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    Teams That Work by Tannenbaum, Scott I. & Salas, Eduardo' Summary

    Teams That Work
    Tannenbaum, Scott I. & Salas, Eduardo'
    4.12 (162 Reviews)
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    Overview of Teams That Work

    Unlock the science of exceptional teamwork with "Teams That Work" - distilling 35+ years of research from NASA, healthcare, and military settings into seven evidence-based drivers. Ever wondered why some teams thrive under pressure while others crumble? This practical guide reveals what elite organizations already know.

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    Best quote from Teams That Work

    “

    In reality, teamwork isn't separate from work-it is how work gets done effectively.

    ”
    Explore Your Way of Learning
    Teams That Work isn't just a book — it's a masterclass in Business. To help you absorb its lessons in the way that works best for you, we offer five unique learning modes. Whether you're a deep thinker, a fast learner, or a story lover, there's a mode designed to fit your style.

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    Distill Teams That Work into rapid-fire memory cues that highlight key principles of candor, teamwork, and creative resilience.

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    Key Takeaways

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    The Teamwork Revolution: Why Most Teams Fail Despite Our Best Intentions

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    When Google launched Project Aristotle to uncover the secret of effective teams, they discovered something surprising: what matters isn't who's on the team, but how they work together. This insight forms the foundation of "Teams That Work," now required reading at top business schools worldwide. The timing couldn't be more critical - today's executives spend 70% of their time in team settings, up from just 30% two decades ago. Yet despite this shift, the reality is sobering: nearly 75% of employees report experiencing ineffective teamwork, and less than a quarter consider their own teams very effective. This disconnect isn't just uncomfortable - it's costly. Team-related problems contribute to half of business startup failures and are among the leading causes of hospital safety issues. After studying teams for over 30 years - from astronauts and surgical teams to corporate boards - researchers identified seven consistent drivers that determine effectiveness across virtually all contexts. A truly effective team isn't just any group working together. It requires sustained performance (consistently delivering results), resilience (bouncing back from setbacks), and vitality (maintaining energy for future challenges). The seven drivers are: Capability (having the right mix of knowledge and skills); Cooperation (trust, psychological safety, and shared commitment); Coordination (behaviors like backing each other up and synchronizing efforts); Communication (effective information exchange); Cognition (shared understanding about priorities and roles); Conditions (the context in which teams operate); and Coaching (leadership functions that guide the team). These drivers are deeply interconnected - weakness in one area often cascades into others, while strengths can create virtuous cycles of improvement.

    2

    The Capability Paradox: Talent, Trust, and Team Dynamics

    3

    Coordination and Communication: The Operational Heartbeat of Teams

    4

    Shared Cognition: The Invisible Force Behind Seamless Teamwork

    5

    Team Leadership: From Command to Enablement

    6

    Team Dynamics in Action: Practical Applications Across Contexts

    7

    From Knowledge to Action: Building Teams That Truly Work