Tony Bridwell is the Chief Talent Officer for The Encompass Group, a Human Capital Management company, and has previously served as Chief People Officer for global corporations. So when he writes a book about story telling, he’s really writing about people and how to help them succeed.
Saturday Morning Tea follows the model that Patrick Lencioni has pioneered with his leadership fables. It tells a fictional story of a young manager struggling to succeed in her new role, and a wise professor who helps her. One of the first things he tells her is that “People need a reason to move — they need a story.” The book is structured around Saturday morning meetings between these two main characters and the lessons the professor teaches her about how we communicate and the issues that might arise. The first few chapters are about the three ways that people experience stories: when we show up, when we speak up, and when we sync up. The last two chapters deal with issues that arise to challenge the effectiveness of stories: burnout, lack of commitment, lack of capability, focusing on things outside our control, and misaligned cultures.
This is a lightweight book intentionally designed to be read in one or two sittings, on a flight, a couple of morning commutes, or over a cup of tea. It doesn’t demand much of the reader. It does deliver powerful, easy to consume, and easy to reference lessons in how to build momentum within teams towards your purpose and your objectives. Just about anyone wanting to motivate a team will benefit from this book, but especially seek it out when you are struggling with a team lacking commitment and engagement.