Extraordinary Groups

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

Part One: Overview 1 1. Why Small Groups Are Important Now 3 2. What’s Different About Extraordinary Groups 17 3. What Ordinary Groups Need 33 Part Two: Understanding the Group Needs Model 57 4. Growing Toward Your Potential 59 5. Joining for Purpose 79 6. Creating Change Together 103 7. The Heart of Transformation 123 Part Three: Sharing Leadership 137 8. Embracing Group Differences 139 9. Leading Extraordinary Groups 167 10. Living the Promise of Extraordinary Groups 191 Appendix A Practice Exercises 195 Appendix B An Overview of Extraordinary Groups 207 Appendix C Practicing What We Preach 211 Appendix D More Group Resources 215 Acknowledgments 219 About the Authors 221 Index 225