Leadership Groups

One of the most meaningful groups I have been a member of is a nationwide real estate field team made up of independent 1099 contractors. There are currently 5 of us, although at one time there were nearly ten. We all work in different markets across the country and rarely see one another in person. Our purpose is to manage and oversee real estate projects under a major national contract, including property evaluations and renovations. I would classify this as a task group because we were formed to accomplish specific, measurable objectives tied directly to performance outcomes.

There is structure within our group, but it looks different from a traditional office environment. Because we are independent contractors, we operate with a high level of autonomy. However, we follow standardized reporting systems, deadlines, and renovation guidelines. As Northouse explains, “To provide structure to a group, the leader must first help the group members understand the group’s goals, communicating these clearly and sometimes frequently, as things change over time” (Northouse, 2023, p. 188). I see this consistently in our team, as our leader regularly reinforces expectations and clarifies objectives during check in calls, especially when procedures shift or new projects are introduced.

Without her leadership, there would be no 1099 field team. She personally handpicked each of us in our markets to ensure strong performance and accountability. She often calls us her “boots on the ground,” which creates a shared identity and sense of purpose. Northouse states, “A leader can impact group norms by paying close attention to norm development and helping to shape constructive norms that will maximize group effectiveness” (Northouse, 2023, p. 190). In our case, norms such as responsiveness, professionalism, and accountability are consistently reinforced through her communication and example. Even though many of these norms are not formally written, they guide behavior and strengthen effectiveness across all markets.

Cohesion within our team is also intentional. Northouse explains, “A leader can assist a group to build cohesiveness by incorporating the following actions in their role as leader” (Northouse, 2023, p. 192). Even though we are geographically dispersed, she builds cohesion by reinforcing shared goals, encouraging participation, building trust, and recognizing individual contributions. In my experience, cohesion in a remote task group does not happen automatically; it must be developed through trust and consistent communication. Because our work is interdependent, the performance of one market reflects on the entire team, which makes cohesion even more important.

In contrast, I have also had the opportunity to lead my own group through my first time homebuyer classes. This group typically consists of six to ten participants preparing to purchase their first home. The purpose of the group is educational and supportive, to guide buyers through credit preparation, lending processes, contracts, and overall homeownership readiness.

Unlike the field team, where I was a member, this time I was the leader. I quickly realized how important structure is when others are looking to you for direction. Again, Northouse explains, “To provide structure to a group, the leader must first help the group members understand the group’s goals, communicating these clearly and sometimes frequently, as things change over time” (Northouse, 2023, p. 188). I applied this by clearly outlining the objectives of each session, explaining expectations, and revisiting goals as participants’ questions evolved.

I also established norms around participation, respect, and confidentiality so that everyone felt comfortable asking financial questions. Without that structure, discussions could easily drift or become overwhelming. Leading this class helped me understand that structure is not about control but about clarity. When participants understood the goals and felt supported, they became more engaged and supportive of one another, which strengthened group cohesiveness.

Through both experiences, I have seen firsthand how leadership directly influences structure, norms, and cohesion. Whether as a member of a remote task group or as a leader of an educational class, intentional communication, clear expectations, and trust building are essential for group effectiveness.