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May 28, 2024 38 mins

Teamwork makes the dream work. But does it?


Most of us believe that being a team means nurturing teamwork, embracing camaraderie, and supporting each other emotionally. However, these factors, although very important, aren't essential for every type of team. Today’s guest will unpack what makes a team and how to build a strong one.


Meet James Scouller. James is an executive coach, thought leader, former CEO, and expert in building teams. He is also the author of the trilogy How to Build Winning Teams Again and Again and Again, the first series of handbooks to explain the psychology, principles, and road maps behind team success.


Known for his expertise in leadership and team dynamics, James discusses what truly defines a team, highlighting his 3 Cs model–Commit, Combust, Combine–and how it builds winning teams. 


He also provides real-world examples of different types of teams at work, explains how managers can support their teams through the stages of effective team formation, emphasizes the importance of trust and clear unifying goals, and much more.


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Conversation Topics

  • (00:00) Intro
  • (01:26) What makes a team?
  • (02:18) Pseudo teams vs. performance teams
  • (07:47) What does a “real” team look like in the workplace?
  • (11:24) Determining the right type of team for your work
  • (16:44) Building a winning team using the 3 Cs
  • (30:16) How to encourage people to prioritize the team first over personal needs
  • (32:12) A great manager James has worked for
  • (35:09) Keep up with James
  • (36:43) [Extended Episode Only] The dual forces concept and how it disrupts team formation
  • (42:43) [Extended Episode Only] Tips for helping team members with their mindset and behavioral shift
  • (44:39) [Extended Episode Only] How to craft a positive narrative for your team


Additional Resources:

- Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month

- Read the full transcript here

- Follow me on Instagram here 

- Visit my website for more here

- Build your team’s skills here


Keep up with James


- Follow James on LinkedIn and Twitter

- Grab a copy of his book here

- Visit Leadership Mastery Suite here


3 Exclusive Bonuses For Podcast+ Members


James is providing 3 amazing bonuses to members of Podcast+:

  • A PDF download of his “Rapid Team Rater” tool, which lets you assess your team within 10-15 minutes using a framework based on the Seven Principles team building model. 
  • An entire folder consisting of James’ sophisticated suite of tools called “Team Fixer”. The tools help you figure out your team’s top psychological issue and then zero in on the actions you’ll need to apply.
  • A free hour of consultation with James, where you can use the Rapid Team Rater tool to discuss the specifics of your team.

To get these guest bonuses and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.


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The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done.


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