Comments on the article by R. J. Hackman and R. Wageman (see record 2006-23492-007) which offered several research questions that should be productive for furthering leadership research. This comment summarizes some recent progress on one of those questions, "Not what are the traits of leaders, but how do leaders' personal attributes interact with…

Critiques the linear model that some managers use for appointing work groups, committees, and task forces; and discusses constructivist-based approaches as more effective ways to promote positive consensus, cohesion, and cooperation among nursing work groups. (Author)

EDGE is a flexible group technique that enables participants to express, explain, exchange, and encapsulate their suggestions for creating their corporation's competitive edge. EDGE has two important outcomes: participants become more comfortable with each other and with problem solving, and they acquire small group skills. (JOW)

Reviews research on group problem solving and offers suggestions for improving participation and task accomplishment in the workshop format. (JOW)

Discusses alternatives to brainstorming such as the Trigger Method, the SIL (Successive Integration of Problem Elements) Method, the Wildest Idea, Brainwriting Pool, Method 6-3-5, Pin Cards, the Gallery Method, the Crawford Slip Method, and Nominal Group Technique. (JOW)

Explores attitudes, values, and behavior needed to be an effective member of an action learning team, including group process skills and problem-solving approaches. (SK)

Reassesses Tallman's proposition that the optimum family structure for effective problem-solving is one that provides for open communication, centralized authority, and consensus about family roles and goals. Suggests a revised basis for Tallman's view: achieved centrality of organization, obtained when groups structure themselves as part of the…

Techniques for achieving control of and producing results from task-oriented meetings with peers are discussed, including acquiring a perceived mandate, structuring attendance, and developing a working, narrative agenda. A productivity matrix correlates meeting activities with appropriate group leadership behaviors. (SK)

Explains how business owners can determine when to involve employees and when to make decisions alone. Reviews problem-solving and decision-making methods, obstacles to overcome, and meeting management techniques. (SK)

Discusses Johnson's theory that information can be gathered in either a systematic or spontaneous manner and that this information will be analyzed either internally or externally, and considers some of its implications for understanding group interactions. Models of decision-making styles and characteristics and the problem-solving process are…

The staff educator has the broad and objective perspective, the analytical frame of reference, and the neutrality to help nurses see the gaps in their functioning. Staff educators can use their communication and assessment skills to help the nursing work group solve problems more effectively. (Author)

Describes a project that used simulation to help students improve human relations skills. Principles of human relations and skills important to interviewing, listening, interacting, speaking, and report writing were emphasized. (JOW)

Used correctly, teams can increase productivity, raise morale, and spur innovation. Tips for effective teams include using the right team to do the right job, creating a hierarchy of teams, building an atmosphere of trust, and addressing interpersonal issues. (SK)

The author claims that open communication and extended dialog can be destructive, while bargaining and compromise can be more successful in resolving conflict. She discusses origins of the communication myth, situations where communication fails, alternatives to destructive dialogue, acknowledging incompatibility, the bargaining process, and…

Argues that games with a simple communication structure and/or an abstract content have more virtues than games which introduce too many details into the roles and scenario. Four such "simple" games are described, one in detail, and four references are listed. (LLS)