Includes bibliographical references (p. 185-188) and index.

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 -- Discovering yourself. Being open to self-discovery ; Spending time by yourself ; Self-discovery inventories ; Speaking kindly to yourself ; Accepting yourself ; Accepting others -- Expressing yourself clearly. Communication is a learned behavior ; Five roles that prevent clear expression ; The communication process ; I-statements ; Four levels of communication ; Gender differences in conversational strategies ; Guidelines for speaking clearly ; Reducing anxiety when speaking -- Listening for understanding. The importance of listening ; The process of listening ; Poor listening styles ; Barriers to listening ; Acceptance: a requirement for listening ; Listening for understanding: active listening ; Advantages of active listening ; Guidelines for active listening ; Intercultural awareness ; S.O.A.R. technique -- 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 ; Being more creative -- Preparing for discussion. You don't know everything ; We can always know more ; Where to research ; What to research ; Constructing an information sheet ; Using visual aids ; Testing evidence and reasoning ; Recognizing logical fallacies ; Being an ethical group member -- Guiding discussion. Guiding discussion to a shared path ; Task-guiding behaviors ; Social-guiding behaviors ; Being an effective follower -- Leading a group. What is leadership? ; Approaches to leadership ; The attitude of the servant leader ; Leading an effective meeting ; Taking care of yourself as the leader -- Building a cohesive group. The social dimension ; Feeling successful ; Feeling connected ; Feeling valued ; Feeling supported ; Trusting others ; Groupthink: when groups are too cohesive -- 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 ; Specific interventions for dysfunctional behavior ; Forgiveness.