Page 207 - Effective group discussion theory and practice by Adams, Katherine H. Brilhart, John K. Galanes, Gloria J

190 Chapter 7

participant-observer who monitors the group’s process, identifies what functions are
missing, and then either supplies those functions or asks one of the members to do
so. For example, one of the things Jennifer does well is notice when group spirits
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need a pickup; that’s when she schedules a happy hour or does something fun, like
bringing in a noted chef to cook lunch for the team. One of the things she does not do
well is clarify information when people are confused. But Andreas is great at that, so
he will jump in on his own to make sure people understand everything. This team has
been successful not because of Jennifer alone but because the other team members
pitch in as needed. Their strengths compensate, in part, for her weaknesses, and vice
versa. This is the advantage that distributed leadership can provide.

Recap: A Quick Review

eadership involves an interdependent relationship between leader and followers; it
Lis a process that involves all group members.
1. The LMX model of leadership highlights the benefits of the leader’s nurturing
unique relationships with each group member.
2. Transformational leadership is a contemporary philosophy of leadership stressing
the ways a dynamic and creative leader can use rhetoric and powerful symbols
to empower group members. A vision is crafted that motivates group members to
exceed expectations.
3. Distributed leadership promotes the idea that all members of a group can enact
behaviors that effectively move the group toward its goal. The leader then serves
as completer, providing whatever is missing.

QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW

This chapter scrutinized the complexity of group leader- 3. Jennifer is this group’s designated leader. Could any
ship. Consider the broadcast advertising team led by other member emerge as an informal leader? How?
Jennifer. Members have problems, in part due to 4. Why are traits and styles approaches inadequate to
Jennifer’s leadership style, but they also produce explaining the leadership of this team, once you
successful advertisements. examine the team’s dynamics?
5. How can functions and contingency approaches
1. Pinpointing the leader of this group is easy. Why?
In your own words, how would you describe the help explain why this team is successful, even with
leadership of this group? its leadership challenges?
2. What types of interpersonal influence can you 6. What communication competencies are found in
observe in this team? How might the way members this group? Which competencies does Jennifer seem
use their power explain why they can produce effec- to lack?
tive advertising, even though they also have leader- 7. What advice would you give this team to help mem-
ship problems? bers move to a more transformational or a distrib-
uted model of leadership?

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