Extraordinary Groups by Geoffrey Bellman and Kathleen Ryan

Most of us can recall being part of an unusually motivating and effective team or group when the dynamics of people, purpose and situation fell together in a particularly rewarding way.

During my time as a Camp Director and Commissioner we very consciously built our staff on the principles enumerated below.

Extraordinary Groups by Geoffrey Bellman and Kathleen Ryan asserts that groups work best when they have the following eight indicators; A compelling purpose that inspires and stretches members to make the group and its work a top priority Shared leadership that encourages members to take mutual responsibility for helping the group be successful Just-enough-structure to create confidence to move forward, but not so much as to become bureaucratic or burdensome Full engagement that results in all members jumping in with enthusiasm, sometimes passionately and chaotically, regardless of role Embracing differences so that group members see, value, and use their diversity as a strength Unexpected learning that translates into personal and group growth Strengthened relationships among members characterized by trust, collegiality, and friendship Great results , tangible and intangible Their Group Needs Model identifies six core group needs forming three pairs: The Individual: Acceptance of self (knowing and accepting ourselves for who we are) while moving toward one’s Potential (sensing and growing into our fuller and better selves) The Group: A Bond with others (our shared sense of identity and belonging) that grows while pursuing a common Purpose (the reason we come together) The World: Understanding the Reality of the world (understanding and accepting the world as it is and how it affects us) while collectively making an Impact (our intention to make a difference and our readiness to act) When two or more of these needs are fulfilled the group experience is memorable. This is more likely in small groups of 2 to 20 people.

Extraordinary groups are led by facilitative as opposed to a directive leaders who “stand back… to consider the individual members, their collective purpose, and the world in which they operate” and ask “How might this group experience meet those needs?” Are the eight indicators of extraordinary groups present ? Are members of the group energized, hopeful, connected and positively changed?

Extraordinary group leaders adopt the Groups Model , frame an inspiring purpose, lead with a light touch, readily enter discussions, manage the world around the group as a buffer and facilitator, choose people with the knowledge, skills, or experience befitting the group’s purpose.

Scouting has quite a head start on the extraordinary group indicators; I can picture no better description of a healthy Patrol.

Understanding the elemental parts of such successful groups helps us build them consciously rather than blunder into them unconsciously.

Extraordinary Groups on Amazon