I am new to this forum but feel the need to add my "two cents" to the open discussion.  As a new director I would like to be able to share the positives in motivating and encouraging teamwork within an operating division. Leading from the middle or leadership in general as well as a sense of fair play seems foreign to people.  27 months and things are improving and I know from a former colleague it can take even 3 or 4 years to build out plus some new team members.  I am tired of the negative and want a positive.  Any help or encouragement is appreciated.

A must read on this topic is Phil Jackson's Sacred Hoops (http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/results.asp?WRD=Sacred+Hoops). Jackson shares his Zen-like experience in turning the Chicago Bulls' style of play around 180 degrees from a Michael Jordan-centered arrangement (where he scored 60 points and the Bulls ended up losing 120-80) to an ensemble mode of team play involving all 12 players. the results was a level of excellence nver before seen in virtually any sport. Lots of parallels in our world of public management.

Best,

Warren Master, Editor-in-Chief

The Public Manager