Leadership and Communication, Essay Example

Main ideas of Chapter 1: A group is determined as a collection of people who come together to achieve common goals. The bound between members is created by the common purpose. The importance of groups lies in the effective solutions provided by collaboration. Group goals are easier to achieve and performance can be increased through empowering talent through effective collaboration. Insights provided by group members increase the effectiveness of the work, as well as the understanding of individuals about the issue. Extraordinary groups can transform behaviors from individual perceptions to common interest and a better insight.

Main ideas of Chapter 2: Extraordinary groups are strong because members create a complex understanding of the issue and therefore achieve extraordinary knowledge, results. All extraordinary groups have a higher purpose, shared leadership, high level of engagement, openness, strong bonds and relationships, as well as better learning outcomes through embracing diversity. A compelling purpose is one that is accepted by all members and is based on agreement. Shared leadership means that all members take responsibility for the results of the group, and that is why they can achieve extraordinary results. These groups are not over-structured; they have just-enough structure. The structure is created by the bond and strong relationships among members based on the common purpose. Engagement and embracing differences gives the group the strength to develop innovative solutions and understand the complexity of the task.

Main ideas of Chapter 3: Ordinary groups need a purpose, bond among members, acceptance, impact, potential and reality. The group exists in three contexts: the self, the world and the group.  A bond creates a group from a collection of individuals, based on the aim to work on a common purpose. The group also has to understand the reality of the world (environment) to get to know how they can make an impact. Self-understanding is also important to achieve individual potential and help the group achieve the common purpose. Impact is created based on the group purpose to make a difference and be ready to act on the plan together. Transformation (impact on a higher level) is created in a group when individual perceptions turn into behavior change. It is based on group energy, connectedness, hope, and change on the individual level.

Main ideas of Chapter 4: Acceptance and potential of individuals within groups are closely connected. Self-knowledge and acceptance makes people realize what their qualities are and how they can help the group to succeed. Knowing limitations and strengths can help members seek advice and group members’ insights. This leads to individual members’ growth and a better group potential. People have to learn about their values and limitations to understand their own potential. Self-acceptance brings forward the acceptance of others in the group. Learning from each other can create valuable group collaboration.

Main ideas of Chapter 5: Groups join together for a purpose. The common purpose creates a bond within the group. This bond is a shared feeling of belonging and identity as a group. Group identities are created by members according to the purpose: why are they together. Group members also understand their role and part in achieving the purpose, take responsibility and move in the same direction. Group members know that they can count on each other and accept that they can influence each other, be influenced by other members. Creativity, lightness are ways help the group to grow and develop.