Dynamic Collaboration: Strengthening Self-Organization and Collaborative Intelligence in Teams

(1) What is this book about?

This book provides a groundbreaking perspective on how teams become truly self-organizing. It challenges traditional, structured approaches to team development and emphasizes the power of dynamic conversations. It introduces the concept of “We-Spaces,” different conversational environments teams operate within, and explores how these spaces influence collaborative intelligence. The book highlights the importance of understanding adult developmental maturity within teams, arguing that developmental differences can create upward or downward spirals of effectiveness. It offers practical interventions for senior managers and team coaches to foster collaborative intelligence and transform downwardly divided teams into self-authoring, high-performing units.

(2) Who is it written for?

This book is written for senior managers, team leaders, consultants, and team coaches seeking to understand and enhance team self-organization and collaborative intelligence. It’s particularly relevant for those facing challenges in team dynamics, communication, and overall effectiveness.

(3) Why did I write this book?

I wrote this book to address the gap in existing team literature regarding the crucial role of adult developmental maturity in team dynamics. Traditional approaches often overlook the impact of individual maturity levels on team effectiveness. I wanted to provide practical tools and insights based on research in adult development, enabling organizations to move beyond conventional methods and cultivate truly collaborative teams.

(4) What makes this book different?

This book differentiates itself by:

• Focusing on Developmental Maturity: It emphasizes the impact of adult developmental maturity on team dynamics, a perspective largely absent in other team literature.
• Introducing We-Spaces: It introduces the concept of different “We-Spaces” or conversational environments that teams operate in, each requiring unique approaches.
• Addressing Upward and Downward Team Division: It explores how developmental differences create upward or downward spirals of team effectiveness and provides interventions to address these dynamics.
• Providing Cognitive Intervention Techniques: It offers specific techniques to improve team dialogue and enhance collaborative intelligence.
• Integrating Job 1 and Job 2: It highlights the importance of balancing task-oriented work (Job 1) with individual self-development and integrity (Job 2).

(5) What has been the added value since its publication in 2020?

Since its publication, this book has provided a new framework for understanding and enhancing team dynamics. It has enabled organizations to:

• Accurately assess and address developmental differences within teams.
• Improve team dialogue and collaborative intelligence.
• Create enabling environments that foster self-organization.
• Transform downwardly divided teams into high-performing units.
• Implement practical interventions based on adult development research.
• The understanding of the vertical dimensions of team interaction has been significantly increased.

(6) You don’t have time to read the book?

If you don’t have time to read the entire book, focus on the key concepts of “We-Spaces,” upward and downward team division, and balancing Job 1 and 2. Consider practical interventions for improving team dialogue and fostering collaborative intelligence. Consider exploring the chapters that discuss the different “We-Spaces” and how to manage them. Also, the first chapter gives a great overview of the developmental perspective. You can also focus on the concept of the Destiny method, which is mentioned in the previous answer, which is a great tool to determine the developmental level of team members.

The third module of the Dynamic Collaboration Deep Immersion Program provides a comprehensive overview of the book’s insights and applications. It also serves as a building block in Senior Leadership Development Programs. Contact Jan@connecgttransform to find out how this building block of the Dynamic Collaboration approach can enrich your team development.

Book reviews:

On LinkedIn

On Enliving Edge

Book interview for a Canadian network of entrepreneurs: On YouTube

A brief introduction on ‘how to think systemically about what is not yet there’. Talk for the SCiO. Click here.

Book presentation (in Dutch) for Unizo/The Future of Work.

“Dynamic Collaboration” Book Discovery Session, coordinated by AMG (Argentina): Click here

How to order the book?
2018, softcover, 240 pages, ISBN: 97890-5325-443-1

You can order a Paperback Copy by sending 55 Euro + VAT (6%) + shipping costs via the paypall-button

You can also order a PDF version of the book:

30 € (the PDF will be send to you by mail within 48 hours)

Or by making a payment to Connect&Transform’s account number: BIC: GEBABEBB – IBAN: BE25001320828182, mentioning “Book Dynamic Collaboration”, as well as your delivery address and VAT number (if you elect to receive a bill).

Don’t miss the Dynamic Collaboration Playbook, a companion guide with 33 practical implementation ideas to start the transition towards self-organization and collaborative intelligence (more information).

Order both books in one package.