Changing the Way We Work ($68 + GST)
Book by R Meredith Belbin
1997
Butterworth Heinemann

'This is a very readable book, made more so by an excellent mix of theory, actual examples and anecdotes... Anyone involved in job setting should consider this essential reading.' Sheila Bullas, Director, Health Strategies Ltd. '..easy to read with a relaxed style and this is a pleasure.' Peter Lavery, Ulster Business Journal

How many problems at work arise from the way in which jobs are set up? Either people don't have a clear understanding of their duties and responsibilities, spending time and energy disentangling them from those of their co-workers or they are hemmed in by job specifications that allow no room for movement and initiative.

An alternative system is needed, where jobs can grow and develop: where communication about the work can flow up as easily as down. Dr Belbin describes a radical approach incorporating colour-coding and information technology derived from experiments now being undertaken in three countries. Workset is a new means of delivering greater efficiency in a dynamic process that equally involves managers and jobholders.

Contents

• Order and disorders
• The true nature of a modern job
• Reclassifying work: tasks versus responsibilities
• 'So what's the job?'
• Overcoming initial problems
• Job casting and job briefing
• Improving communications
• Quantifying the way we work
• Managing the feedback
• Creating a new culture
• Fostering team empowerment
• From competence to excellence
• Team roles and colour codes
• Managers and leaders revisited
• A way forward
• A Glossary of Terms; An Audit of Existing Practices in Job-Setting