Autocratic Leader: Maintains strict control, gives orders ("Here's how we'll solve the problem. First you will...").

What is Power? Interpersonal influence forming basis for group leadership.

Types of Leadership Power (5 types):

Reward Power: Ability to give followers what they want/need.
Legitimate Power: Ability to withhold what followers want/need; leader has right to instruct.
Coercion (Coercive Power): Force used for compliance with hostile tactics (fear, punishment).
Referent Power: Based on admiration/respect. Charisma is extreme form, inspires loyalty.
Expert Power: Other members value a person's knowledge/expertise.

Communication Competency Approach:

Emphasizes developing skills/behaviors for effective group interactions. Focuses on group dynamics, open communication, active listening, collaborative problem-solving.
Key Aspects:
1. Understanding Group Dynamics (roles, communication styles, personalities).
2. Open and Honest Communication (safe environment for expressing ideas).
3. Active Listening (paying attention, clarifying, responding thoughtfully).
4. Collaborative Problem-Solving (identifying challenges, brainstorming solutions).
5. Conflict Resolution (navigating disagreements constructively).
6. Feedback and Evaluation (providing/receiving constructive feedback).
Benefits: Improved group performance, stronger relationships, increased personal growth, enhanced creativity/innovation.

Group Cohesiveness: Bond pulling people towards group membership, resisting separation.

Three Characteristics:
1. Interpersonal Attraction (members want to interact).
2. Group Pride (members feel fondness/value for group).
3. Commitment to the Work of the Group (value goals, willing to work).

Problem Solving & Decision Making:

Groups often better problem solvers than individuals (more info, resources, broader perspective, identify flaws).
Well-suited for conjunctive tasks (no one member has all info, but each has some).
Efficient Problem-Solving Process:
1. Appropriate discussion question.
2. Explicit discussion of criteria.
3. Group uses criteria to judge potential solutions.
4. Follows systematic problem-solving procedure.

Step 1: Wording the Discussion Question:

Questions of facts: True/verifiable.
Questions of values: Good/bad, better/worse.
Questions of policy: What action should be taken.
Start with a problem question (focuses on undesirable state, implies many solutions) rather than a solution question (slants discussion towards one option).

Step 2: Discussion Criteria:

Step 3: Identifying Alternatives: