When Teams Break Down Hardback - 2008 - 1st Edition

Media reviews

'The most original ideas on conflict in years. A must read for anyone interested in making their organization a success.'
Roger Fisher, author of Getting to Yes

'One of the most enlightening and useful books I've read about that indomitable, freighted four-syllable word that has the power to destroy dreams and lives––or enliven them: relationships. Smith has a unique style, smart and deft, coupled with a fresh sense of humor.'
Warren Bennis, distinguished professor of business, University of Southern California, and coauthor (with Noel Tichy), Judgment

'Work relationships are like the weather everybody talks a lot about them, but most think they can't do much about them. Such fatalism soon becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, resulting in mediocre and frustrating teams at all levels. A master adviser to teams, Diana Smith persuasively shows how those who truly care about performance and relationships can simultaneously nurture both.'
Peter Senge, author, The Fifth Discipline

'A rare book––sensitive in human terms, but also practical and hard-edged.'
Lord Dennis Stevenson, banker, chairman, HBOS, plc

'Smith offers advice that's applicable to politics, governance, and life itself. An easy read that can really pay off.'
Geraldine A. Ferraro, former member of Congress

'With advice that is both practical and profound, Smith shows us how to bring out the very best in our partners, teammates, and ourselves.'
Michael Wheeler, professor of management practice, Harvard Business School

'Smith has written a masterpiece . . . for all leaders from business to politics.'
Jonas Gahr Store, minister of foreign affairs, Norway

'An invaluable guide to a domain that's becoming ever more important, not only in business but across sectors. I wish I had this book when I co-founded City Year twenty years ago.'
Alan Khazei, CEO, Be the Change, and cofounder, City Year

'These days relationships are recognized as business lifeblood and everyone works to improve them, so Diana McLain Smith's Divide or Conquer: How Great Teams Turn Conflict into Strength is right on the money. She takes you behind the media stories of relationships that made headlines to illustrate how a broken relationship can cause severe damage not just to the people, but to the company and the brand. Relationships happen, but great relationships take thought and effort. They'll never be easy, but Divide or Conquer provides the tools and insights to make them easier.
Leadership Turn.com

'[Smith] does a phenomenal job of breaking down the dynamics, dysfunctions, errors, and blind spots that caused all kinds of turmoil at Apple, ultimately ending in Steve Jobs being removed from his job. This kind of thing happens all the time in business and personal relationships, and this book seeks to help us understand why and suggests ways to prevent it from happening. Smith provides some great models, examples, and techniques to help you here. More importantly, she provides some tools to help you push the reset button and try to get things on a healthier trajectory. Brilliant stuff, and very practical.'
-Genuine Curiosity.com