Group Dynamics

If you have to work with someone... you might as well get to know a little bit about them! The way group members interact with one another can vastly sway the outcome of the groups project. Will ice breakers increase the effectiveness of the group? No matter what you do, someone will most likely become, in some form or another, the leader of the group. What can the leader do to make the group successful.
I agree with Tuckman and his stages of group development, but even he knew there are always changes, which is why it took him 10 years to update his Dr Seuss-styled stages: Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing and the last one, Adjourning. Of course this article was last updated on 8-15-04, so I wonder if Tuckman ever thinks about changing any of them?

I like how one of the group dynamic papers broke down the roles inside the group:

                        Factors which affect members participation.

The content or task of the group- is it of interest, importance and relevance?

The physical atmosphere - is it comfortable physically, socially and psychologically?

The psychological atmosphere - is it accepting, non-threatening?

Member’s personal preoccupations - are there any distracting thoughts in their mind?

The level of interaction and discussions - is adequate information provided for everyone to understand? - is it at a level everyone understands?

Familiarity - between group members- do members know each other from before?

Everyone will fit somewhere in one of those positions, inside the group. During our exercise, what position did you have? We all had more than one position that day. I started out selecting the ingredients, then an observer, then back seat driver, then blind folded chef (I must say my egg cracking skills on the hot pan were superb! Not a single shell out of two eggs!), I helped clean up in the kitchen, while the meal was being distributed around the table.
With our exercise, we already knew who the boss was. Beth is the one who set the rules. Who selected the ingredients; who set the tables; who was in the clean-up crew. No matter how we guided the "chef," Beth always changed the rules, and we had to adapt, no matter what. As the boss, she sets the rules and routines. We just have to abide by them. After she chose an efficiency expert, we had to deal with two bosses, with two separate agendas. Beth wants the product out, Cabana wanted it done efficiently.

Cabana started out great by having everyone wash their hands. That was one thing that we all did at the beginning of our turn as the chef. Beth wanted to know when the product would be done, Cabana gave her specific times that each process would be done, and for the most part, we were able to stick with them. After that point though, I'm not real sure what happened to efficiency. During the exercise, usually only two of the three "guides" would speak at any given time. One person would usually remain quite, especially when it came to actually using the stove. The addition of the heated pan, made the room grow a little more tense. People broke out their phones, whether it was to tape someone burn themselves or watch the team succeed, who knows.

In the end, the eggs were edible, but not by much. If two people could have steered the Chef, I believe that things could have been a little bit better, but Beth had those other plans for us, I think the experiment served its purpose, A project is only as strong as the group. I think that there are always room for improvement? Without diceting the exercise, you wouldn't be able to really understand the true group dynamics and how you could tweak the group and make it stronger.

This was no Kitty Hawk!

When Beth originally assigned this project, I was laughing to myself about how I was getting college credit for building/flying a kite... But of course the assignment wasn't really about the kite now was it? No, it was about whether or not you and your group member(s) got along, and were able to build and fly said kite.

The hardest part for us was the design process. We sat in class and brain stormed over how we could make a kite, fly it, then blow it the fuck up! Then Beth had to ruin it by not allowing our inner rocket scientists, get the better of us. Once we knew we couldn't have any kind of "physical or chemical" explosions... we decided on doing a large paper airplane, nay, a lightweight, aerodynamically, bad-ass, cardboard airplane rather. Once we settled on the design, it was a matter of materials and time.

We chose to meet last Tuesday, in our normal classroom, to make our plane. I brought the large sheets of thin cardboard, Chewy brought the drill, glue gun and glue sticks, and Alec brought decorating ideas. We folded, then hot glued everything together, and gave the "Beautiful Lass" her maiden voyage. Lets face it, it was awesome!!! It did fly in the technical sense, but we built one more with a wider wingspan, just in case. We threw both of them around the room to see which one had a better "flight" pattern, then started the detail process. We talked about what should go on the Lass, and came up with a common theme.

I took the Lass home with me and finished up all the coloring, and gathered some string, preparing for its flight in the courtyard. I must say, that like everyone else, as I walked in, the Lass just wanted to be set free!

I honestly didn't know how well it was flying, because I was to busy trying not to fall on my face as I sprinted around the courtyard, only to be stopped by a tree. I think that the Beautiful Lass, was a great success. Not only did it "fly," but it wasn't even scratched when it took a dive into the tree. I think our group did a great job with every aspect of this assignment. Ours might not have had a Black Power Ranger or a Sky Pirate on it, but she flew her heart (and my legs) out!!!

I know there were a couple of groups who had the typical "group" issues, but I think our group was drama free! I would consider all of the flights a success, and a job well done by all! Some of us are a little more winded now, but that's probably the same feeling the Wright Brothers felt when they took off in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

Competition vs. Cooperation

I said it in class and I'll say it again, I hate the term "losers."

Good ole Merriam Websters classifies it as:

Definition of LOSER

1: a person or thing that loses especially consistently

2: a person who is incompetent or unable to succeed; also : something doomed to fail or disappoint

See loser defined for English-language learners »

Examples of LOSER

1. The team had a reputation for being a loser year after year.
2. The loser of the bet has to buy drinks for the winner.
3. Whoever benefits from the new government programs, the real loser will be the American taxpayer.
4. That guy is a born loser.

Not one of these definitions sounds acceptable to me! 

I think our whole conversation in class was enhanced when we changed from random voices in the room, to face to face contact, during our little pow-wow. Not only were we able to pick up on personal cues and body language, but seeing someone speak, lets you see their passion for those exact words, good or bad.

I hate the fact that our society has come to this conclusion that competition is unhealthy. The reason I say this is because I am irritated by "participation" trophies. There was a reason I played my heart out in any and all sports as a child, because I wanted a trophy that would sit on the shelf in my room for 8 years till my mother boxed it up and put it in the attic. Now I know that on the other hand, there is always that one person (usually a parent), that always takes it to far. On my high school soccer team, we had a father throw gum into his son's hair, after he thought his son wasn't "hustling" enough. Really??? Who does that? I wouldn't throw gum into a strangers hair, let alone my own child! There is a difference between "complimentary criticism" and being an asshole!

There are certain times when I think that cooperation coincides with competition. We discussed teams in class. Even though Michael Jordan was a fantastic player, he didn't do it all by himself! Someone had to dish the ball, throw and alley-oop, inbound the ball, wash the jerseys, pour the water... The list goes on and on. That's why I think its great that the NFL (and other sports leagues) gives not only the players, but the supporting staff rings as well. I think we all might remember that Colts owner Jim Irsay gave away rings in a raffle for charity, with a catch of course. Read here for more details on that. I can only assume that Jim wanted to show his gratitude to the 12th man on the roster, the fans, and give back to charity in one fail swoop. Being a team, pays off!

Lets face it, sometimes I don't work well with others! Sometimes the person I find hardest to work with, is myself. There is always some form of internal struggle between cooperation and competition. I want to succeed in school, but hate doing homework; love coming to class, but hate getting out of bed; I want to say something to the cute bartender, but feel as nervous as a kindergartner on the first day of school (She's HOT, if you cared to know.)

In some of my reviews from my work as a "Team Leader" at Target (everyone loves Target, until you work there!), I was told that I "build a team people want to be on/be a part of." What I had always told my team was, "I'll be your boss and your friend, don't make me be your boss!" Basically I wanted my team to work with each other and myself, to make our area succeed. To me, this meant we were a team, and not a group. Obviously Target has thought the same thing, because of the way they structure their stores management: Store Team Leader, Executive Team Leader, Senior Team Leader, Team Leader, Specialist Team Members, Team Members. And that is just at the store level, I'm sure you can figure out how it goes for regional management and up.

One of the things that I think helps me, is the ability to own up to my mistakes. I told my team that if they thought that I was making a wrong decision, just let me know in a constructive manner, and I would re-evaluate it. The hard part was when those decisions came down from corporate, there was usually nothing I could do. It came from some jag off behind a desk, who probably has never worked in actual Target store.

I wish I could have come to some epiphany about which is better, but that is impossible. I agree with Scott G. Isaksen, "Although there's no doubt that a cooperative environment increases the number of ideas, improves the quality of the outcome, and facilitates a better working environment, cooperation must be done in such a way as to protect the integrity of the project at hand."

Prisoner's Dilemma

Merriam-Webster's  defines Prisoner's Dilemma as:

"Imaginary situation employed in game theory. One version is as follows. Two prisoners are accused of a crime. If one confesses and the other does not, the one who confesses will be released immediately and the other will spend 20 years in prison. If neither confesses, each will be held only a few months. If both confess, they will each be jailed 15 years. They cannot communicate with one another. Given that neither prisoner knows whether the other has confessed, it is in the self-interest of each to confess himself. Paradoxically, when each prisoner pursues his self-interest, both end up worse off than they would have been had they acted otherwise.

I believe that this transfers socially in things like Team Work. If you have two groups working on the same project. If everything goes off with out a hitch, then no worries! If the project fails, then you have to worry about "what exactley" went wrong to be able to prove some part of the team combo went wrong. It has an effect on all of the people in said groups morals. What do they find to be the right, versus what is morally wrong. Complications that are pro or con, will affect the players well after the game has ended.

Skill Set Inventory...

• What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?

I would consider myself a movie whore. There is something about disconnecting from reality and immersing yourself into a story. The problem is, not all of the movies I watch, should have ever been watched! I try to keep an open mind when it comes to non-mainstream flicks, but my roommate is the one who usually has to suffer

• What is your favorite class and explain why it is your favorite?

I have taken almost all of the "History of Rock n Roll" classes. For a person who loves music, and the history of music in general, these are great classes to take. I think that he offers History of Rock n Roll 50's & 60's, History of Rock n Roll 70's & 80's, and the History of Jimi Hendrix. All of these classes, I received and A+ in. Not that they are easy, but it is true that when you like/love a subject, you are willing to learn and retain more. This was one of those cases!

• What are you good at doing in New Media?

As I am a "non-traditional" student, I really don't know what I am good at yet. I know that since I am following my "interests," they led me to New Media. I would ultimately like to edit audio and video.

• What are you good at doing outside of New Media?

I work in a pharmacy now, and I am told by my boss, that I have an uncanny way to deal with idiots and a-holes. I have dubbed myself the "A-hole Whisperer!"

• What is your favorite area of New Media (you don't have to be good at it, but you have to like whatever you talk about for this one?)

I love movies, so I am interested in editing audio and video.  Technology in general interests me, and know that I would rather be on the side that learns and provides, than the side that shuns technology.

• Do you prefer to work independently or in a group? Please explain why.

It really doesn't matter to me if I work alone, or in a group. I know that ultimately that working in groups is crucial to most work settings, and tend to be one who delegates parts of a project, but I do not have problems taking direction either.

• What New Media classes have you had?

Intro to Informatics, Multimedia Authoring Tools, Directed Study I & II. I am currently taking this class, Team Building in Technology, Introduction to Digital Video, and Digital Media Production. 

• In a group project explain what you usually end up doing.

I usually end up delegating parts of the project, putting it all together, and sometimes final presentation. I wouldn't say that I am a control freak, but it is hard to depend on others when it comes to my grade.

• In a perfect group what would you like to end up working on? (i.e. hands-on work, research, presentation, web development, planning, etc.)

In the perfect group, I wouldn't care what I did, because the group would attain an A+ on the project and in the class. I feel comfortable with presenting, and hands-on work.

• What is your opinion of group work? Please explain why.

As long as everyone in fact DOES their part, groups can be a great thing. However, we all know that there is usually one a-hole that decides to do less/substandard work. That really irritates the shit out of me. No matter what you do in life, you will have to work with others, this is life.

• How do you think other people would describe you?

I think people usually describe me as outgoing and personable. I have been told before that as a manager, I "build teams people want to be on or a part of."

• How would you describe yourself?

I have an adjustment period with people, but consider myself outgoing and personable. I usually end up being in/or the center of attention. think we all have out introverted tendencies, but I prefer to be around people.

• What do you do when a group project goes bad?

Before or after I imagine the ways they could injure themselves? No, I usually try to figure out who/what is going wrong and try to fix it. It can be hard to tell someone they are the problem with the project, so I usually just start with suggesting ways, I think, they would be able to better their side of the project. Ask if they have any problems, or need assistance with anything.

• What is civic engagement in your opinion?

I believe that "civic engagement" is the way someones actions or abilities, impact their community, hopefully in positive ways. It is kinda the way you interact with your community.

• What experience have you had working with community partners, either on your own, through school, church, or in any other capacity?

I have done some volunteering in the past. I participated in a community outreach program in high school. I helped "beautify" a park with my work. I would like to do more, but tend to be less active as previously planned.

• What do you know about Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB?)

Not a whole lot. I have seen them advertised around the city. I knew that it was a program to beautifying Indianapolis. I knew that they had a tree planting program. That's about it.

• How do you think New Media (the program and all its resources) could help the community in general, and KIB in particular?

Production of webisodes, videos, radio spots about upcoming events. Mass notifications about projects.

• How could YOU help the community, and KIB, particularly in terms of New Media?

With the city being the center of attention with the Super Bowl, lots of things have been done to improve our city physically and visually. The problem is... Why does it take such an event for our community to take pride in itself? I feel like KIB has done a great job with improving several communities across the city.

Flash Mobs have been a huge thing, why not a Beautification Flash Mob? We can organize

• What are your goals for this semester?

To pass all of my classes with B's or better! This will require a good amount of time. I will have to fit it in with work and life in general.

• What do you want to be when you grow up?

As a kid, I always wanted to be an actor. I have always been enamored by the big screen. Transfixed by the ability to bring to life, something from life or fiction.  As I get a little older, if that isn't possible, I wouldn't mind editing videos and audio for TV shows, locally or nationally.

Four Score and Seven Years Ago...

I know that it has been a while (many, many months) since I have graced my 4 followers with my time and attentions. I apologize for this, time has not been wasted, but I have been lazy... So I guess time HAS been wasted. Sorry bout that!

I still plan on doing some blogging, but some of my posts might pertain to school, and not in a "I saw a hot girl, classes suck," kind of way. I will be using this blog for an actual class. Why, you ask... because I am to lazy to create a different alias/account for that class. This is established, but not breaking records for viewership! Such is life!

Ryan

Work and everything else!

Hey all,

Sorry that it has been forever since my last post. I really had some serious writers block with no chance to overcome it. I really couldn't find a good subject to write about. And then I realized that it really didn't matter what I wrote about because... I would be writing.

So here it goes...

I am supper glad that I am no longer in Finite Math! It is such a weight lifted off of my shoulders that I can't really express the happiness in my heart that I no longer have to worry about word problems or the stress that goes with them. Now I can remember formulas.... but trying to decipher those formulas out of a word problem that looks like: You have 9 marbles, 4 white, 3 red and 2 orange balloons. If you threw 5 darts at that group of balloons.... what are the odds of hitting 2 red, 2 orange and 1 white balloon? ARE YOU SERIOUS???? Who cares? I WILL NEVER HAVE TO KNOW THIS PROCESS IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM!!!! EVER!!!!! Why can't I use a graphing calculator? Your supposed to be able to adapt and build on your knowledge. But graphing calculators are  built to do advanced functions... like remembering formulas!!!! So what is the big f-ing deal?
I know that I will have to still take this class, but it will be my last math class for my major... and I can't wait! But lets not rush this!

I am really not sure what else to say, so for now, I love you all and I will be in touch!!!!

Carry on,

Ryan