"If you are responsible for getting results from the small group process, this work has to be a "must"
on your reading list."
--The Journal of Academic Librarianship
"While useful reading for any group member, it is an absolutely essential study for group leaders."
--Midwest Book Review
"The students have enjoyed the text and the practical insights into dealing with group dynamics."
--California State University-Stanislaus
"Excellent. It is filled with valuable information that really works in organizations."
--Brigham Young University
"It is just what they (the students) needed for this introductory level small group communication course."
--University of Northern Iowa
Acada Books Web Site, July, 2000
Summary
Discovering the Leader Within helps students learn, practice, and improve the skills necessary to effectively
participate in and lead any group discussion.
Brief, accessible, and student-friendly, each chapter opens with a short story that places the topic in a real-world
context. Students learn specific communication and leadership techniques along with concrete strategies for working
with others, solving problems, guiding discussions, resolving conflict, and leading the group toward its goal.
Conversational, application-oriented, and jargon-free, the text guides students through the process of personal
growth and development as they work with others to discover the leader within themselves. Includes Individual and
Group Exercises. Instructor's Manual and Test Bank available.
Table of Contents
Preface
1. Working in a Group
Working in Groups
Four Elements of a Problem-Solving Group
The Small Group as a System
The Power of One
Characteristics of Groups Rediscovering Your Original Group�The Family
Individual and Group Exercises
2. Discovering Yourself
Working in Groups Isn't Easy
Being Open to Self-Discovery
Spending Time by Yourself
Self-Discovery Inventories
Accepting Yourself
Accepting Others
Individual and Group Exercises
3. Speaking Clearly
Communication Is a Learned Behavior
Five Ways Not to Speak
The Communication Process
I-Statements
Four Levels of Communication
Guidelines for Speaking Clearly
Individual and Group Exercises
4. Listening for Understanding
The Importance of Listening
Four Ways Not to Listen
Listening for Understanding
Guidelines for Active Listening
Individual and Group Exercises
5. Problem-Solving in Groups
Myths of Small Group Problem-Solving
Decision-Making Techniques
Discussion Questions
The Standard Problem-Solving Agenda
The Circular Nature of Problem-Solving
Individual and Group Exercises
6. Preparing for Discussion
You Don't Know Everything
We Can Always Know More
Where to Research
What to Research
Constructing an Information Sheet
Testing Evidence and Reasoning
Recognizing Logical Fallacies
Individual and Group Exercises
7. Guiding Discussion
We Each Have a Separate Path
Guiding Discussion to a Shared Path
Every Group Member Is a Leader
Task Guiding Behaviors
Social Guiding Behaviors
Dysfunctional Guiding Behaviors
Individual and Group Exercises
8. Leading a Group
What Is Leadership?
Approaches to Leadership
Functions of Leadership
Leading an Effective Meeting
Taking Care of Yourself as the Leader
Individual and Group Exercises
9. Building a Cohesive Group
The Social Dimension
Feeling Successful
Feeling Connected
Feeling Valued
Feeling Supported
Trusting Others
Groupthink: When Groups Are Too Cohesive
Individual and Group Exercises
10. Managing Conflict
A Different Approach to Conflict
Myths of Conflict
Advantages of Conflict
Three Types of Group Conflict
Dealing with Procedural Conflict
Dealing with Substantive Conflict
Dealing with Interpersonal Conflict
Forgiveness
