Growing Groups into Teams

 
 
 
 
  EXCELLENT  
  
 Based on 178 reviews 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Amazon  
 
  
 
 
 Kate Colbert 
 
 
 
 Verified 
A Book Full of Light-Bulb Moments for Leaders Who Think They Know It All When It Comes to "Teamwork"
I have long believed that a shift in mindset can change everything – everything about our businesses, our lives, our health, and our relationships. So, color me happy to discover the brilliant book “Growing Groups into Teams” by Pam Fox Rollin, Kobe Bogaert, and the team at Altus Growth Partners – a book that delivers a wallop of a mindset shift when it comes to participating in and leading teams. I literally caught myself blurting out “Oh, wow” and “Dang, that’s so true!” while reading. The book is loaded with light-bulb moments, like “Much of your happiness, health, and wealth depends on the success of teams” and “Many mediocre ‘teams’ aren’t actually teams. They’re groups of task-doers.” This book (a book ABOUT teams that was written BY a team!) has helped me to go very, very deep into my own biases and long-held beliefs about leadership and delegation to question whether I can do better in the future — when it comes to participating in and leading teams — than I have in the past. Rollin, Bogaert, and team approach the conversation with their readers in a compassionate way, acknowledging that “We understand that some teams were lousy before you even met them” but inviting US to acknowledge that “It’s probably not your fault that a team is lousy, but it IS your opportunity.”For far too long — including during my own MBA training with a specialization in organizational behavior (teams, etc.) — I’ve been told, “There is no ‘I’ in team.” This book not only challenges that assumption, but it also flips it on its head. I am so grateful to this team of authors for teaching me that changing a few things about MYSELF can make my teams better — that I, as a leader and a teammate, can change the possibilities for my businesses and my projects by being more deliberate and by no longer seeing a group of subject-matter experts as a “team” if they’re not behaving like one. Just because you and several other people report to the same boss doesn’t make you a team. Just because you and several others show up to the same meetings and talk about the same projects doesn’t make you a team. It’s so much more than that.As a communications expert, I was tickled pink to see the authors talk about the power of conversations. A “wow” moment that I lingered in (for a long time!) was the statement: “Your team works in moods of ambition or resignation because of the conversations you’ve had or haven’t had.” Think about that. Morale, culture, project and sales success, turnover — it all hinges on conversations … for better or for worse. And this book teaches us to be better.If you’ve ever been on an athletic team or a social team (playing soccer or chess, perhaps), you know that coaches work hard to master the intricacies of team dynamics … getting Player A to pass the ball just right to Player B, who then passes it off to Player C for the goal. The book “Growing Groups into Teams” challenges us to ponder why we don’t apply the same intentionality and rigor to building business teams. Aren’t they as consequential, or more? Why do we mentor and manage groups of individuals, instead of teaching them to function as teams? It’s high time we raised the bar for what people can do TOGETHER … and this book is an excellent catalyst for that critical change.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Amazon  
 
  
 
 
 Shannon Valentine, LMFT 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Wonderful Resource
A thoughtful, instructional and contemporary approach to effectively working in teams. I really appreciated the authors’ wealth of experience and perspective. This is a book that could surely inspire and instruct many of my clients and their teams.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Amazon  
 
  
 
 
 Irma Parone 
 
 
 
 Verified 
A must read to engage and inspire!
"Growing Groups into Teams" is an invaluable guide for transforming any group into a high-performing, cohesive team. Authored by the experts at Altus Growth Partners, this book combines real-life stories with practical advice to provide actionable strategies for fostering accountability, trust, and inclusivity within teams. The insights on making two critical promises, engaging members, and inspiring across differences are particularly impactful. Whether you're leading a new group or seeking to elevate an existing team, this book is a must-read for driving organizational success. A refreshing and inclusive resource for leaders and teams in any industry.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Amazon  
 
  
 
 
 Gary P. Nowak 
 
 
 
 Verified 
"A Playbook for Team Success: Insightful, Practical, and Packed with Real-World Wisdom"
This book is a standout for anyone serious about building a successful team. It's evident that a collaborative effort went into its creation, and the result is a seamless, insightful read. The authors draw from real-world experiences, offering concrete perspectives that make the content relatable and actionable.The use of soccer / football analogies adds a unique touch, effectively illustrating the difference between a mere group and a true team. One of the book's key strengths is its focus on the concept of "promise" as foundational to team formation, offering a fresh lens on team dynamics. The authors also do a fantastic job highlighting the telltale signs that distinguish groups from teams, making it easy to apply these insights to your own work environment.The book's exploration of the ten essential elements for a successful team is particularly powerful. These aren't just theoretical ideas; they're practical strategies you can implement immediately. The real-life illustrations from individuals impacted by Altus Growth Partners bring these concepts to life, adding depth and resonance.Communication is a major theme throughout the book, with early chapters offering simple yet effective questions to ensure everyone is aligned. The blend of consulting wisdom with a coaching approach by Altus Growth Partners makes this book both strategic and practical.What's great is that the book is designed to meet you where you are. If you're facing a specific challenge with your team, you can dive into the chapter that addresses it directly. Each chapter also concludes with recommended actions, making it easy to apply what you've learned.A standout case study on trust, featuring Kaytura Felix, MD, underscores the importance of building trust across organizational cultures, rounding out this comprehensive guide.In short, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to elevate their team's performance and cohesion.