ABSTRACT
The UK 2009 New Horizons consultation document on mental health services stated that: A key rationale for teams is that they can provide access to the range of specialist skills and expertise necessary to provide a comprehensive assessment of needs and a wide–ranging plan of treatment for people with multiple and complex problems. This chapter describes team working as a 'holon' or 'whole–part'. Team leadership is about creating a supportive environment for creative thinking, for challenging assumptions about how the service should be delivered. Working appreciatively within the team, and across teams, and indeed with individuals is something that needs to be modelled by the team leader. The wide range of knowledge, skills and experience among disciplines within the team means that an open, transparent and equitable approach is needed to determine leadership roles that are not overly influenced by the social value attached to particular disciplines.
