Helping Groups to Function Effectively.

• Position: Brief Article

So you think your group doesn't get anything accomplished because the same people keep droning on or the person in charge isn't an effective leader? Hogwash, says Susan Wheelan, professor of adult and organizational development, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pa. "Leaders alone can't make groups function. And it's not about personalities at all."

So what truly determines the success--or failure--of a corporate group, emergency room team, or high school softball squad? "I use the example of the old Chicago Bulls," Wheelan indicates, referring to the National Basketball Association six-time champions of the 1990s, led by Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman. "They were not people who would be in each other's homes sharing dinner. On teams, you don't have to like the others, but you do have to hold up your end of the log. All group members and leaders have a responsibility for group success and group failings. The rest of the organization does as well. Everyone shares in the responsibility. And everybody has to make it better"

The life cycle of a...