"To create a high-performing team, leaders must be prepared for along and difficult journey. . . . At every step along the way thereis the potential for the effort to become derailed and the teamtrapped in the organizational quicksand that surrounds it. For teamleaders and team members alike, there are many hard lessons tolearn." --From the Introduction to Team Traps

It has been proven repeatedly that participative, team-basedorganizations are more productive, cost-efficient, and flexible;produce better quality goods and services; and develop more loyaland motivated employees than their traditionally managedcounterparts. But not every team experiment is a resoundingsuccess--far from it. Even the most productive and successful teamscan fall victim to internal and external pressures, mistakes, ormisunderstandings that disrupt the project, damage the team, oreven endanger the organization as a whole.

In this penetrating and entertaining book, consultant and teamexpert Steven R. Rayner recounts true stories of unforeseen teamdisasters that occurred in a wide variety of organizations. You'llmeet the team leader whose management style was so hands-off, hevirtually disappeared; the team zealot who lost his job after histeam developed one of the most successful products in his company'shistory; the highly successful team that nearly drove its companyinto bankruptcy; and many more.

Each story is followed by analysis, advice, and recommendationsbased on Rayner's years of team experience, gained while workingwith some of the most progressive organizations across NorthAmerica. Team members and leaders will find innovative, workableguidelines on how to "trap-proof" their teams.

Whether your company is contemplating a conversion to teams,enmeshed in a team experiment, or reaping the benefits ofsuccessful team projects, Team Traps will open your eyes to hiddendangers and arm you with all the weapons you need to overcomethem.

"Finally! --a practical real-world fieldbook of 'lessons learned.'This is a must read for people and organizations that are seriousabout successful, high-performing teams." --Bob Willard and JeanneHazell Leadership Development Team, IBM Canada

"In an era when most management material and 'team' books remainre-hashed evangelical fluff, Rayner's work is a powerfulcombination of the practical and the innovative, of concept andcommon sense. It is the requisite template for any executive,manager, or company implementing, or even considering, team-basedstructure." --Don Harrison President, IMA, Inc.

"Team Traps will prove to be an excellent handbook for allhigh-performance team leaders and members. It is a shame that manyof today's managers don't recognize the phenomenal results theycould achieve if only they would unleash the power of theirworkforce." --Joseph F. Burger Vice President and General Managerof Operations AAI Corporation