First-Time Leaders of Small Groups How to Create High Performing Committees, Task Forces, Clubs and Boards

First-Time Leaders of Small Groups offers novice and experienced leaders the information they need to keep their members interested and involved, resolve conflicts and deal with difficult people, and ultimately have their group achieve results . . . quickly. The book includes four steps for preparing to lead (selecting members, setting the groundwork for high performance, planning, and establishing your leadership style) and four steps for taking the lead (starting right, working smart, coaching, and assessing). These steps will help you take the lead with confidence. First-Time Leaders of Small Groups is filled with illustrative examples of a wide range of small groups and provides clear suggestions for action. The book includes: Questions and answers based on research on what works well, and what does not Diagnostics for determining your group's strengths and weaknesses Leadership challenges-ideas for overcoming common difficulties Self-assessments to help build confidence as a group leader Examples of approaches for different group situations Models for understanding how groups work Activities for improving group functions Key research findings Easy-to-follow suggestions for practice

Manuel London is associate dean of the College of Business, professor of management, and director of the Center for Human Resource Management at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He is the author of Maximizing the Value of 360-Degree Feedback (edited with Walter Tornow), Developing Managers, Change Agents, Developing the Training Enterprise, and Career Management and Survival, all from Jossey-Bass.

Marilyn London is assistant dean for medical education at the State University of New York at Stony Brook.