When a group has interacted with one another for a long period of time, the risk of groupthink becomes more prominent than ever before. Groupthink is the result of too much cohesion leading to conformity and blind loyalty. It affects a group’s overall interaction, decisions, and interpersonal dynamics. The first group that came to mind, which I still participate in every Wednesday from 6:00-8:00pm, is one of the radio shows here on campus: The River Falls Renegades. The show contains a variety of segements such as Weird News, movies, and other topics that change every week. The Renegades consists of Adam Lee, Kirsten Blake, Nick Marty and myself. At this point, we have been on the air since September, so we know each other quite well. However, that is the exact problem; we know each other too well. At first, we did not know a whole lot about one another, making the show more spontaneous and new. Now, after doing a couple dozen shows, we know about the rest each other’s lives. It is not nearly as spontaneous in that way as it used to be. A more specific example of this would be when one of us has an opinon on the the news or movies. Just so we can get to the next subject, the rest of us simply agree with what they have to say, making up a simple reiteration. This does not allow us to let our own thoughts and opinons out; we are just simply trying to keep right on track with the time schedule. I believe that we as a group should not worry as much on the time constraints and really say what we want (FCC regulations permitting, of course). This would give the show a ton of more color than it already has, and would allow people to see our true selves. Have you ever participated in a long-term group? What was the interaction like in the beginning compared to the end or present?
Everyone has experienced both ends of spectrum; extremely productive groups that get the job done, and extremely ineffective groups that do not reach their goals very well. The most productive group I have ever
participated in was for a film project for my lighting class. The group consisted of some of my ‘film friends,’ Andy and Leslie. My best friend Andy made some really good decisions, pretty much taking charge of the project. He would instruct people where to put the lights and how to angle them, not to mention the camera placement and background items. Leslie was great at following any orders she heard in order to know where to put them so we could film swiftly and efficiently. Needless to say, it was less stressful experience unlike most projects, and we did very well in the end. Now as for the opposite side, the most ineffective group I have particpated in was for a different filming project with a different friend, Logan. He is a great friend, but a complete slacker as well, not
having any good ideas to put forth for the project. So, I had basically had to take the reins myself and do the project alone. It was definitely a more stress filled experience than most of my other projects I have had to
complete. Luckily, we had evaluation sheets to fill out in the end, so he received the grade that he deserved. If he would have been less of a slacker and actually brought some stuff to the table, it would have been a much better experience and the project itself could have been way better. Have you ever participated in a group where some of the members do not want to do anything? What did you do/would you do in that type of situation?
Hey Keith!
ReplyDeleteI have participated in a long-term-ish group. This past summer a group of my friends started a college ministry and in the beginning of the summer we were VERY organized and on top of things. It ran sooo smoothly. As the summer went on thing were going so very well we slacked a little bit on the organizational end, things still worked out wonderfully but it def. could have been less stressful for all of us.
And unfortunatly, yes I have been in groups where not everyone is following through and doing their part of the bargain. Those situations are so tough and frustrating. I think I have learned a lot in those times because you learn to pick your groups wisely and you learn how strong you can be as a leader.