A study examined the distinguishing characteristics of 37 successful creative problem-solving (CPS) facilitators. Common traits included flexibility, ability to lead a CPS session successfully, confidence in the process, involving the right people, listening to the client and resource members, and interpersonal and group-dynamic skills. (Author/CR)

A study involving 104 adults with mental retardation investigated the relationships among social support, social strain, and psychopathology. Results found that social strain was more strongly associated with psychopathology than were overall low levels of social support for the individuals with mental retardation. (Author/CR)

Analysis of career-success factors identified by 5,000 managers yielded 10 key pieces: excellent performance record, communication skills, interpersonal skills, personality, skill currency, significant work experiences, power, ability to withstand pressure, ability to make difficult decisions, and having a mentor. (SK)

Describes a semester-long work team project designed to develop team behaviors and skills, such as collaboration, listening, problem solving, decision making, action planning, leadership, communication, and conflict resolution. Recommends that teaching collective processes must reward collective processes, that projects should be meaningful and…

Assesses the effects of positive peer reporting (PPR) on the cooperative behaviors and peer acceptance of three socially rejected, delinquent youth in residential care. Results indicate that PPR increased the use of cooperative statements made to peers and led to increased peer status. Findings support the use of peers as sources of reinforcement…

Comparison of emotional intelligence competencies in senior and middle managers showed that senior managers scored significantly higher in the personal competencies of emotional awareness, innovation, and commitment and the social competencies of political awareness, leadership, change catalyst, and teamwork. The usefulness of emotional…

Presents a conceptualization of social skills with an emphasis on natural contexts within which children are expected to function. Offers a definition of social skills whereby important considerations of social contexts are emphasized. Emphasizes assessment procedures that address both environmentally relevant and child-specific behaviors, and…

A test of the Scale of Perceived Social Self-Efficacy with 354 undergraduates supported the instrument's internal consistency and construct and discriminant validity. Social self-efficacy was strongly related to social and enterprising confidence and to shyness, all of which influence career development. (SK)

Empirical research examining the social competence and affective functioning of children with mild disabilities was reviewed. Findings are interpreted in terms of social comparison theory, and methodological issues that should be addressed in considering social competence and affective characteristics of children with mild disabilities are…

A comprehensive review of the debate over the inclusion of children with disabilities in educational programs needs to explore research and issues beyond those considered by F. Gresham and D. MacMillan. Some of those issues are reviewed, focusing on a shift away from the medical deficit model. (SLD)

Conflict may be seen as a threat to be avoided or as a competitive game. The latter is being promoted in transitional Eastern European countries, despite the fact that it is not congruent with human resource practice in a cross-cultural situation. (SK)

Mood disorder subjects have a selective deficit in recognizing human facial emotion. Whether the facial emotion recognition errors persist during normal mood states (i.e., are state vs. trait dependent) was studied in one male bipolar II patient. Results of five sessions are presented and discussed. (Author/EMK)

Describes the "Message Board" activity in a preschool classroom (a voluntary sharing of important events or messages on large or student-sized chalkboards). Describes its three stages of learning; how to do it; social interaction; language development; and how it guides emergent literacy and is part of a developmental process. (SR)

Major causes of "sudden-death syndrome" for superintendents include mismatched priorities, unseen problems, interference from special-interest groups, and misdirected disagreements. Beleaguered superintendents should be positive and proactive, act and speak as one person, understand agreements, seek help, listen, rewrite personnel…

Helping students acquire intercultural competence and the ability to articulate values is essential in preparing them for global society. Teaching about interpersonal skills and values poses challenges arising from student discomfort, values conflicts, and disagreement over higher education's role in this area. (Contains 45 references.) (SK)