Collaboration and Peak Performance

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." -Helen Keller

While the term "collaboration" is being uttered in our conversations on the job, all of us are collaborating every day. As you read this book, you will see that collaboration and peak performance have taken on a significant meaning in the perceptions of the authors assembled in the writing of this book. More than ever before, there is a need for organizations to work collaboratively in order to maximize the strengths and talents of its employees.

Collaboration and Peak Performance: A Multidisciplinary Perspective for Emerging Leaders provides evidence of collaboration in action. The 16 chapters in this book draw on research, theory and the work experiences of leaders, university faculty and doctoral students. To help emerging leaders, team members, team leaders and team consultants understand what they can do to foster collaboration for peak performance, this book begins with a discussion of collaboration- a must for success and ends with how inner and outer fulfillment will lead to self-awareness- a must for collaboration. Regardless of your position, the size of your organization, or the kind of customers you serve, this book is a must read!

PATRICIA MITCHELL is an associate professor in the Department of Leadership Studies at the University of San Francisco. She holds a B.S. degree from Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland; M.S. degree from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois and a Ph.D. from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Dr. Mitchell has been a major player and has made an impact on training and preparing leaders and managers to transform their organizations. She previously has published books and articles on the representation of women in higher education leadership. Her most recent book is Cracking the Wall Twenty Years Later: Women in Higher Education Leadership.

SILVIA RAMIREZ is an adjunct faculty member at the University of San Francisco. She holds a B.A. from the University of California at Santa Cruz: a Master of Arts Degree from Stanford University and an Ed.D. from the University of San Francisco. Dr. Ramirez serves as an educator, consultant and teacher trainer. Dr. Ramirez continues to work as an elected member of the Healdsburg Area Teacher's Association. She has trained over 1000 teachers at the Sonoma County Office of Education for the California Teachers of English Learner (CTEL) (formerly CLAD) examination throughout California.