Teams That Meet The Moment, my literary baby, has been out in the world for five months. It feels like both ages and absolutely no time at all.

Last week, the August team hosted a West Coast book party to celebrate TTMTM with our friends on the opposite coast. It was quite similar to the NYC one—the same energy, joy, and bright green book—but with a bit more sun.

And, also, more people who have actually read the book.

When we hosted our first launch event, TTMTM was brand new. People were excited to dive in, but they hadn’t yet spent time within the pages.

Now, I get the unique experience of people coming up to me and quoting my own words. I get to chat with readers about their favorite practices, and give advice on how to take them further. Mostly, I get to connect with people equally passionate about better ways of working.

Connection really emerged as the theme of the event. Specifically, informal connection.

When planning this gathering, we took a page from the book (literally) and decided that our intention was “joy Even Over being taken seriously.”

More than one guest asked me when I was going to give a book talk. And as much as I love talking about the book (cough my virtual book tour cough), my answer was, “There isn’t one.”

Not to say they didn’t have the chance to learn from some pretty great teaming experts. August Pals filled the room, ready and eager to talk about the book.

But this wasn’t a “sit and get formal” lecture moment. It was a “margarita machine and nacho bar while getting nerdy about teaming” moment. That vibe carries a value all its own.

We got to reconnect with August Pals, current and past. I got to be in the mix with Alexis, Keara, and Sam—our West Coast contingent who I usually only see through Zoom—and their clients.

Since we were hosting in their space, the IDEO folks were also out in full force, bringing their passion for teaming and org design.

This informal in-person moment with Pals and friends and teaming fans was so joyful and celebratory.

As the world speeds up and work becomes more demanding, slowing down for meaningful connection can sometimes seem indulgent, or idealistic, or simply not possible.

Well, I believe it’s necessary. 

Good teaming depends on good relationships, and informal moments like this are what build the strongest ones.

Karina Mangu-Ward

Partner, August Public

P.S. Here are a few photos that the August Pals snapped throughout the afternoon…enjoy!