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LEADING A GROUP 6th Edition
A PRACTICAL and COMPREHENSIVE HANDBOOK
KERRI HAMER
AN INTRODUCTION..... WHY GROUPS?
The networks that society used in the past such as the council of elders within a tribe, family units spanning three generations in the one household or family and close relations living within walking distance of each other, are old networks that are disappearing. For steady emotional growth something must replace them.
We seem to have found a way to address this important unmet need: support groups.
The usefulness of support groups is indicated by their continuing existence in our society and the increasing number of them.
They are being adopted to address the problems that the existence of nuclear families and small governments have produced.
Whether structured and called such or given another name, a group evolves from need. It may be emotionally based or knowledge based. It supports it's members in their needs.
The benefits gained from the small group process are being increasingly incorporated into training groups, community action groups and support groups.
The group is generally a small number of people who have similar goals / needs / ideals, meeting at reasonably regular intervals until hopefully these needs are meet.
My aim is to provide a brief outline of the functional issues involved in group dynamics, setting up a group, practical guidelines and leadership skills to aid the successful management of a group. These guidelines can be varied and utilised in any type of training or support group for any organisation and for any age group.
If run effectively, a group can be a caring, wonderfully
positive and supportive environment.
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Why I wrote this book
As I sat awkwardly in a small group and watched the facilitator destroy many of the group members' self esteem and trust, I thought there had to be a better way. Hence the spark of belief that I could write and self publish a book that could inform people "how to do it better". In my small handbook, which is what it says: practical and comprehensive - I outline in enough detail the information you need to be effective in leading a group.
My book was originally written in 1988 and continues to be bought by individuals and organizations to this day. It is required or recommended reading in many University and TAFE courses. Drawing on my extensive experience and training I have continuously re edited the book keeping it contemporary.
"Leading a Group" is located in 70 Australian libraries and I have sold 11,000 copies. Some books have been purchased in England, America, New Zealand and South Africa.
I continuously receive comments such as "your book says in 80 pages everything I need to know, I don't have time to read hundreds of pages, thank you!", "it is what it says …practical and comprehensive, I use it all the time" and "your book gave me the necessary information and confidence for leading a group".