Using a brief experiential group activity called "Choosing a Color Exercise" as an introductory measure, this paper explains the basics of group dynamics and reviews the major theoretical relationships between the group's structure, the dynamics of maintenance and task behaviors, and effective individual performances. The types of functional and nonfunctional barriers are reviewed and analyzed. The paper includes an analysis of the history and stages of group development and group behaviors, providing suggestions for effective group dynamic strategies and creative, facilitative leadership techniques. The final section examines small group discussion techniques and facilitative strategies for meeting management objectives in order to better motivate groups to produce more effective results. Contains 14 references. (KC)