Hi Breakers,
For this week's blog post, reflect on our discussion (and skits!) about group dynamics. What are some behaviors that ruin positive group dynamics, and what can you do on your trip to stop negative behaviors?
We highly recommend the beginning of a particular This American Life episode that discusses how bad behaviors from just one person can ruin an entire group's experience. The link is below.
This American Life: Ruining It for the Rest of Us
Man those skits were hilarious but also really important for us to see (I feel). We've all been a part of a group or group project where a similar situation has occurred...that being said, these sorts of situations are inevitable (no matter how happy or considerate we think we are, things happen), and I think preemptively learning how to handle them is one of the smartest things we could have done. Also, it’s really easy to recognize when someone else is being a jerk, or a downer, or a non-participator, but often times it’s hard to recognize when that person is actually you, yourself (and I love how they stressed that point to us).
ReplyDeleteI think group dynamics are so important. I personally feel that a group’s productivity and overall collective success grows exponentially in direct correlation with the dynamic within the group. (On a side note, I really loved and was impressed (/jealous, lol) by the group dynamics that Thunder and Lightning’s group had! They were sitting in front of us and they all just seemed really cohesive, happy, and passionate…an overall great team. So props to them. )
Just like one person’s negative attitude can “spoil it for everyone”, I think the converse it also true. A positive attitude can and does spread like wildfire. With that in mind, I’m sure that everyone in my group will be mindful not to reenact one of the negative characters portrayed onstage last night…but I also want to challenge ourselves to be extra positive in hopes that that positive attitude will manifest itself collectively, allowing us to be really productive and also to have a really really great time.
Pierre Mondon
I think that the skits and discussion for group dynamics were really insightful. Going to the site leader training and hearing about the “bad apple” experiment, and the detrimental effects that said “bad apple” can have on the group. I think that just displaying the short skits about possible scenarios is really helpful for people to know how to act as well as how not to act. While they seem a little silly, it is very possible that any one of those situations could occur at any time over our break.
ReplyDeleteAs a site leader, I think it is even more important for me to keep our group positive. I feel that the best way to do this is to lead by example. Giving a good positive example through y behavior and my actions is such a great way to show my group how I want them to act. Another thing that I think I need to do is be understanding. A lot of times situations that arise might not seem like a big deal to me, but could be a huge deal to someone else. I think it is all about putting myself in somebody else’s shoes and to try to understand where they are coming from. By being a good example and having compassion, I think that our group can stay out of negative scenarios.
-Madelynne Lockhart
I found our discussion of group dynamics to be very engaging. I am very excited for my Alternative Break, and a large portion of the fun I will have on the break will come from getting to know and hanging out with the members of my group. Thus far, we have already gotten off to a great start, and I can’t wait for our mini-break and our social event to get to know them better!
ReplyDeleteAlthough I don’t foresee anybody in my group behaving as depicted in the skits while we are at Zion, it was very good to be exposed to those behaviors (hey, you never know, right?). I’m glad we were given the opportunity to at least think about how we would handle our group members acting negatively. For example, if a member of the group is not participating, but is constantly disconnected from what is going on, it is important to remind him/her how important the break we are on is. I really liked the way one person worded it: “we’re doing something much bigger than ourselves”. It’s important to keep that in mind, and although we may miss people and happenings back at home, we need to remember how awesome our breaks are, and how helpful our volunteering is. However, in the group dynamics discussion, I wish that we had gone into more detail of how our groups interact dynamically and positively, rather than just learn how to handle negative behaviors. I did enjoy the extended group time, and planning our free time activities with my group.
The group skits have been my favorite class so far. The group meetings brought the members in my group closer together, and after we played the animal game (which I won), we talked more about what we will be doing when we are not working. I was pleased to hear that we would be going to a zoo during our off day, and that we would have plenty of activities to do at the YMCA each night. I was eager to volunteer to work with Alec for the “Bad Apple skit.” It is important that nobody become a bad apple on our trip, but I don’t think it will actually happen; if a bad apple were in the group, though, it would be important to be assertive and tell them that they need to put the group ahead of themselves, because that’s what we signed up to do in the first place. The final skit reflected on how to handle if someone is going through a more personal issue. Here, we learned that we are all here for each other. If a personal issue comes up, which is highly unlikely, we will have to push it aside and deal with it when the trip is over, but we will support one another.
ReplyDeleteListening to that particular This American Life episode, as well watching the skits at class, was eye opening to the adverse effects that “bad apples” can have on group dynamics. While listening to the episode is was very surprising how one individual truly affected the group dynamic, in even such a short amount of time. This reinforces the point that you must address these “bad apples” or other problems within a group in order to make progress. Bad apples are placed into three categories. The first category is the jerk that puts down ideas, insults others, and is very aggressive. The second category is the slacker who has no motivation and has no interest in being in the group. The last category is the pessimist who is always negative and often doubts the ability for the group to succeed. The most interesting, eye opening thing I learned from the episode was that the “bad apple” had negative effects on how other group members treated each other, not just the jerk, slacker, or pessimist. This spillover effect is often not realized and can be very detrimental.
ReplyDeleteTo approach these problems of group dynamics on this trip I think it is important to be open minded to the issues the individual(s) are having and to ask how you could possibly help. It is important not penalizing or aggressive when approaching these issues, but to simply remind that person/ people of the amazing once in life opportunity we have the privilege to take part in.
Last week’s class was skit day! It was by far my favorite class, and all the volunteers did a great job in their situations. It is very important to address any problem that may happen during our spring break trips. A good attitude is a must when working in a group, and especially when doing any form of community service. Poor group dynamic produces poor work, and clearing debris or painting/building a house cannot be done poorly. Not to sound too cliché but one bad apple in the group can plant a bad seed in the whole group. This I have seen first hand from volunteering in other groups. If one person has a bad attitude that day, it negatively affects the whole group. For instance I used to volunteer in 4-H a lot and work with the younger children, a fellow volunteer would always be very rude to the rest of the volunteers if things did not go their way. Not only did it put us in a bad mood, but the children fed off our negativity as well. One of the best ways to avoid being a bad apple is just roll with the punches and try not to take things personally.
ReplyDeleteHaving more group time at the beginning also brought our group more together. The icebreaker we played was fun and it got us thinking more about what we will be doing in our free time. Since our group will be camping we will have to entertain ourselves and not rely on entertainment from technology. We all thought of other icebreakers we can play there too. As spring break approaches (13 days but who’s counting) I get more excited to work with my group in Joplin! I honestly think that our group is full of great apples and we are going to have a ton of fun!
This week’s class was very upbeat and entertaining. I think it may have been one of my favorite classes yet. It was very nice to get in a lot of group time, and get to know the members of our group better, as well as establishing plans for our upcoming breaks.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the skits that were presented to us. Not only did they have great messages behind them, but also they were very humorous. I think that the skits provided us all with good tips on how to deal with potential problems. Staying positive over our breaks will be one of the more important things. If one member of the group is down, it tends to bring everyone else down as well, making the volunteer experience we all hope to achieve not so worthwhile. If anyone in my group isn’t so upbeat over break, I will do my best to understand their situation and make suggestions or try to offer help. I will also apply this if conflict arises within the group. Though sometimes little conflicts flare up in group situations, I am confident my group will be able to work through them as long as we are all courteous, polite, and understanding of each other’s feelings. The skits were very helpful in making suggestions to how to deal with potential problems, and I appreciated the great advice given.
While on our trip, the ability to work together as a cohesive group will be extremely important in shaping our experiences. With seven people in one group (and one van for 14+ hours), there are plenty of places where things could go wrong. Even in groups this small, it is easy for cliques to form, and breaking up into factions will certainly hurt group dynamics and communication, so that is something important to avoid. After volunteering all day long, we will undoubtedly be tired, which ups the chances of disagreement. While working, we may even encounter cases in which one person or another has a dynamic that doesn’t mesh well or that may interfere with the efforts of the rest of the group.
ReplyDeleteI think that there are many ways to avoid these situations. If we do encounter problems during the hours we are volunteering, or if any one person is not in sync with the group or may just be tired that day, I think giving them a few minutes of space to cool down, rest, and think about the importance of our service work can help maintain a positive dynamic. It won’t do anyone any good to enter into a situation with heightened emotions or stress, so taking some time to cool down and think before discussing any issues will be important. That being said, any issues we may encounter shouldn’t be avoided for a long time, just enough so that everyone can think through the situation. Since the work we do during the day is the main focus of the trip, that should be the most important thing to focus on doing well; the end of the day is the time for personal space should anyone need it. Our group will be using one bathroom to get ready in the morning, so respect for personal space and time constraints is a must. Thinking about these situations ahead of time in order to mentally prepare for them will help us maintain a positive group dynamic as well.
My general philosophy in all life activities that involve living or working with others is that we don’t need to be best friends (although I would really like to become better friends with my group members!), we just need to be civil and respect one another to work well together in a cohesive community. That means that when in a professional volunteer setting like this, respecting one another’s needs, ideas, and opinions, and remembering the importance of the work we are doing is the most important thing. I think that having this mindset and being flexible going into the trip will help me keep a positive outlook on group dynamics.
Conflict occurs in just about any situation when you’re working with others. The scenarios presented to us on Thursday showed us all things that may or may not occur on our trips. Whether it is someone who isn’t having a good day or missing someone at home, I’m sure something will arise at least once in each group.
ReplyDeleteWhile listening to the This American Life podcast, I found it very interesting that group dynamics became 30-40% worse with the addition of the bad apple in the group. As the speaker said, usually groupthink prevails but in this specific study the bad apple prevailed. Even though a bad apple situation may happen once or twice in a group task while we are on our trip, I hope that a team member will be able to talk to the bad apple (or someone showing bad apple like symptoms) and try to help that individual out. It is important not to judge or talk down to this person but rather try to understand what the other person’s issue is and help them out in that situation.
It is certainly possible that at least one person in my group will probably be on their phone often, maybe when we are working or even when we are all just spending time together. On the car ride down and back, sure. But when others begin to notice and even the person who is using their phone says, “Oh gosh, I’m being that girl/guy who is always on their phone I should stop.” Then the person doesn’t stop… that’s when problems arise. I think that this is an enormous problem that I myself have been trying to catch myself and put my phone away. Perhaps groups will need to decide if/when people are okay with having phones out and when there are times that it is just not acceptable. Gosh, I sound like a teacher… but I think that you all know what I mean. It can be frustrating when you’re sitting down for dinner or during your workday and there’s that one person who just can’t stop texting, checking Twitter or Facebook.
Group dynamics are incredibly important in cases such as ours: spending much time together all trying to accomplish something. It is also something that many of us, myself included, have probably not considered. We have already spent a fair amount of time with our groups, but only a little more than an hour a week. Sometime between the long travel times, the sleeping arrangements, or if mistakes happen, more sides to people will come out. The purpose of the skits put on for us was to show us correct ways to deal with bad apples in the group, but they also function to show us how easy it is to be one of the bad apples in the group.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is very important to help our teammates revive themselves from a state of 'bad appleness,' but the first step is to ensure that we ourselves do not fall into that category. The best ways to avoid it ourselves is to remember our purpose: to help out a nonprofit for a week and ultimately challenge and change our reality.
There are a few common behaviors that ruin positive group dynamics. One of these behaviors is when people can’t disconnect from their lives back at home. They are either constantly plugged in, or maybe just not engaged in their current activities or goals. These people usually only need be reminded of why they are there. As long as everyone in your group is comfortable with it, it can be helpful to discuss the reasons why each person is personally dedicating himself or herself to an Alternative Break, or specifically a site. It is an easy way to hold yourself and others accountable.
Another common behavior is that of the jerk. The jerk is a more aggressive type. Instead of being in the way of flow, they might try to block flow completely. This is more difficult to deal with, as they are usually not as easily persuaded. But, as said above, if they can be held accountable for their own personal reasons for being on that specific Alternative Break, it should be easier to kick-start them into more positive thoughts. It could be that something else is bothering them, and they just need someone to listen or help out. Communication is key with jerks, be a good listener, and react with positivity to make the most impact.
A third common behavior is the depressive. They might go along with the duties of the day, but they will make sure to not be happy about it. These people will benefit from good communication as well. If someone can help them get to the heart of the problem, it may be that it can be easily resolved. However, this is not always the case. If communication fails, the best way to get through to a depressive is to put things into perspective. Sure, it might suck to be without your girlfriend for a week, but if a depressive is reminded of all the good they are doing hopefully they will be able to see a brighter side to things.
In each class, the same topic seems to come up at least once: can we make a change in a week? I believe that this is dependent on many factors, such as the site, what you will be doing, and countless others. It may be the case that you personally do not create a change in one week. However, it is guaranteed to change you in a week. Remind bad apples of this, and tell them that if they aren’t getting everything they possibly can out of this experience, then they are only cheating themselves.
The group skits were fun, and very important for all group members before we go of off on our trips. The skits were funny, but they all had good messages behind the lighthearted fun. It was good for all of us to remember that we have to work together to keep everyone happy amongst our group. We will not agree on everything, but that is to be expected. We just have to work to formulate a plan to keep all members happy. This will be a harder task for my group than most. We are going to be camping for the entire trip. This means that we will be working, and living together in a small area. I feel that our group will be able to keep a cool and collected mindset thought our trip. This is because we have talked about other activities that we can do so we will not get burnt out of one another, but there will be some incentives of being this close to one another. First of all we will get to know one another very well. There will not really be an opportunity for group members to keep to themselves, because of our living situation. Hopefully this will lead to a closely bonded group by the end of the trip.
ReplyDeleteI think our class discussion and The American Life program broke down the three main negative behaviors very well. The first one being the “jerk” or pessimist in which case I think it’s important to remind people of why we are doing alternative breaks. Also, I feel with a jerk attitude it is often helpful to turn things around onto the person. For example, asking questions like “What do you want to do?” or “Do you have any suggestions?” is a way to get the other persons input and also to perhaps subtlety point out that they might not be contributing to the task. The second bad apple is the lazy individual who seems to care less about the project. In this instance I think you could reapply the same technique as with the jerk, remind the person why they are there and if that doesn’t work I would just try giving a person tasks and constantly encouraging them to participate. I think the key is to not express annoyance or anger because that will only lead to the person becoming defensive. The third behavior is, in my mind, the most difficult to handle because it’s more difficult to address. For example, reminding someone of why they are on alternative breaks might only make them feel guilty for being depressed which is not helpful. Also, most of us are not trained therapists so knowing the right words to comfort someone could be difficult. My best suggestion for this type of behavior would be distraction. The first thing I would do is offer support, by listening, and then offer a distraction. I’m not saying distract them by explaining how great their work with alternative breaks is but to distract them with a physical task. It is often helpful to distract someone with a physical task to sort of pull them away from their mind.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest I’m not sure this idea of “bad apples” was a surprise for anyone. I know I have felt the negative effects of being around a bad apple, and although I’m not proud of it I’m pretty sure I have also been a bad apple. But I think like many topics we have had in this course it is one thing know that an issue exists but it’s another to be consciously aware that it exists. I guess my point is that I already knew one person’s attitude could alter the entire groups but I did not necessarily have a way of expressing this phenomenon. I was not thinking about how it could play into our alternative breaks and that it was something I should keep in mind. This class brought the idea into my awareness. I’m not going to be spending the entire trip looking for bad apples but it will be helpful if I notice a shift in myself or the group’s attitude to consider this as a factor.
-Mariah
I think most importantly communication and understanding are the most important factors that will help us on our trips. Each person may deal with an issue in a different way and we need to remember that and be able to adapt accordingly. I think in order to stop negative behaviors on a trip, we cannot be forceful as that is counterproductive, pushing someone away while we are hoping they come back to us! I believe being able to talk about the issue at hand, and put things back into perspective with the opportunity to help people this break and ask them to remember the reason they wanted to come on Alternative Spring Breaks in the first place! Remember that we are here to help, to learn and grow but also to have fun. If there is a disagreement within group activity, we must learn to compromise and appreciate each activity and the opportunity to be able to do do this is what is most special to me. Sometimes a positive can be so overwhelming that people cannot help but adopt it too, it is addicting in many cases! If we can each keep that spirit with us, I believe it will spread amongst the group.
ReplyDeleteI think the most important thing to establish before the trip is that we should all be willing to have open conversations and communications about the group dynamic as a whole. Being able to receive constructive criticism and openness to compromise are very important. It isn't just one person's trip, it is everyone together. A few situations that could arise is if one person is not wanting to participate in the actual volunteer work and the outside activities. I think trying to make him a leader would be beneficial. For example, if he is tired of being in the city of Chicago because he has seen all the sights, have him show the group his favorite places. If he is also not wanting to volunteer, a friendly reminder of the purpose of the trip might work. Another issue that I experienced in a previous trip was that one of the participants got really sick. She couldn't participate in the bulk of the activities and we spent some time taking care of her. That situation is out of our control but it could damage the group dynamic because people would spend time taking care of her, feel bad if they explore the city without her, and the possibility of her complaining about the illness a lot. I think either taking her to the doctor or somehow suggesting for her to go back to Kansas is a potential idea it all just depends on the severity of her illness. The last issue to think about is what if I was the one who was ruining the group dynamic. Each individual has to go into the trip being open to constructive criticism and ability to compromise. An idea for the beginning of the trip or believe we leave is to talk about what they want to take away from the trip and some of the goals. If we establish goals, then if someone is causing trouble, you can remind them of the goals made.
ReplyDeleteBeth Boomstein
When it comes to working in groups, there are many factors that affect how well the group cooperates with each other. The groups that work well together and have great chemistry tend to have a great time and get the job done better than the groups that don't work well together. Communicating with each other and letting everyone know what needs to be done is part of working in a group. Another part is understanding what needs to be done and who is doing what. If one person is dictating what needs to be done and isn't participating in the work, then there will always be problems because it won't seem fair to everyone that is actually working. Another behavior that ruins positive group dynamics are the people that don't want to work hard but want to take the credit. They show up to volunteer and work and then just stand around and don't participate in the discussions or don't help do the actual work and then when the project is complete, they expect to get the credit. Thesekind of people always cause issues with the group.
ReplyDeleteOne kind of attitude that needs to remain apparent is that we're on Alternate Spring Break! It's going to be lots of fun, and although the work at times may be difficult and tiring, it's for a good cause and afterward we can have fun and enjoy our time off from school. If this attitude is maintained throughout the entire trip, it will be lots of fun and we will be able to do a lot of good for the organization.
In order to stop any problems from hurting our group dynamics, I'm going to make sure that everyone does their own share but also has fun at what they're doing. I'll talk to everyone and make it so that it feels just like a group of college friends doing community service for fun and for a good cause.
I have heard this “Bad Apple” show in multiple classes so I feel as if it’s something that can be applied to many facets of life. When working with a group, especially with a group it’s important to monitor yourself and the things that you do so you do not impede on the experience of others. If everyone is in a hood, accommodating mood, the experience will be a grand one. Let one person enter into the situation who is negative and it is all downhill from there. This is especially important when working with a group of people that you are not totally familiar with. People have the tendency to mimic one another’s behavior. So if the bad apple behavior is standing out it will take precedence over those who are in the good mood. Sometimes you can’t just help there being a bad apple within the group. If this does happen it is important that someone in a leadership role approaches this person to have a conversation about their actions. If their behavior does not improve they ought to be removed from the situation. In light of our trip it will not be possible to remove anyone from the experience so it is crucial that we all work our hardest to get along and do what’s best for the group dynamic. I don’t feel like this will be a problem because we all are seemingly altruistic people who have other’s interest in mind. I know that I will do my part to prevent this, and I hope everyone in my group will too.
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