Synopsis

In the face of the COVID-19 virus, organizations large and small are shuttering offices and factories, requiring as much work as possible be done from peoples’ homes. The book draws on the insights of the Carlos's earlier book, Lessons from Mars, providing a set of the powerful tools and exercises developed within the Mars Corporation to create high performance teams. These tools have been adapted for teams suddenly forced to work apart, in many cases for the first time. These simple secrets and tested techniques have been used by thousands of teams who know that creating a foundation of team identity and shared meaning makes them resilient, even in a time of crisis. The "Resilience Series" is the result of an intensive, collaborative effort of our authors in response to the 2020 coronavirus epidemic. Each volume offers expert advice for developing the practical, emotional and spiritual skills that you can master to become more resilient in a time of crisis.

Reader Reviews

Your team might be falling apart - how would you even know it?

How do you know your team is performing well as the coronavirus has compelled us to make the switch to WFH? Are they even paying attention during those Zoom calls? Are they putting in their hours? This book is a great resource for team managers who want to keep their teams together, and performing at their best in this strange new virtual world. What I liked best about it was the focus on purpose - clear, shared, motivating purpose. And also, the author's insistence that teamwork not be built up into a cult. The reason you work in a team is to get better results than you would alone - so when teamwork is not needed, let people accomplish their tasks on their own! The author is himself a master tram builder with a whole corporate career of creating high performance teams. This shows in the practical examples he uses throughout. I also like how short and direct the book is. Finally, I would add that this is not only a book for team leaders - it is a great book for anyone who is a member of a team as well. ~Tim Ward, Publisher, Changemakers Books

Carlos knows what he is talking about!

Do you remember the heady days of team-building exercises? Ropes courses, inspirational games, and human potential exercises were fun and energizing, but did they build a more productive team? Carlos Valdes-Dapena thinks not, arguing instead for a powerful new model – High Performance Collaboration (HPC) – developed from his 17-year tenure at Mars, Inc. A thorough and evaluation-driven model, it focuses on the actual components of group productivity – inspiring purpose, crystalizing intent, cultivating collaboration, activating ways of working, and sustaining and renewing the process. Valdes-Dapena provides extensive guidance, explanation, and hands-on experience, inspiring the reader to learn and apply his methods to the virtual work environment. Virtual Teams deserves careful consideration in the new world of virtual meetings. Highly recommended. ~John C. Robinson, PhD

Practical and timely

There's a lot available about building and working with teams that's simply not very useful. This book cuts through all that. Its elements are practical and based on research, but even more on good common sense. I work with several different kinds of teams and the ideas in this book will be a great help.  ~Kirk Woodward, former Change Management Coordinator, Time Warner

Perfect timing  for this book

Fantastic read, for any time, but especially now. Very helpful  ~Katherine Egan, Owner, Katherine Elizabeth Events