Extraordinary Groups: How Ordinary Teams Achieve Amazing Results

Why are some teams described in such exceptional terms, while most are not? People instinctively sense when a group experience is something special, something that surpasses their expectations in a positive and unique way. These extraordinary groups achieve outstanding results and their members—individually or collectively—experience a profound shift in how they view their world. 

In their new book EXTRAORDINARY GROUPS: How Ordinary Teams Achieve Amazing Results (Jossey-Bass, $27.95, September) authors Geoffrey M. Bellman and Kathleen D. Ryan reveal how group dynamics foster these striking qualitative transformations. Based on an extensive field study and filled with illustrative examples, EXTRAORDINARY GROUPS presents Bellman and Ryan’s tested Group Needs Model. Seeing the world of groups through this elegant framework allows readers to cultivate extraordinary experiences within their teams. 

Bellman and Ryan’s model reveals six core group needs forming three pairs: One pair relates to the individual, one to the group, and the third to the world in which the group exists. 

The Group Needs Model is composed of these six elements: 

1) Acceptance of self while moving toward one’s Potential 

2) A Bond with others that grows while pursuing a common Purpose 

3) Understanding the Reality of the world while collectively making an Impact 

“This is a must-read for leaders looking to achieve transformational results in their organizations,” says JP Morgan Chase, Pacific Northwest chairman Phyllis Campbell. “The authors not only make a compelling case about the power of engaging small groups, they give us a pragmatic blueprint to move groups to ever higher levels of performance.” 

Through a combination of innovative content, supportive context, and constructive communication, groups have a higher rate of success. No matter if the group or team gathers at work, at home, or within the community; when a group experiences and meets two or more of these needs, the individual member will be forever changed by the collective experience.

Written for managers and executives, facilitators and trainers, and all others who lead or practice in groups, EXTRAORDINARY GROUPS is an invaluable resource that will help you achieve outstanding team results time and time again.