Group Dynamics

I understand the importance and significance of being able to function within, lead and or be a member of a Group. My Group in our MPA program is seven very diverse members strong! The education that is unfolding around me as we have struggled to “gel” has been invigorating. Two members are from other countries, a young member who is just discovering his communication strengths, a seasoned state employee, and two very strong willed ladies who have very distinct ways of getting things done. Our first presentation was a disaster! I was not present due to work requirements, another presenter was sick, and so the presentation turned on itself focusing more on blame and apologies than moving on through it. It was a learning point though that was remembered as we readied for our next presentation. We came together, still had some major differences in opinion, practiced well through several renditions, and on the day of putting it out there…..it all came together! We presented like we had been together for months instead of just weeks! I am looking forward to our next presentation that will be a result of more arguing, more loud discussions, more opinions and more concessions. This is what is missing in our workplaces and boardrooms today. Decisions are reached “behind the scenes” before the discussions or the meetings, and the rich input of differing opinions is never heard. We have become an administration society of avoidance and pre-meeting agreements, and turned our back on the importance of diversity of opinions in open discussions. I look forward to that queasy feeling of dread I get when I walk into our Group meetings, it just means I better be ready to communicate, defend and collaborate to reach the best consensus that I feel will benefit the Group as a whole……. not just me personally. Our Group doesn’t seem ready to gel just yet….. and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing!