Team Being

Team Being is a book about creative collaboration—what it is, how it works and how to maximize chances of doing it well. The book is built upon years of experience working with thousands of nascent teams from education, business and government where participants were expected to generate results in formations from two to twenty-five people. The book shares complex insights on collaboration combining direct observations of creative teams in action, extensive reviews of ground-breaking research in the field and insights from leaders of professional creative teams. Team Being goes beyond other teamwork books incorporating compelling insights and perspectives from psychodynamics, neuroscience and quantum physics, all of which help to illuminate the often-hidden forces at work in collaborative environments. The more aware leaders are of these forces, the more empowered they are to lead teams by influence rather than blind authority.Learning how to work well with others is an inconvenience, not unlike what grammar is to writing. Teamwork is an essential skill for the 21st century work force, but there is currently no natural, convenient or effective place to learn it in most institutions of education.

Currently most organizations, their managers/executives and individuals face uncertainties associated with substantial challenges-- which upset the status quo. This book looks at an ingenious approach employing creative collaboration to cope with such challenges. The authors' diverse background enrich the possibilities associated with this approach.--Mark Doctoroff, PhD, International Consultant and Entrepreneur, If you have anything to do with forming teams at work or at home, this is an exciting book to read. Why? Since the inception of the United States, individualism has often been the hallmark of success. Yet, as work and life have become more complex, the need for teams has surpassed the need for individualism in nearly all endeavors. Here in this easy to read text is a path forward from the trite saying that there is no I in TEAM" to effective team building. The authors provide a clear understanding of what needs to happen to move from individualism (singularity) to effective teams (Team Being). This book is foundational for modern living where teams have become essential for successful work and indeed life itself.--Richard Pitts, DO, PhD, Physician and Hospital Executive, Orange County, California Area, Rarely a book comes along that casts a light on that intangible something that you know has been missing from every book you've ever read on a subject, and Team Being does just that for the subject of teamwork. Focusing on the real challenges undergirding teams and collaboration, such as chaos, conflict, risk, and abrasion, the authors focus on the surprising way these each benefit the the process of collaboration. Engaging and thought-provoking, this work thoughtfully dissects the mixed human attributes and emotions that lead to individuals engaging successfully in teamwork.--Kelly Leahy Whitney, EdD, Chief Product & Partnerships Officer, iCivics Inc., A thought-provoking book that delivers profound, new insights into the world of creative collaboration. This book clearly provides leaders with a road map for success that is pragmatic and applicable in any work setting. Gary and Michael have combined their deep expertise and talent to create a book that will develop and expand the readers understanding of creative collaboration and the complex forces at work in a collective setting.--Colleen L. Bielitz, PhD, VP Strategic Initiatives & Outreach, Southern Connecticut State University, As an active Hollywood tv and film producer, I spend my days collaborating with some of the most brilliant creatives on Earth. But with great minds come great discrepancies in thought, ego, and sense of self - all traits that can derail a project, turning your next Oscar or Emmy winner into a muddy, unwatchable embarrassment. At the very heart of this risk is teamwork - or lack thereof. I'm thankful that Gary and Michael put together such a well-researched exploration into what it means to be an effective collaborator, using easily digestible, real-world stories backed up by compelling science. The lessons learned in this book will help you - like it did me - in any collaboration, whether you're making a movie; working on a team project; or just trying to negotiate your complicated family life. If you like getting the most out of yourself and those around you, Team Being is an investment that will pay off creatively, emotionally, and financially many times over. I can't recommend it enough.--Corey Marsh, Executive Vice President and Producer, Wonderland Sound and Vision

Gary Gemmill, Ph.D. is Professor Emeritus of Organizational Behavior at Syracuse University where he instructs, consults and does research on the psychodynamics of working together in collaborative creative teams. He also has a global consulting practice dealing with collaborative leadership and leadership development.Michael Schoonmaker, Ph.D is Professor and Chairman of the Television-Radio-Film Department at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School. He is the author/co-author of the three previous books:  Educating the Post-TV Generation; Unlocking the Moviemaking Mind; and Making Television Programs. His professional credits include managing roles in production with MTV and NBC.