Top Five Books for Improving Teamworking Skills

recommended by Daisy Reynolds

The pressure of micromanaging and juggling a never-ending to-do list can be rather exhausting and overwhelming for many leaders. The role of a leader is to stay seated in the driver’s seat to proactively push their team forward, however, when their time is being absorbed by the nitty gritty details, it means they are no longer taking a birds-eye view of their business. This is when issues such as disengaged employees and reduced productivity can arise. Teamworking skills are essential to overcome this and this collection of books will help any leader looking for some guidance on how to move forward in order to get the most out of their team to achieve business growth.

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    Buy

    Team Rhythm: Eleven ways to lead your team from overwhelmed to inspired
    by Iris Clermont

    'Team Rhythm', by Iris Clermont, aims to provide leaders with the knowledge and tools to ensure their teams are inspired and motivated in the workplace. Applying logic and themes from the world of music to equip leaders with tools to engage and inspire their teams, 'Team Rhythm' unpacks topics such as conflict resolution, diversity and inclusion, decision-making and listening skills, providing practical insights and strategies for leaders to lead with confidence all through the unique paradigm of rhythm. Throughout the book, Iris also offers a unique framework to help leaders to break free from past habits and regulate their own emotions. By following the framework, leaders will have the power to create a thriving culture, build trust and create meaningful relationships with their teams. 'Team Rhythm' is the perfect mix of relevant research, Iris’ personal experiences and practical exercises, making it an invaluable resource for leaders. The use of cartoons throughout also adds a fresh and light-hearted tone, providing visual reminders of the important lessons within the book. For any leader that is feeling overburdened and overwhelmed, and is wanting to change the narrative, this book will empower them to discover their true selves and align their teams.

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    The Self-Aware Leader: Play to Your Strengths, Unleash Your Team
    by John C. Maxwell

    Lack of self-awareness is the single greatest obstacle leaders face in their development, effectiveness, and advancement. Dr. John C. Maxwell will help any leader become more self-aware, focused, and confident. By reading 'The Self-Aware Leader', you will learn how to gauge your effectiveness as a leader, make better choices that lead to success, discover and correct your own mistakes, improve your leadership with the team, and make the right trades in your career. Self-awareness is key for new and seasoned leaders who want to avoid micro-managing, handle criticism with grace, and give others the credit they deserve. Maxwell also aims to help current and new managers looking to identify their strengths, become a better learner, and improve listening skills. When leaders don’t see themselves clearly, understand their strengths and weaknesses, or recognise their negative interactions with their team, they limit their influence and undermine their own effectiveness. What’s the solution? Become a self-aware leader.

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    You Are The Team: 6 Simple Ways Teammates Can Go From Good To Great
    by Michael G. Rogers

    In 'You Are The Team', visionary leader and team expert Michael G. Rogers presents an unparalleled approach to team development that sets this book apart from any other in the leadership genre. With captivating stories, relatable examples, introspective activities, and actionable exercises, this book challenges your team’s mindset and equips them with the tools to elevate their personal performance and that of your entire team. 'You Are the Team' is not a book just for you but for every member of your team. It is a meaningful, practical, actionable, and enduring gift to your team and possibly a gift to your entire organisation.

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    Team Habits
    by Charlie Gilkey

    We all know how important our habits are for personal productivity, success and happiness. But the truth is that we rarely work alone: reaching our goals depends on how effectively we work with others, and teams have their own habits that can help - or hinder - success. In 'Team Habits', productivity and teamwork expert Charlie Gilkey shows how to cultivate, implement and maintain the small habits that lead to big results for any team. No matter our job title or role, we all influence the people we work with, and the culture that we create: how we schedule meetings is a team habit, as is the way we cc, bcc or Slack each other, communicate our availability, set our boundaries and structure our days. They can make the difference between teamwork that feels like a struggle, and collaboration that empowers everyone to deliver their best. Starting with the Team Habits Quiz, and full of clear, applicable takeaways on everything from communication to morale to creating a sense of belonging, this book is essential reading for anyone who works in a team and wants to get further, together.

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    The Leadership of Teams: How to Develop and Inspire High-performance Teamwork
    by Mike Brent & Fiona Elsa Dent

    Teams are everywhere - business, industry, schools, hospitals and government. There are executive, management and cross-functional teams, as well as teams formed for specific tasks and projects. But when a team can succeed or fail on the quality and effectiveness of its leader, everyone will have a view on the leadership qualities that are most important. So what makes a successful team? And what can leaders do to ensure that their teams collaborate effectively and are committed to the right goals? 'The Leadership of Teams' examines some of the most common challenges facing both teams and leaders, including; interpersonal challenges, working in a global context, different roles in different teams, multicultural teams; and coaching and developing team members. Written by experienced academics and practitioners, this book incorporates results from specially-commissioned surveys on team-working, organised by Ashridge Business School. Using examples from sport, the military, business and the charity sector, 'The Leadership of Teams' shows how the best leaders successfully inspire, support and work with their teams in order to produce peak performance.

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