Editorial Review:
A new edition of the book that lead the self-directed work teams revolution. Leading Self-Directed Work Teams is one of the best-selling books on teams ever published. Now, the perfect guide for any team leader has been revised and expanded to reflect the new realities of team-based organizations. By explaining how team leaders differ from conventional supervisors, this informative volume which is based on the author's successful seminars and workshops is especially useful for those managers who move from hierarchical to participatory structures. This edition feature more practical examples and techniques than in the previous edition, new research, dozens of tips and checklists, case studies, and valuable training exercises. It has been used and praised by experts at Motorola, M.I.T., AT&T and many other organizations.
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Customer Reviews
Average Customer Rating: 
Very good coverage of self-directed teams  2007-05-26
"Leading self-directed work teams" consists of 6 parts. The first part introduces the concept of self-directed work teams, it's history and especially the difference between traditional organizations and self-directed work teams. Part 2 gives a case study from Kodak. Part 3 talks about the assumptions that leaders in organizations have and how it affects the SDWT. Part 4 describes the role of the team leader and a description on what team leaders do day-to-day (there are actually 2 part 4s, which is kinda weird). Part 5 talks about problems and solutions and the final part gives some tests which you can do to see how suitable you are for a team leader (I need some minor changes, it says).
I loved the beginning of the book. The first couple of chapters were fantastic and I quickly finished part 1. I didn't find the case study interesting. I liked part 3 quite a lot, but then when the book went on I felt it was not getting much better. The author tried to think of concrete tools for a team leader to use, but somehow they didn't feel natural (like the 5 stages of team leaders). Near the end of the book, I felt something was missing from the book. I don't know exactly what it is, maybe the team member perspective, maybe more concrete tools. (simulation games?)
Despite the above critique, I recommend the book to anyone involved or interested in self-directed teams. Kimball Fisher wrote in a clear style which kept me reading the book. Theory was followed with concrete examples. It's not a lot of pages so it's easy to read in a relative short time.
I learned a lot from this book. I'm a promoter of SDWT in my organization and the book made me realize how difficult the transition is. How difficult it is for supervisors to adopt their new roles and for team leader to broaden their job responsibility. It clarified my experiences. SDWT are the future but the part towards them in long.
Decent, But Not Ground Breaking  2006-10-28
As other reviewers have noted, an interesting read for the military leader and "ops" guy alike. But at the end of the day I tend to lump this book together with the tedious, dime-a-dozen management specials out there. As a former military officer I'll be the first to toe the line and admit that a lot of what Mr. Fisher explores is right on target - just not new territory.
At the end of the day, a good primer (or refresher) but not entirely college math.
All MILITARY Leaders Need This Book  2001-07-21
***The second industrial revolution is definitely in full swing. As we progress from the traditional style organizational leadership and head towards team-building and progressive leadership, this book illuminates what will work. So many leaders in the military have failed to adapt to the cultural changes of the new millenium, and thus the failure to retain Officers and Enlisted alike. All military leaders must accept that fact that EMPOWERMENT is the key to organizational success. This book defines what empowerment is and how to effectively implement the "Self-Directed Work Teams." Covers what a true leader is how "barking direct orders" is not effective as empowering others to perform. Set boundaries instead of rules. I am a military Officer and have seen many times the follies that many Officers make when making leadership decisions. This book not only shows you what is wrong with the traditional systems, but also how to implement effective leadership. *******A MUST READ FOR ALL MILITARY LEADERS AND CIVILIAN MANAGERS*** DEFINETLY A GREAT BOOK!!!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT TO ALL AS A GROWING TOOL. READ IT, LEARN IT, USE IT!
Lessons from an Experienced Practitioner 2001-05-25
This book is a solid how-to manual for leading self-directed work teams. Kimball does a great job of explaining what self-directed teams are all about and how to lead them.
Leading self-directed team may sound like paradox, but these teams need a special type of leadership. This book goes beyond theory to explain the realities of making these teams really work. Easy-to-read with plenty of examples.
* Mark Kelly, coauthor of MASTERING TEAM LEADERSHIP: 7 ESSENTIAL COACHING SKILLS
Insightful! 2001-04-17
Kimball Fisher provides a revised, updated look at the techniques for successfully leading self-directed work teams (SDWTs). He draws on basic principles described in his earlier book of the same name. SDWTs are effective, and growing in popularity. Fisher focuses on how leaders must adapt to make them work. He emphasizes the need to truly empower and support workers. He underscores the importance of making the team adaptable to the work itself, rather than clinging to a particular structure. Fisher combines principles with examples and how-to tips that you can apply in your own organization. He provides good summaries of each chapter's highlights. We [...] recommend this well-organized, clearly written book. While some of its contents are similar to recent books on creating teams, empowering employees and using a better management style, it is an excellent recap and a good guide for anyone new to team-building methods.
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