Includes bibliographical references and index.

"We live in a world of groups. Almost every facet of daily existence, whether sitting in meetings, collaborating with coworkers, attending classes or programs, contributing to community or social events, participating in family gatherings, even enjoying coffee or meals with friends, takes place in group contexts. In addition, everyone finds themselves in leadership positions at one time or another, responsible for the welfare of others. It is curious, but nevertheless commonplace, that counselors, therapists, teachers, business leaders, executives, coaches, and other helping professionals, who have been specifically trained in group leadership, often fail to apply their knowledge and skills to settings in which they might matter most. The same practitioners who guide others may not be able-or willing-to put that background to work when they find themselves supervising peers, leading meetings, or even managing conflict at the dinner table. Many, if not most, people experience required meetings and mandated group collaborations as tedious, repetitive, and often a waste of time that could be spent doing other things that feel far more productive"-- Provided by publisher.