Jim Strite, CR, CGR
Strite Design + Remodel
Boise, Idaho
Big50 1989
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable, by Patrick M. Lencioni, is about when and why a team doesn't work. One of the main points is that in the absence of trust, you can't talk without attacking one's person. So if there isn't strong trust, you don't enter conflict. There is an artificial harmony, and you never get to real issues.
That leads to a lack of commitment, because there's ambiguity, because you don't want to enter conflict. If you don't know what's going on, why should you be held accountable?
This book solidified my belief that I need to have the desired results in the open. Be clear, concise, and consistent, then have the team buy into those results through building trust in the team. And embrace conflict. Conflict is good, because that works us toward the truth.
Bruce D. Johnson, CKD
Lee Kimball Kitchens
Boston
Big50 1998
Full Steam Ahead! Unleash the Power of Vision in Your Company and Your Life, by Ken Blanchard and Jesse Stoner, helped me to focus. Blanchard is the same guy who wrote the One Minute Manager series.
We were in the midst of working on our long-term strategic plan and using a lot of resources, and the book fit into the plan. A lot related to what we were doing.
This is for people trying to take it to the next level or for people who aren't satisfied with their company's direction. If they don't have people on the same page or if they have a lack of vision, this book is for them.
It's a neat story, and it really talks about finding a company vision and what the significant purpose of the company is.
