpful tools and checklists. For instance, he concludes every chapter with questions for consideration as a way to facilitate reflection and learning. I particularly appreciated the matrix that laid out the relationship between different types of technology and various group work activities. The book covers the fundamentals without being too basic, beginning with how to set up a virtual team to building trust and cohesion to management and virtual learning. The information about the values, benefits, and distinctions of virtual teams from face to face teams is useful for anyone attempting to champion this mode of working. I have no doubt that the book will serve as a useful resource for years to come

MD Skincare Team Perfection, Includes Full-Size Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel, 30 Applications and Full-Size Hydra-Pure Antioxidant Firming Serum, 1.0-Ounce

Very nice products...Love that they came together and at a better price! Should group more of these products together at better prices!!!!!I would stop buying at other places! Always looking for a deal! :)

Wow!!! I have only used it 2days. My family noticed my skin looking better already. I had a dried skin patch on my face for months...tried many lotions. This has worked the best!!! My face is clear already, my pores are smaller, skin is tighter, dry patch almost gone...amazing!!! :)

I've been using the daily face peel for almost two months and not only does it not clean well, but my face feels tighter and smoother for a while. I think it's made a difference with texture and firmness in the long run. It's really not a peel, but just a very good cleanser. I just started using the serum and can't say if it really firms my face, but I'm happy with MD Skincare products and expect good results from the serum also.

A well-written, highly practical guide to achieving organizational effectiveness at the work team level. The authors present a methodology that brings out the views and issues of core customers, employees, and owners. Part I provides a framework for measurement. Part II address five key areas that matter: trust, leadership, teamwork, performance, and profit. The book provides numerous examples, figures, and exercises.

This is a highly valuable work that gives sound guidance, and provides a clear, actionable approach for achieving results. Very highly recommended.

I reviewed this book before it was published and loved it - the second time around it got even better! The case studies and humor make what could be a very dry subject, compelling, interesting, fun, and actually useable by mere mortals! I read it cover to cover - hard to put down. I can't remember when that ever happened with a management book!

The best part for me is the practicality and simplicity of measuring what matters - getting down to BASICS - not all that 6 Sigma, Balanced Scorecard, TQM, Reengieering STUFF with complicated methods and jargon! This IS simple, "keeping the main thing, the main thing" as Covey says. McDaniel and Napier DISTILL so much common sense into ONE place .

It's SIMPLE, it's wise, and it works! I will be recommending this book to my clients - no matter whether they are in education, health, gov't, other non-profits, or in business - This book is a must anywhere humans are doing important work.

R.B. Hewertson, President, Highland Consulting Group, Inc. "Changing the World, One Leader at a Time"

In following the story of a fictional bookstore, this book really shows you how to practically apply organizational vision at the level where work is actual performed, at the level of the functional work team. By driving down to that level, this book's first looks at the relationship between that team and its stakeholders (customers - both internal and external - employees, and owners). It establishes the balance of value exchange, determines what matters in each interaction, and then uses metrics to help the functional work team do what is most important better. The great thing about this book is that it isn't rocket science; it takes complex ideas about value exchange and uses a practical example and common sense to show how anyone can apply these principles simply by measuring what matters.