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 "e;powerful"e; or simply "e;wow."e; 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

Two leading experts present a new approach to help teams nurture extraordinary experiences and excelOccasionally 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 11. Why Small Groups Are Important Now 32. What's Different About Extraordinary Groups 173. What Ordinary Groups Need 33Part Two: Understanding the Group Needs Model 574. Growing Toward Your Potential 595. Joining for Purpose 796. Creating Change Together 1037. The Heart of Transformation 123Part Three: Sharing Leadership 1378. Embracing Group Differences 1399. Leading Extraordinary Groups 16710. Living the Promise of Extraordinary Groups 191Appendix A Practice Exercises 195Appendix B An Overview of Extraordinary Groups 207Appendix C Practicing What We Preach 211Appendix D More Group Resources 215Acknowledgments 219About the Authors 221Index 225