Extraordinary Groups © 2013

Extraordinary Groups: How Ordinary Teams Achieve Amazing Results

byGeoffrey Bellman andKathleen Ryan

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Field Study: Why do some groups achieve amazing

results while most do not? What do extraordinary groups have in

common that sorts them from others? How might we create these terrific results

more often?

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An Extraordinary Group. . .

achieves outstanding results because members see and act on a shared realization

of their capacity for greatness.

Extraordinary Groups © 2013

Eight Performance Indicators

1. Compelling Purpose

2. Shared Leadership

3. Just-Enough Structure

4. Full Engagement

5. Embracing Differences

6. Profound Learning

7. Strengthened Relationships

8. Great Results

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1. Compelling Purpose

• Bold/break-through/cutting-edge • Linked to a noble cause• Shared & understood• Guides all action

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2. Shared Leadership

• Members see selves as leaders• Designated leader = an option• Leader sees that group is led • Shared sense of responsibility

for outcomes

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3. Just-Enough Structure

• And just in time• More open…messier• Structure for outcomes• Means to an end• More organic than mechanical

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4. Full Engagement

• Excitement & passion evident• Humor/laughter/fun = part of work• Enjoy working hard together• People willingly give…

and then give more

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5. Embracing Differences

• Difference = opportunity• More opinions = creative options• Individual uniqueness respected • Trusting environment important

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6. Profound Learning

• Surprising & non-linear• Deliberate, not just accidental• Stretch to learn builds confidence• Learning together is exciting• Life--not just task--learning

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7. Strengthened Relationships

• Through risk & success together• Great work is key• People count on each other• Shared work creates deep bonds

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8. Great Results

• Tangible & intangible results• Tangible = destination important to

the group and sponsors• Intangible = journey important to

the group more than sponsors• Results along the way build

momentum

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SIXGROUPNEEDS

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ACCEPTANCE: I know and appreciate myself for who I amright now.

I know my talents and limitations.

I live in awareness of my abilities.

I can express who I am to others.

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POTENTIAL:I am growing into

a fuller and better self.

I sense that I could be more.

I am drawn to my possibilities.

I want to learn and grow.

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BOND: We connect creating 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.

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PURPOSE:We reach for common goals together.

We are committed to our shared purpose.

We influence each other.

We count on each other.

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REALITY:We understand and accept our world and how it functions.

We are alert to the world we live in.

We are intrigued by our world.

We are ready to respond to that world.

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IMPACT:We will act on and change our world.

We want to make our world better.

We are powerful.

We know we can make a difference.

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EnergizedConnected

HopefulChanged

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FOURFEELINGS

Did this experience ENERGIZE you or your team?

Do you feel more CONNECTED to the team, its purpose, yourself?

Do you feel more HOPEFUL about the team, its work, yourself?

Do you feel CHANGED by this team experience?

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TRANSFOR-MATION

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For articles, tools, and exercises:

www.extraordinarygroups.com

For training, coaching, or consulting:

info@extraordinarygroups.com Extraordinary Groups © 2013 23