Extraordinary Groups Geoff Bellman OD Network "MASTERFUL CONVERSATIONS"

Kathleen Ryan Geoff Bellman Bellman/Ryan © 20092

4 Questions Why do some groups achieve amazing results while most others do not? What do these extraordinary groups have in common that sorts them from others? How might we create these great results more often?

Bellman/Ryan © Recall a most extraordinary small group experience #1. What did the group do that helped make it so? (3 actions) #2. What do you hope for as you enter a new group? (3 hopes) #3. How did the group feel as a result of their experience? (3 feelings)

Bellman/Ryan © Field Study Sixty groups of 2—20 Work, volunteer, personal life Self-identified as “extraordinary” Interviews with 1—3 members 1.5—2 hour telephone interviews Open-ended questions & stories

Bellman/Ryan © Eight Performance Indicators 1.Compelling Purpose 2.Shared Leadership 3.Just-Enough Structure 4.Full Engagement 5.Embracing Difference 6.Unexpected Learning 7.Strengthened Relationships 8.Great Results

Bellman © Compelling Purpose Bold, break-through, cutting-edge Linked to a noble cause Purpose guides action Knowing others are committed

Bellman © Shared Leadership Members see selves as leaders Members initiate, don’t wait Designated leader sees group is led

Bellman © Just-Enough Structure Just enough and just in time Structure to fit outcomes needed More organic than mechanical Collaborative, adaptive, creative

Bellman © Full Engagement Excitement and passion evident Humor and fun are part of work Enjoy working hard together People give and then give more

Bellman © Embracing Differences Differences = opportunity Full & wide engagement = creativity Individual uniqueness respected Trusting, safe environment

Bellman © Unexpected Learning Learning surprising and not linear A challenging, stretch environment Excitement created by learning together Life & team, not just task, learning

Bellman © Strengthened Relationships Intense work and risk connects people Great work leads to great partnerships Work + friendship = deep bonds Groups search for reasons to stay together

Bellman © Great Results Tangible and intangible results both important to these groups Tangible = Destination important to the group and others outside the group Intangible = Journey important to the group Most excitement and best memories are about intangible results

Next… a look beneath this extraordinary performance.

Bellman/Ryan © Groups in Human History  200,000+ years of living in groups  5,000+ years of large organizations  Survive together; perish alone  We are genetically informed to group  Groups are the natural unit of work

Bellman/Ryan © Why Groups Are Important Today Individuals cannot relate to organizations Organizations cannot relate to individuals Individuals can relate to small groups Groups are the way work gets done

Bellman/Ryan © Six Core Group Needs  Accept one’s self while moving toward own Potential  Bond with others while pursuing common Purpose  Understand Reality of the world while making an Impact

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Bellman/Ryan © ACCEPTANCE: Knowing and appreciating myself for who I am. I know who I am and what I bring—strengths and weaknesses. I can express who I am to myself and others. I accept myself for who I am right now.

Bellman/Ryan © POTENTIAL: Sensing and growing into my fuller and better self. I sense that I could be more. I am drawn to my possibilities. I want to learn and grow.

Bellman/Ryan © BOND: Connections among us that create a shared sense of identity and belonging. We create a safe space for each other. We know who we are together. We each play our parts.

Bellman/Ryan © PURPOSE: The reason why we come together. We are committed to a common purpose. We influence each other. We count on each other.

Bellman/Ryan © REALITY: Understanding and accepting the world as it is and how it affects us. We are alert to the world around us. We are intrigued with our world. We accept our reality.

Bellman/Ryan © IMPACT: Our intention to make a difference and our readiness to act. We want to make our world better. We need each other to make a difference. We are powerful together.

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And… there is more… Bellman/Ryan ©

Bellman/Ryan © Beauty: Wonder, Healthy, Vibrant, Sweet, Rare, Lovely Discovery: Innovative, Rare, Audacious, Daring to Dream Possibility: Positive, Hope, New, Pushing to Limits, Magical Power: Enabling, Empowering, Confidence Self: Natural, Worth, Awareness, Best, Higher, Alive Challenge: Difficult, Problems, Irritating, Hard Work, Intense Rewarding: Appreciation, Recognition, Fulfilling, Results, Win Fun: Hilarious, Crazy, Good Time, Play, Happy, Laughter Bond: Community, Tribe, Social, Unifying, Joined, Welcome Energy: Amazing, Incredible, Juiced, Exhilarating, Charged, Wow

Bellman/Ryan © Are you more hopeful about yourself, your group, or your world? Do you feel changed by this experience? Did this experience energize you or your group? Do you feel more deeply connected to your group or the world around you?

Bellman/Ryan © Four Feelings at the Heart of Transformation Energized ! Connected ! Hopeful ! Changed !

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What Is Transformation? a fundamental shift in individual perception that accelerates behavior change and personal vitality which results from meeting needs. 33

Bellman/Ryan © Transformation Heart-felt Experience Happens One Person at a Time Seldom Happens Simultaneously to an Entire Group Personal Not Guaranteed Can Be Encouraged

Bellman/Ryan © Transformation in… --how people see each other --how they interact with each other --their commitment to each other --the results they achieve and… --their collective approach to work

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Bellman/Ryan © FOUR TRANSFORMATIVE FEELINGS EIGHT PERFORMANCE INDICATORS SIX GROUP NEEDS INSTINCTIVE HUMAN DRIVES EXCEPTIONAL RESULTS

Bellman/Ryan © Use Model to Draw out individual and group aspirations Design a meeting or event Review recent or current group experience Coach others in work and life Introduce new concepts and language Clarify the array of outcomes possible

Bellman/Ryan © Use Model to Frame questions about a group’s work Diagnose a group or organization Create a compelling place to work Design an organization for group success Frame a common model of group leadership Maintain personal focus in your work and life

Bellman/Ryan © Geoff Bellman’s Books… Extraordinary Groups. (w/K. Ryan) Jossey-Bass The Consultant’s Calling. (2nd ed.) Jossey-Bass Getting Things Done When You Are Not in Charge. (2nd ed.) Berrett-Koehler The Beauty of the Beast. Berrett-Koehler Your Signature Path. Berrett-Koehler The Quest for Staff Leadership. Scott-Foresman

Bellman/Ryan © Kathleen Ryan’s Books… Extraordinary Groups. (w/G. Bellman) Jossey- Bass The Courageous Messenger. (w/Oestreich & Orr) Jossey-Bass Driving Fear Out of the Workplace. (w/Oestreich) Jossey-Bass

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