Creating Effective Groups, Second Edition provides a straightforward, yet comprehensive, introduction to the study of small group communication, group decision-making, group problem solving, group dynamics, leadership, and team building. This practical book gives students the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to communicate more effectively and interact more productively in the small group setting. Throughout the book, the reader will develop, practice, and implement the communication skills essential to any small group environment. The second edition of Creating Effective Groups contains new sections on reducing speaking anxiety, intercultural awareness—including the S.O.A.R. technique for intercultural awareness—and more. The book also contains new end of chapter exercises. With the help of this book, any group member can learn the skills necessary to participate in and lead a task group in an effective, productive, and healthy manner.
Randy Fujishin is an accomplished author, counselor, and former chair of the Communication Studies Department at West Valley College in California where he taught for 40 years. With graduate degrees in communication studies and clinical psychology, he is a sought-after speaker at churches and conferences across the western United States. He is also a clinical therapist who coaches corporate executives and senior pastors to increase their interpersonal communication effectiveness and impact. Most importantly, Randy is a loving husband of 38 years, an encouraging dad, and a fun grandpa. He drives a Jeep, rides a Moto Guzzi motorcycle, and has completed a solo motorcycle trip across the United States and back.
As a textbook, this is great. Straightforward language written poignantly but with brevity. Focuses on problem-solving groups, the skills and techniques are useful in most aspects of life. It cost under $15 used and I’m keeping it as a life reference.
This book was extremely helpful for leading a group. I found it helpful when discipling my high school students at church. I plan to use the strategies when I do group counseling as a therapist.