Creating Effective Groups

Randy Fujishin taught speech communications at West Valley College, a community college in Saratoga, California. He is the author of several successful communications books, including The Art of Communication, Gifts from the Heart, Discovering the Leader Within, and The Natural Speaker.

• CHAPTER 1 Working in a GroupWorking in GroupsFour Elements of a Problem-Solving GroupThe Small Group as a SystemThe Power of OneCharacteristics of GroupsThe Power of DiversityIndividual and Group ExercisesCHAPTER 2 Discovering YourselfBeing Open to Self-DiscoverySpending Time by YourselfSelf-Discovery InventoriesSpeaking Kindly to YourselfAccepting YourselfAccepting OthersCritically Thinking About Yourself As A CommunicatorIndividual and Group ExercisesCHAPTER 3 Expressing Yourself ClearlyCommunication Is a Learned BehaviorFive Roles That Prevent Clear ExpressionThe Communication ProcessI-StatementsFour Levels of CommunicationGender Differences in Conversational StrategiesGuidelines for Speaking ClearlyReducing Anxiety When SpeakingDefensive vs. Supportive Group ClimatesIndividual and Group ExercisesCHAPTER 4 Listening for UnderstandingThe Importance of ListeningThe Process of ListeningPoor Listening StylesBarriers to ListeningAcceptance: A Requirement for ListeningListening for Understanding: Active ListeningAdvantages of Active ListeningGuidelines for Active ListeningIntercultural AwarenessS.O.A.R. TechniqueIndividual and Group ExercisesCHAPTER 5 Problem Solving in GroupsMyths of Small Group Problem SolvingDecision-Making TechniquesDiscussion QuestionsThe Standard Problem-Solving AgendaThe Circular Nature of Problem SolvingBeing More CreativeIndividual and Group ExercisesCHAPTER 6 Preparing for DiscussionYou Don’t Know EverythingWe Can Always Know MoreWhere to ResearchWhat to ResearchConstructing an Information SheetUsing Visual AidsTesting Evidence and ReasoningRecognizing Logical FallaciesEthical CommunicationYour Time ManagementIndividual and Group ExercisesCHAPTER 7 Guiding DiscussionGuiding Discussion to a Shared PathTask-Guiding BehaviorsSocial-Guiding BehaviorsBeing an Effective FollowerIndividual and Group ExercisesCHAPTER 8 Leading a GroupWhat Is Leadership?Approaches to LeadershipThe Attitude of the Servant LeaderLeading an Effective MeetingTaking Care of Yourself as the LeaderIndividual and Group ExercisesCHAPTER 9 Building a Cohesive GroupThe Social DimensionFeeling SuccessfulFeeling ConnectedFeeling ValuedFeeling SupportedTrusting OthersGroupthink: When Groups Are Too CohesiveIndividual and Group ExercisesCHAPTER 10 Managing ConflictA Different Approach to ConflictMyths of ConflictAdvantages of ConflictThree Types of Group ConflictDealing with Procedural ConflictDealing with Substantive ConflictDealing with Interpersonal ConflictSpecific Interventions for Dysfunctional BehaviorForgivenessIndividual and Group Exercises

Fujishin's book is packed with useful tips on communicating more effectively. It is concise, engaging, and shares valuable insights for students to care for themselves. Along the way, it provides great small group discussion activities. I highly recommend this text.