Extraordinary Groups: How Ordinary Teams Achieve Amazing Results

Extraordinary Groups: How Ordinary Teams Achieve Amazing Results

by Geoffrey M. Bellman, Kathleen D. Ryan
Released September 2009
Publisher(s): Jossey-Bass
ISBN: 9780470404812

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Book description

Two leading experts present a new approach to help teams nurture extraordinary experiences and excel

Occasionally we participate in a group that inspires us to describe the experience as "powerful" or simply "wow." Why are some teams described in such exceptional terms, while most are not? Bellman and Ryan argue that an extraordinary group emerges when a group experience satisfies two or more core needs that members intuitively bring to any group they join. Based on extensive research, the book presents the Group Needs Model to help anyone nurture extraordinary experiences in their groups and achieve outstanding results.

  • Introduces a new approach for creating extraordinary experiences and results in teams

  • Identifies the key characteristics that define exceptional teams

  • Describes the Group Needs Model for encouraging extraordinary experiences and team success

  • A timely resource for anyone who leads groups including HR and OD professionals, managers, executives, nonprofit managers and directors, virtual teams leaders, and trainers

Table of contents

  1. Copyright
  2. I. OVERVIEW
    1. 1. WHY SMALL GROUPS ARE IMPORTANT NOW
      1. 1.1. Learning from the Experiences of Others
      2. 1.2. What Is an Extraordinary Group Experience?
        1. 1.2.1. Micro-Credit for Millions
        2. 1.2.2. A Moving Experience
        3. 1.2.3. Defining Extraordinary Groups
      3. 1.3. What to Expect from Extraordinary Groups
      4. 1.4. Why Are Small Groups So Important Now?
        1. 1.4.1. Notes
    2. 2. WHAT'S DIFFERENT ABOUT EXTRAORDINARY GROUPS
      1. 2.1. What Distinguishes an Extraordinary Group?
      2. 2.2. Bucking the System
      3. 2.3. An Amazing Group at Work
        1. 2.3.1. Compelling Purpose
        2. 2.3.2. Shared Leadership
        3. 2.3.3. Just-Enough Structure
        4. 2.3.4. Full Engagement
        5. 2.3.5. Embracing Differences
        6. 2.3.6. Unexpected Learning
        7. 2.3.7. Strengthened Relationships
        8. 2.3.8. Great Results
        9. 2.3.9. Notes
    3. 3. WHAT ORDINARY GROUPS NEED
      1. 3.1. Our Instinctive Need to Group
      2. 3.2. Six Group Needs
      3. 3.3. The Group Needs Model
        1. 3.3.1. Self–Acceptance and Potential
        2. 3.3.2. One Project Leads to a New Career
        3. 3.3.3. Group–Bond and Purpose
        4. 3.3.4. An International Donor's Circle
        5. 3.3.5. World–Reality and Impact
        6. 3.3.6. Saving $8.8 Million
        7. 3.3.7. At the Heart of Transformation
          1. 3.3.7.1. "A Fundamental Shift."
          2. 3.3.7.2. "In Individual Perceptions."
          3. 3.3.7.3. "That Accelerates Behavior Change."
          4. 3.3.7.4. "And Personal Vitality."
        8. 3.3.8. Four Feelings at the Heart of Transformation
          1. 3.3.8.1. Energized!
          2. 3.3.8.2. Connected!
          3. 3.3.8.3. Hopeful!
          4. 3.3.8.4. Changed!
      4. 3.4. How Transformation Happens in a Group
        1. 3.4.1. Transformation Is a Heart-Felt Experience
        2. 3.4.2. Transformation Happens to One Person at a Time
        3. 3.4.3. Transformation Seldom Happens Simultaneously for an Entire Group
        4. 3.4.4. Transformation Is Personal and Not Guaranteed
        5. 3.4.5. Transformation Can Be Encouraged
  3. II. UNDERSTANDING THE GROUP NEEDS MODEL
    1. 4. GROWING TOWARD YOUR POTENTIAL
      1. 4.1. Overview of Acceptance and Potential
      2. 4.2. Acceptance: Knowing and Appreciating Ourselves for Who We Are
        1. 4.2.1. I Know Who I Am and What I Bring, Strengths and Limitations
        2. 4.2.2. I Can Express Who I Am to Myself and Others
        3. 4.2.3. I Accept Myself for Who I Am Right Now
      3. 4.3. Potential: Sensing and Growing into Our Fuller and Better Selves
        1. 4.3.1. I Sense That I Could Be More
        2. 4.3.2. I Am Drawn to the Possibilities
        3. 4.3.3. I Want to Learn and Grow
      4. 4.4. The Creative Dynamic Between Acceptance and Potential
      5. 4.5. Guidance: Ways to Meet the Needs of Acceptance and Potential
        1. 4.5.1. Learn About Yourself and Your Potential
          1. 4.5.1.1. Reflection Questions for You.
          2. 4.5.1.2. Sample Actions for You.
        2. 4.5.2. Accept Yourself in Order to Accept Others
          1. 4.5.2.1. Reflection Questions for You.
          2. 4.5.2.2. Sample Actions for You.
        3. 4.5.3. Understand and Apply Your Strengths
          1. 4.5.3.1. Reflection Questions for You.
          2. 4.5.3.2. Sample Actions for You.
        4. 4.5.4. Learn in Order to Live More Fully
          1. 4.5.4.1. Reflection Questions for You.
          2. 4.5.4.2. Sample Actions for You.
    2. 5. JOINING FOR PURPOSE
      1. 5.1. Overview of Bond and Purpose
      2. 5.2. Bond: Our Shared Sense of Identity and Belonging
        1. 5.2.1. We Know Who We Are Together
        2. 5.2.2. We Create a Safe Place for Each Other
        3. 5.2.3. We Each Play Our Part
      3. 5.3. Purpose: The Reason We Come Together
        1. 5.3.1. We Move in the Same Direction
        2. 5.3.2. We Influence Each Other
        3. 5.3.3. We Count on Each Other
      4. 5.4. The Creative Dynamic Between Bond and Purpose
        1. 5.4.1. A Shift in Purpose
      5. 5.5. Guidance: Ways to Meet the Needs of Bond and Purpose
        1. 5.5.1. Pursue Service and Learning
          1. 5.5.1.1. Reflection Questions for You.
          2. 5.5.1.2. Sample Actions with Your Group.
        2. 5.5.2. Facilitate Group Progress
          1. 5.5.2.1. Reflection Questions for You.
          2. 5.5.2.2. Sample Actions with Your Group.
        3. 5.5.3. Bring Lightness and Humor
          1. 5.5.3.1. Reflection Questions for You.
          2. 5.5.3.2. Sample Actions with Your Group.
        4. 5.5.4. Use Conflict as a Source of Creativity
          1. 5.5.4.1. Reflection Questions for You.
          2. 5.5.4.2. Sample Actions with Your Group.
    3. 6. CREATING CHANGE TOGETHER
      1. 6.1. Overview of Reality and Impact
      2. 6.2. Reality: Understanding and Accepting the World as It Is and How It Affects Us
        1. 6.2.1. We Are Alert to the World Around Us
        2. 6.2.2. We Are Intrigued with That World
        3. 6.2.3. We Accept Our Reality
      3. 6.3. Impact: Our Intention to Make a Difference and Our Readiness to Act
        1. 6.3.1. We Want to Improve Our World
        2. 6.3.2. We Need Each Other to Make a Difference
        3. 6.3.3. We Are Powerful Together
      4. 6.4. The Creative Dynamic Between Reality and Impact
      5. 6.5. Guidance: Ways to Meet the Needs of Reality and Impact
        1. 6.5.1. Risk Making Your World a Better Place
          1. 6.5.1.1. Reflection Questions for You.
          2. 6.5.1.2. Sample Actions with Your Group.
        2. 6.5.2. Set Clear Goals with Flexible Plans
          1. 6.5.2.1. Reflection Questions for You.
          2. 6.5.2.2. Sample Actions with Your Group.
        3. 6.5.3. Face into Adversity and Resistance
          1. 6.5.3.1. Reflection Questions for You.
          2. 6.5.3.2. Sample Actions with Your Group.
        4. 6.5.4. Keep the Group Together
          1. 6.5.4.1. Reflection Questions for You.
          2. 6.5.4.2. Sample Actions with Your Group.
    4. 7. THE HEART OF TRANSFORMATION
      1. 7.1. Six Stories at the Heart of Transformation
        1. 7.1.1. When Acceptance Joins with Bond
        2. 7.1.2. Lessons That Last a Lifetime
        3. 7.1.3. When Bond Joins Reality
        4. 7.1.4. An Online Support Group
        5. 7.1.5. When Acceptance Joins with Bond and Reality
        6. 7.1.6. An Alaska Raft Trip
        7. 7.1.7. When Potential Joins with Purpose
        8. 7.1.8. Youth Group Trips to Mexico
        9. 7.1.9. When Purpose Joins with Impact and Bond
        10. 7.1.10. Culture Change in 190 Countries
        11. 7.1.11. When Purpose and Impact Join with Potential
        12. 7.1.12. Online Services for Citizens
  4. III. SHARING LEADERSHIP
    1. 8. EMBRACING GROUP DIFFERENCES
      1. 8.1. On the Value of Differences
      2. 8.2. How Extraordinary Groups Use Differences
        1. 8.2.1. Redesigning the Sales Process
        2. 8.2.2. Commitment to Purpose Allows Sorting Out Differences
        3. 8.2.3. Working Through Differences Meets Group Needs
          1. 8.2.3.1. Acceptance: Knowing and Accepting Ourselves for Who We Are.
          2. 8.2.3.2. Potential: Sensing and Growing into Our Fuller and Better Selves.
          3. 8.2.3.3. Bond: Our Shared Sense of Identity and Belonging.
          4. 8.2.3.4. Reality: Understanding and Accepting the World as It Is and How It Affects Us.
          5. 8.2.3.5. Impact: Our Intention to Make a Difference and Our Readiness to Act.
      3. 8.3. Guidance for Preparing Yourself to Embrace Differences
        1. 8.3.1. Commit to Your Group
          1. 8.3.1.1. Reflection Questions for You.
          2. 8.3.1.2. Sample Actions for You.
        2. 8.3.2. Maintain a Positive Bias
          1. 8.3.2.1. Reflection Questions for You.
          2. 8.3.2.2. Sample Actions for You.
        3. 8.3.3. Be a Learner and Explorer
          1. 8.3.3.1. Reflection Questions for You.
          2. 8.3.3.2. Sample Actions for You.
        4. 8.3.4. Lean Toward Risk
          1. 8.3.4.1. Reflection Questions for You.
          2. 8.3.4.2. Sample Actions for You.
        5. 8.3.5. Provide Less Control and More Space
          1. 8.3.5.1. Reflection Questions for You.
          2. 8.3.5.2. Sample Actions for You.
      4. 8.4. Guidance for Encouraging Others to Embrace Differences
        1. 8.4.1. Model Authentic Communication
          1. 8.4.1.1. Reflection Questions for the Group.
          2. 8.4.1.2. Sample Actions in the Group.
        2. 8.4.2. Meet Group Needs
          1. 8.4.2.1. Reflection Questions for the Group.
          2. 8.4.2.2. Sample Actions in the Group.
        3. 8.4.3. Structure the Group's Work
          1. 8.4.3.1. Location.
          2. 8.4.3.2. Meeting Designs.
          3. 8.4.3.3. Roles.
          4. 8.4.3.4. Ground Rules.
          5. 8.4.3.5. Reflection Questions for the Group.
          6. 8.4.3.6. Sample Actions in the Group.
    2. 9. LEADING EXTRAORDINARY GROUPS
      1. 9.1. Group Leadership
        1. 9.1.1. Facilitative Leadership
      2. 9.2. Guidance for Leaders
        1. 9.2.1. Frame an Inspiring Purpose
          1. 9.2.1.1. Naming the Larger Impact.
          2. 9.2.1.2. Reflection Questions for the Leader.
          3. 9.2.1.3. Sample Actions with Groups.
        2. 9.2.2. Lead with a Light Touch
          1. 9.2.2.1. A Cultural Reconnection.
          2. 9.2.2.2. Reflection Questions for the Leader.
          3. 9.2.2.3. Sample Actions with the Group.
        3. 9.2.3. Keep Issues Discussable
          1. 9.2.3.1. Clinical Research in Uncharted Waters.
          2. 9.2.3.2. Reflection Questions for the Leader.
          3. 9.2.3.3. Sample Actions for the Group.
        4. 9.2.4. Manage the World Around Your Group
          1. 9.2.4.1. Return to Jane's Group.
          2. 9.2.4.2. Reflection Questions for the Leader.
          3. 9.2.4.3. Sample Actions with Groups.
        5. 9.2.5. Put the Right Team Together
          1. 9.2.5.1. Return to Dan's Group.
          2. 9.2.5.2. Reflection Questions for the Leader.
          3. 9.2.5.3. Sample Actions for a Group.
        6. 9.2.6. Design and Facilitate Meetings with the Group Needs in Mind
          1. 9.2.6.1. Reflection Questions for the Leader.
          2. 9.2.6.2. Sample Actions with the Group.
    3. 10. LIVING THE PROMISE OF EXTRAORDINARY GROUPS
      1. 10.1. Small Groups Hold Huge Potential
        1. 10.1.1. People Need Groups and Extraordinary Groups Meet Their Needs
        2. 10.1.2. Extraordinary Group Experiences can Appear Quite Ordinary
        3. 10.1.3. The Promise of Transformation
  5. A. PRACTICE EXERCISES
    1. A.1.
      1. A.1.1. Self-Acceptance and Potential
      2. A.1.2. Group Bond and Purpose
      3. A.1.3. World Reality and Impact
    2. A.2. Exercises for Reaching Self-Acceptance and Potential
      1. A.2.1. Exercise 1: See Yourself Through the Model
      2. A.2.2. Exercise 2: Recall a Great Group Experience
      3. A.2.3. Exercise 3: Stretch Toward Your Potential
    3. A.3. Exercises for Reaching Group Bond and Purpose
      1. A.3.1. Exercise 4: Build Relationships with Others
      2. A.3.2. Exercise 5: We Are "Tribal"
      3. A.3.3. Exercise 6: Emerging Group Purpose
    4. A.4. Exercises for Reaching World Reality and Impact
      1. A.4.1. Exercise 7: Impact the World Through Groups
      2. A.4.2. Exercise 8: Getting to Know World Reality
      3. A.4.3. Exercise 9: Be the Change You Want
  6. B. AN OVERVIEW OF EXTRAORDINARY GROUPS
  7. C. PRACTICING WHAT WE PREACH
    1. C.1. Kathleen's Guides in Working with Geoff
      1. C.1.1. Geoff's Guides in Working with Kathleen
  8. D. MORE GROUP RESOURCES
  9. Acknowledgments
  10. About the Authors

Product information

  • Title: Extraordinary Groups: How Ordinary Teams Achieve Amazing Results
  • Author(s): Geoffrey M. Bellman, Kathleen D. Ryan
  • Release date: September 2009
  • Publisher(s): Jossey-Bass
  • ISBN: 9780470404812