Breakthrough Teams for Breakneck Times, Unlocking the Genius of Creative Collaboration by Lisa Gundry, Ph.D. and Laurie LaMantia, MBA, MS, focuses on ways to envision success, be receptive to possibilities, and avoid fear. The narrative flows well and the information is designed to give business leaders the tools they need to improve team collaboration efforts and responsibility management. Rather than a passive read, this is an interactive handbook that encourages users to make notes in the margins.

The book is organized into 10 core principles with each chapter featuring a key, team-building attribute. These key attributes are depicted with profiles of successful team-players from a cross-section of organizations and professional experiences. The authors set the tone for each chapter with an apt quote from a well-known individual. In addition, a set of questions in each chapter helps readers to review their own team-building efforts and apply their own answers to the topic being discussed.

The authors begin with a discussion on the importance of establishing a team for a particular meaning and recruiting members who are not only experienced but also passionate about team issues and goals. There are numerous tips for improving internal communication processes and building business relationships, as well as a list of team process issues to be wary of. These include unnecessary rushing caused by pressure and time constraints and negative responses from team members that can end positive discussions.

The "Tools You Can Use" sections throughout the book offer valuable and thought-provoking group exercises to motivate both team leaders and members. However, note that while these tasks are simple to read on paper, they require preparation time, organization and follow-up to really make a difference.

Gundry and LaMantia give an excellent explanation of the importance of courage and risk-taking to be successful in today's economy. Many of us may be hesitant to make innovative changes in a shaky economic environment. However, the book's easy-to-follow suggestions and supportive examples from organizations such as Enesco, the Minneapolis Jewish Foundation, and United Scraps Metal provide effective encouragement.

By reading the book thoroughly, using the handy list of resources at the end, and utilizing the exercises step-by-step, business leaders can extract valuable information that is unique to their particular team-building needs.

Melanie Rembrandt is Public Relations manager for Employment Wizard/CareerSite Network, an e-recruitment solution provider. She can be reached at mmr@careersite.com.