Collaborative Intelligence
Using Teams to Solve Hard Problems
By: J. Richard Hackman
Published: May 12, 2011
Format: Hardcover, 240 pages
ISBN-10: 1605099902
ISBN-13: 978-1605099903
Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers
"Although there are many heroic individuals in the intelligence community, most intelligence work actually involves extensive and intensive collaboration with others - with colleagues in the intelligence community to be sure, but also with outsiders such as people from other government agencies, academic researchers, and employees of private-sector organizations", writes Edgar Pierce Professor of Social and Organizational Psychology at Harvard University, J. Richard Hackman, in his groundbreaking and insightful book Collaborative Intelligence: Using Teams to Solve Hard Problems. The author describes how to build teams in even the most difficult of organizations, where information may often be incomplete or unavailable, and why teamwork and collaboration are essential in all organizations.
J. Richard Hackman draws upon his experience with the intelligence community to demonstrate not only the critical importance of teams, but also to provide insights into why some teams are effective while others end in failure. The author points out that even in the secretive intelligence community, where information may be classified and inaccessible, the importance of teams is crucial for achieving the organizational goals. The concepts presented in the book are equally beneficial for law enforcement, defense agencies, crisis and disaster organizations, and governments. The ideas and strategies for building collaborative teams are also valuable for businesses and non-profit associations. For the author, well designed collaborative teams are essential for success in any organization or community.
J. Richard Hackman (photo left) understands that many organizations lack the skills necessary to build effective collaborative teams. The author recognizes that some teams work really together, and other groups people brought together are neither cooperative or useful in any way. J. Richard hackman provides the good news that all teams involve people assigned to achieve a specific goal. As a result, the same principles for establishing and mobilizing beneficial teams can be utilized in any situation or organization. The author presents the conditions that result in teams that don't work, and when using a team may not even be the best approach to addressing the problem.
To build strong and effective teams anywhere and at any time, the author shares the following guidelines:
* Create a real and stable team that works together
* Establish a clear purpose for the team
* Place the right people in the right team roles
* Establish clear rules of conduct for individuals and the group
* Provide the necessary support and resources to achieve the goal
* Provide team oriented coaching at the right times
For me, the power of the book is how J. Richard Hackman takes a results oriented approach to team building. The author describes why recruiting, establishing guidelines, and providing the proper resources and timely coaching are critical to team success. J. Richard Hackman provides a step by step process for establishing successful teams, as well as warning against the common mistakes that result in badly designed, under supported, or teams that work at cross purposes. The author stresses that teams must also be developed in context of the task, and of the organization itself, to achieve the desired outcomes.
The author shares his six steps to creating effective and collaborative teams, utilizing his team establishing experience developed in the intelligence community. One of the real strengths of the book is how the author uses plain language to describe his concepts and strategies. Even more importantly, J. Richard Hackamn avoids quick fixes and shortcuts. The author realizes, thanks to that vast experience, that teams are complex interactions between very different people, often with widely diverse personalities and skill sets, that require intensive and extensive selection and care.
I highly recommend the very hands on and research based book Collaborative Intelligence: Using Teams to Solve Hard Problems by J. Richard Hackman, to anyone in any government, quasi-governmental, non-profit, or business organization who is seeking a reliable guide to building strong and cohesive teams to complete tasks of any complexity level. This book is useful for the seasoned team development professional or for someone creating and managing a team for the very first time.
Read the pioneering and very real world based book Collaborative Intelligence: Using Teams to Solve Hard Problems by J. Richard Hackman, and discover how the use of collaborative teams can tackle and overcome the most difficult of problems. If you have ever had difficulties with creating and guiding effective teams toward their ultimate goal, this book is indeed an eye opening experience.
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