Northouse, Introduction to Leadership: Concepts and Practice, 4e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
Lecture Notes
Chapter 10: Listening to Out-group Members
Chapter Summary
I. Introduction
II. Out-groups Explained
A. How Do Out-Groups Form?
B. The Impact of Out-Groups?
III. Outgroup Members in Practice
A. Listen to out-group members
B. Show empathy to out-group members
C. Recognize the contributions of out-group members
D. Help out-group members feel included
E. Create a special relationship with out-group members
F. Give out-group members a voice and empower them to act
IV. Leadership Snapshot: Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the US
V. Case Study: Next Step
Chapter Objectives
2. Examine the membership of the out-group.
4. Discuss how a leader should manage out-groups.
Lecture Notes
• What out-groups exist in your workplace or school?
• Why is it important for leaders to listen to out-group members?
Northouse, Introduction to Leadership: Concepts and Practice, 4e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
I. Introduction
A. Difficult challenge to listen to out-group members
B. Out-groups are found anywhere groups are trying to reach a goal.
C. Out-groups can negatively affect group performance
D. Out-groups can also make valuable contributions
E. See outgroups as different, not difficult
II. Out-groups Explained
1. Definition: Those individuals in a group or organization who do not
identify themselves as part of the larger group.
2. Many forms of out-groups
a. Minorities
b. Unappreciated individuals
c. Social loafers
A. How Do Out-Groups Form?
1. People disagree with the position of the majority.
a. Consensus decision-making is difficult
2. Individuals cannot identify with the beliefs, norms, or values of the
dominant group members (social identity theory)
3. People sense they are excluded by the larger group
4. Some people lack communication skills or social skills to relate to
5. Understanding the reasons why out-groups form is the first step in
trying to resolve out-group issues.
B. The Impact of Out-Groups?
1. Some of the downsides are relatively insignificant, e.g. minor
inefficiencies in productivity
2. Out-groups run counter to building community
3. Out-groups have a negative impact on group synergy
a. Synergy is the positive energy created by group members
4. Out-group members do not receive the respect they deserve from others
a. Duty of ethical leaders to treat each member with respect
III. Listening to Out-groups in Practice
A. Listen to out-group members
2. Out-group members may feel powerless, alienated or discriminated
against
4. Listening requires concentration, open-mindedness and tolerance
6. When people feel listened to they feel confirmed and more connected to
the larger group
B. Show empathy to out-group members
1. Restatement: “I hear you saying…”
3. Reflection: “So you are feeling…”
4. Support: “I’m impressed with…”
C. Recognize the unique contributions of out-group members
1. Expectancy theory: First step in motivating others is to let them know
they are competent to do their tasks
3. Leaders need to let out-group members know that what they do matter
and is important to the larger group
D. Help out-group members feel included
1. Wm. Schutz (1966): People have a strong need to feel included in
groups
3. Leader needs to be sensitive to out-group members’ needs and respond
in ways that show they are part of the larger group
E. Create a special relationship with out-group members
1. Leader-Member Exchange Theory: Leaders should create a special
relationship with each follower
3. Special relationships can develop when a leader challenges out-group
members to be engaged
4. Out-group member feels validated and more connected to group
F. Give out-group members a voice and empower them to act
1. Lets out-group members be on equal footing with other members
2. Empowering others allows out-group members to be more involved, and
responsible for their actions.
Northouse, Introduction to Leadership: Concepts and Practice, 4e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
IV. Leadership Snapshot: Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States of
America
A. A backwoods circuit lawyer from Illinois; was an unlikely choice to become the
16th President of the US.
B. Little formal education, but an avid reader.
C. Known for his storytelling ability and inspiriting sense of humor.
D. In 1860, won the Republican nomination for President.
V. Case Study