Creating Effective Team Book Review

Wheelan
Jaime Castaneda
4-MAT Book Review
Liberty University

Abstract
Creating Effective Teams: a Guide for Members and Leaders is a book by Wheelan (2013) which guides leaders to establish well rounded and effecting teams. This guides starts with emphasizing that group establishment is important. According to the text, “People have formed work groups to accomplish goals and tasks since the beginning of human history” (Wheelan, 2013, pg. 1). The book is organized in 4 stages that guide the reader through a process that ultimately organizes individuals into effective teams. Stage 1 is referred to as the dependency and inclusion stage. In this stage “group development is characterized by members’ dependancy on the designated
I am currently in charge of 328 Soldiers that are tasked with teaching various aviation military occupations to include initial and advance flight training. Within my organization I have groups (sections) that work effective and efficiently toward a common goal. This goal is to ensure that the U.S. Army receives the best training enlisted and pilots possible. As a senior leader, my job is to create and establish teams that are not only effective but are able to sustain their successes. As I read through the text, I can see how helpful this book can provide insight on understanding the dynamics of team building within any organization. When I assumed responsibility over a year ago the first stage was evident within peers and members of my team. We all had the vision to move the organization forward. Eventually we moved into the second stage and conflicts began as members changed and new visions came into the picture. As the senior leader in the organization, I have to implement changes rules and regulations that were not received in a positive manner. Although it took time, trust, and hard work we were able to work out our differences and move the team forward for the better of the organization. Once trust was established, the team was able to move forward in achieving goals set by the members of the
That was not the case with this book. It was easy for me to see how groups can become well rounded and functioning teams when organized correctly. However, after reading the entire book I was left still wondering what if. What is all stages identified in the book were not fully completed? What is not all members of the group fully cooperated? And how does one handle a group that is receptive to change? Wheelan provided some outstanding advice and ideas, it failed to provide any alternative avenues in the event that the stages were not effective. Even after identifying the four checklists and the establishment of a grading system, there was still no real explanation on how to turn a group’s grade from poor to successful. This book provided great insight on techniques to building better teams, however, left me thinking that only when this book used in conjunction with other team building resources can actually work. I am in no way attempting to short change Wheelan; but as a first time reader of Wheelan my thoughts on the book when reading the title were not what I really expected. My only assumption that was correct was that this was a how-to type of book. One thing that I was expecting was the books ability to provide a way for the reader to correct problems within their teams. This book resembles an all-encompassing manual for leaders at any level but falls short what to do when the