Rephrase. Group leadership, particularly in the context of social work, is indeed a critical aspect of the group process. It involves a range of skills and characteristics that enable a leader to guide a group effectively towards achieving its goals. In the textbook "Group Counseling Strategies and Skills" by Schimmel, Masson, and Harvill (2016), Chapter 6 provides a comprehensive overview of the basic skills required for group leaders. These skills can be broadly categorized into areas: 1. Active Listening: This involves fully focusing on, understanding, and responding to a speaker. 2. Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of others. 3. Openness: Being open to new ideas and different perspectives. 4. Conflict Resolution: The ability to handle conflicts in a positive manner. 5. Decision Making: The ability to make decisions that are beneficial for the group