Title: Collaboration: How Leaders Avoid the Traps, Create Unity, and Reap Big Results

Author: Morten T. Hansen

Publisher: Harvard Business Press      Year: 2009 

Reviewed By: Sylvia Trundle ‘09, Captain, Akron Police Department

What were the overall strengths of this book?

The author provides interesting examples to thoughtfully examine the successes and failures of prominent corporations and leaders as they wind their way thru various minefields in search of correct amounts of collaborative initiatives.  Hansen acknowledges that collaboration is not always the answer, but that disciplined collaborative initiatives coupled with personal responsibility can improve bottom line results.   

What were the drawbacks, if any, of this book?

Just when you think you’ve figured out a strategy to implement the author’s ideas, he throws out another potential roadblock.  It sometimes feels like the reader needs to draw continuous roadmaps to keep on track with Hansen’s concept that a combination of teamwork and individual ownership leads to disciplined collaboration. The various pros and cons of collaboration, goal setting, and networking keep the reader guessing as to the best solutions.

How does this book tie into the workplace and/or our community? How might you apply the insights in this book to your own leadership?

Some of the author’s insights created a visual imagery of centering the workplace under the hot lights and providing a sound grilling.  It’s sometimes uncomfortable, but necessary. Strengths and weaknesses are exposed, personalities revealed, and motivations challenged.  Its obvious leaders need to know more than superficial information about their agencies’ core functions and personnel. They must be able to quickly adapt to changing circumstances and set the example for collaborative practices. 

To whom would you recommend this book and why?

I would recommend this book to anyone who struggles and finds it challenging to accomplish projects and meet goals both internally and externally.  It compels a leader to examine time management and organizational issues such as whether a meeting is held just because or whether it will facilitate goals and results. 

What is the “bottom line” of this book?

The crux of this book is to learn to play well with others when it benefits the bottom line.  Too often, personnel work at cross purposes whether intentionally or not. It’s incumbent that leadership cultivates and builds relationships that will promote buy-in as well as facilitate personal and business success.

Is there anything else you would like to add that stands out about this book?

The self-assessment is not for the faint hearted! 

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