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Attention, Cooperation, Purpose: An Approach to Working in Groups Using Insights from Wilfred Bion

Author(s) : Robert French, Author(s) : Peter Simpson

Reviews and Endorsements

'In this short work, French and Simpson explore group dynamics, and the components that are most important for practical group work. The book goes through each of the major elements of group behaviour, partly represented in the wording of the title. Each chapter has a healthy sprinkling of case studies, offering the reader a varied writing style, which is both engaging and clarifying. Overall, this book is inviting and accessible for anyone interested in identifying times when teamwork can effectively advance business aims.’
— Howard Weller, in The St Catharine’s College Society Magazine

'This is a wonderful introduction to Bion’s work on group dynamics. The book’s prose has the merit of transparency and directness, and its purpose is eminently practical: to help individuals in a wide range of settings become more effective in groups, and to help work groups become more effective.’
—Larry Hirschhorn, author of The Workplace Within, Reworking Authority, and Managing in the New Team Environment

‘This is a book of rich insights and new perspectives. Robert French and Peter Simpson excel as educators. They make complex ideas understandable, taking Bion’s often-challenging ideas and applying them to everyday group situations. Through a process of storytelling, they make theory come alive and engage readers in a thought-provoking narrative. This book will help many to work more effectively in groups.’
—Professor Susan Long, organisational consultant, educator, and author

‘At once erudite, scholarly, and accessible, this volume contains many illustrative anecdotes that add vitality and relevance to the theoretical investigations. A must-read for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of group dynamics.’
—Professor Peter Case, Bristol Business School, University of the West of England

‘In over three decades of work with groups, I am repeatedly struck by how deceptively simple and profoundly complex they actually are. This book is a terrific guide to the rich complexity of working with groups and the joy of open-mindedness.’
—Professor Michael A. Diamond, Harry S. Truman School of Public Affairs, University of Missouri

‘This excellent book seeks to ask and answer the question, “How can we improve the natural human motivation to work in groups – and make the result a better and more fulfilling proposition for everyone concerned?” This is a profound text. A well-written and essential part of educating our next generation of thoughtful leaders.’
—Dr Stephen Fear, businessman, philanthropist, and Entrepreneur in Residence & Ambassador for the British Library, London