Virtual-finance

In discourse with a fellow business consultant we bantered about the topic of Lipnack and Stamps latest book (of which I had received an advance copy). He said: "Unfortunately, Lipnack and Stamps(L&S) have been 10 years ahead of the curve with their understanding of the importance of networking."

"But," I replied, "With the book 'Virtual Teams' they offer the world-wide-race-to-the-Internet a well needed moment of reflection-during which they offer PURPOSE to connecting and give virtual teaming DEFINITION and DIRECTION." And the banter continued but we both agreed and got tingles as our chat echoed the truth of their statement:

"Communication technologies and computer networks-in particular the Internet-are underwriting this moment of pregnant potential." (p 240)

"You know," I concluded, "It's a good thing they (L&S) were ahead of their time-otherwise we would not have the language to discuss our 'interdependence' symptoms, to test our 'distributed business' hypothesis', and to realize how much responsibilty it is to be 'pregnant' with potential! Really! The capabilities and expectations we have to manage in these Internet days... how exciting, how dangerous! After all, 'net potential, without 'net performance is just predisposed waste, don't you agree?"

"Yeah, yeah Paula,--yadda, yadda, yadda; 'net, 'net, 'net...enough philosophy-so, should I read the book or not?"

"Go for it." I replied. "This book is not just an electronic blip about the latest fad of virtual teams- it is a study on careful communication, on planning and developing valuable distributed business relationships...a book to be savored and re-read over time."

(BTW --Mine is already all dog-eared and worn!)

Be prepared to THINK DEEP; when you read this book, SIP it SLOWLY and --ENJOY!

What particularly makes this book refreshing is that authors aren't shy of challenging assumptions and orthodoxies, especially about trust and leadership. Although every chapter makes its contribution, two particularly stand out.

I really enjoyed the chapter by Walter Fernandez who reports trust (and mistrust) development in a large virtual team project. Great common sense here mixed with business insight (usually so missing), a healthy dose of cynicism, and empirical data.

Also remarkable is the final chapter by Peter Murphy. He uses a metaphor of 'the organization as city' to put virtual teaming in the context of physical centres of trade and knowledge. This chapter is brimful of ideas which challenge those of the earlier chapters, and Pauleen has cleverly used it as a coda to this valuable book.

Dr A J Gundry
Director, Knowledge Ability Ltd
Malmesbury UK

In 'The Virtual University: an action paradigm and process for workplace learning', Teare, Davies and Sandelands outline a coherent vision of what is possible, backed up by real examples of what they are achieving today.

The book manages to sketch out the big picture of the learning society within the context of a rapidly changing, uncertain world. It presents an inclusive, 'open systems' model of personal and organizational learning. But it's not just a theoretical model, as is ably demonstrated by the creation of Our University for Industry - hospitality worldwide, among other experiences related.

The use of electronic communications media is discussed, but this is not a book for the techno-heads, it's for educationalists and in-company senior training and OD specialists. And it's for everyone seeking to develop themselves on an ongoing, 'lifelong' basis.

It follows on nicely for me in the tradition of 'The Knowledge Game' and 'Our Enterprise School of Management' by Gordon Wills, and all works by Reg Revans e.g. 'The ABC of Action Learning'.

I enjoyed it and feel I have benefitted from finding the time to read it cover to cover!

Claire Huntley Contributing Editor: Technology Strategies Editorial Advisor: Global Anthological Journal of Action Learning