1. Of the three types of decision making (consensus, majority vote, by the leader), which do you prefer and why?
I definitely prefer the majority vote out of the three types of decision making. This way all parties simultaneously get to have their say, but the decision is made quickly and efficiently. It also allows the decision to reflect the majority of the group’s opinions.
The only time that this is not necessarily preferable would be when the minority actually have the better opinion, but are not given the chance to defend their choice. In these cases, if there is not enough deliberation time before the vote is taken, the decision will follow that of the majority but not necessarily be the best decision.
2. Think of the best (or worst) group decision you’ve ever been involved with, then describe how that decision was made. What were the factors that made it such a good (or bad) decision?
One of the best group decisions I have ever been involved with took place one day after a group of my friends and I took our final for a night class we had together. It had been a particularly frustrating class and we all agreed we needed to celebrate its completion. While in most formal, and usually informal settings, I prefer an autocratic leader to either emerge or be appointed. This night was very different, however. Ashley emerged as the leader, because she had a car to transport us to where we decided to celebrate. Instead of being democratic or autocratic, however, she was very laissez-faire and simply allowed us to decide where we wanted to go and what we wanted to do. We reached a consensus that we wanted to take a spontaneous road trip, but we were unsure where to go. We then discussed the different possibilities, such as going to New Orleans, going to the beach, going to Mobile, going to Jackson, or going to Meridian. We were sure that we did not necessarily want to go anywhere farther than any of those cities, so we discussed the pros and cons of each city. Since we had recently each been to New Orleans and the beach, we decided to eliminate both of those destinations. We discussed the last three possibilities and finally decided on Jackson by way of Morton. We then spent the rest of the night surprising my (then) boyfriend at his night job, and going to Waffle House in Jackson before returning home.
While most people would say that going to Jackson outskirts in the middle of the night just to go to Waffle House would be one of the worst group decisions ever, we definitely disagree! That trip allowed us to bond in ways that we had not been able to before. We also agree that allowing the group to discuss and collaborate on the destination, instead of one person making the decision for the group, also made the trip very enjoyable.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Small Group - Chapter 10
1. Describe exactly what you do when you have a problem to solve. How well does this procedure work for you?
When I have a problem to solve, I generally start by analyzing it and deciding on the nature of the problem, and who the best person would be consult. After I decide what type of problem it is and who I should consult, I try to contact that person. Usually most of my problems are divided up into work (Missy or Mrs. Brenda), spiritual (Josh, and/or various friends who are pastors), relationship (Mom or Ashley), and personal (Josh, Ashley, Mom, and/or Dad). After consulting my decided upon person, we discuss the issue and various solutions. We will then decide what the best solution is based on the facts for that particular situation. Finally, I begin taking the necessary steps toward the solution we agreed on.
This procedure tends to work fairly well for most problems I have. This is because I have a wide variety of people who are willing to help me, and are knowledgeable enough to help me make the best decision for each situation.
2. Analyze a problem you currently have according to its present situation, obstacles, and goal. What are ways that you could get around or go through the obstacles?
One problem that I currently have is trying to find enough money to both pay for my tuition for Winter Trimester, and also go to Haiti with my church over Thanksgiving break. Because both are very important to me, but also very expensive, I have found myself at a loss recently!
But I have been taking the necessary steps to analyze it and begin to solve these problems. The First step was to decide which was more important, and how I would divide my money according to that priority. Because my parents are very adamant that I finish my college education first and foremost, I obviously decided that paying for my tuition would be my first priority.
Because the end goal is for me to both pay for my tuition and participate in the Haiti trip without taking out any loans, it was then important for me to examine all of my personal resources, as well as any other possible resources that I may use to reach that goal. I started by calculating how much I receive each month from my pay checks, as well as from my Ministerial Board of Education checks. I then calculated how much of that must be used for my primary goal, and how much would be left over for my secondary goal. Unfortunately, I found that all of the money received from both of these resources would go to reaching my primary goal, with only a minimal amount left to put towards my secondary goal.
From there, I began to examine other possible resources to help me reach my secondary goal. I decided to send out letters to various family members and close friends, asking them to support me with my secondary goal. I also began babysitting for a friend in order add a small amount to the secondary goal each week, as well as take care of basic expenses such as gas and food. A third option I am now pursuing is cleaning another friend’s house to raise more money for my Haiti trip.
Finally, if I am still unable to reach my secondary goal, I will have to decide to cancel my trip and donate the money I have raised so far to the rest of the mission team.
When I have a problem to solve, I generally start by analyzing it and deciding on the nature of the problem, and who the best person would be consult. After I decide what type of problem it is and who I should consult, I try to contact that person. Usually most of my problems are divided up into work (Missy or Mrs. Brenda), spiritual (Josh, and/or various friends who are pastors), relationship (Mom or Ashley), and personal (Josh, Ashley, Mom, and/or Dad). After consulting my decided upon person, we discuss the issue and various solutions. We will then decide what the best solution is based on the facts for that particular situation. Finally, I begin taking the necessary steps toward the solution we agreed on.
This procedure tends to work fairly well for most problems I have. This is because I have a wide variety of people who are willing to help me, and are knowledgeable enough to help me make the best decision for each situation.
2. Analyze a problem you currently have according to its present situation, obstacles, and goal. What are ways that you could get around or go through the obstacles?
One problem that I currently have is trying to find enough money to both pay for my tuition for Winter Trimester, and also go to Haiti with my church over Thanksgiving break. Because both are very important to me, but also very expensive, I have found myself at a loss recently!
But I have been taking the necessary steps to analyze it and begin to solve these problems. The First step was to decide which was more important, and how I would divide my money according to that priority. Because my parents are very adamant that I finish my college education first and foremost, I obviously decided that paying for my tuition would be my first priority.
Because the end goal is for me to both pay for my tuition and participate in the Haiti trip without taking out any loans, it was then important for me to examine all of my personal resources, as well as any other possible resources that I may use to reach that goal. I started by calculating how much I receive each month from my pay checks, as well as from my Ministerial Board of Education checks. I then calculated how much of that must be used for my primary goal, and how much would be left over for my secondary goal. Unfortunately, I found that all of the money received from both of these resources would go to reaching my primary goal, with only a minimal amount left to put towards my secondary goal.
From there, I began to examine other possible resources to help me reach my secondary goal. I decided to send out letters to various family members and close friends, asking them to support me with my secondary goal. I also began babysitting for a friend in order add a small amount to the secondary goal each week, as well as take care of basic expenses such as gas and food. A third option I am now pursuing is cleaning another friend’s house to raise more money for my Haiti trip.
Finally, if I am still unable to reach my secondary goal, I will have to decide to cancel my trip and donate the money I have raised so far to the rest of the mission team.
Small Group - Chapter 9
2. If everyone in the group is responsible for how the group functions, what do you think the leader should do?
I think that the leader’s job is to oversee the group’s functions, to make sure that each area is going as it is meant to. I also think that it is important for the leader to recognize when a certain area is lacking and be willing to step in and fulfill that role. Theoretically, if the group is responsible for how it functions, then the leader’s role is basically just to oversee, mediate, and fill in the gaps.
3. Under what type of leadership are you most comfortable working? Why?
The type of situation I am involved in often determines the type of leadership I am most comfortable working with. If there is time, and I feel like the majority of the group is qualified to give input, I usually prefer a democratic leader. This type of leader encourages all group members to participate in the process, and usually everyone feels more involved.
If there is no time for discussion, or I feel like there are group members who are highly unqualified to give valuable input into the decision, I definitely appreciate an autocratic leader. These types of leaders are dominant leaders who make decisions for the whole group, and control the group.
I usually prefer either democratic or autocratic leaders in most situations, but there are occasions that allow for a Laissez-Faire leader. These leaders are designated leaders, but are not very involved in the workings of the groups: they do not facilitate the discussions, help make the decisions, or control the group in any way. While in almost every case, this type of leader frustrates me the most, there are a few occasions that I would prefer it. For example, If all group members where highly qualified, highly motivated, and able to operate the group together without a leader figure, then a laissez-faire leader would be appropriate.
In general, however, I mostly prefer an autocratic leader. While it is nice to have a say in discussions or decisions on occasions, in most cases I would much prefer someone to simply tell me what to do. This is because I tend to be very indecisive, so it is always helpful for someone to just make the decision for me!
I think that the leader’s job is to oversee the group’s functions, to make sure that each area is going as it is meant to. I also think that it is important for the leader to recognize when a certain area is lacking and be willing to step in and fulfill that role. Theoretically, if the group is responsible for how it functions, then the leader’s role is basically just to oversee, mediate, and fill in the gaps.
3. Under what type of leadership are you most comfortable working? Why?
The type of situation I am involved in often determines the type of leadership I am most comfortable working with. If there is time, and I feel like the majority of the group is qualified to give input, I usually prefer a democratic leader. This type of leader encourages all group members to participate in the process, and usually everyone feels more involved.
If there is no time for discussion, or I feel like there are group members who are highly unqualified to give valuable input into the decision, I definitely appreciate an autocratic leader. These types of leaders are dominant leaders who make decisions for the whole group, and control the group.
I usually prefer either democratic or autocratic leaders in most situations, but there are occasions that allow for a Laissez-Faire leader. These leaders are designated leaders, but are not very involved in the workings of the groups: they do not facilitate the discussions, help make the decisions, or control the group in any way. While in almost every case, this type of leader frustrates me the most, there are a few occasions that I would prefer it. For example, If all group members where highly qualified, highly motivated, and able to operate the group together without a leader figure, then a laissez-faire leader would be appropriate.
In general, however, I mostly prefer an autocratic leader. While it is nice to have a say in discussions or decisions on occasions, in most cases I would much prefer someone to simply tell me what to do. This is because I tend to be very indecisive, so it is always helpful for someone to just make the decision for me!
Monday, October 11, 2010
PB&J Project Update #2
10/11/10
In our second group meeting, we decided on a game plan of how to carry out our group project. We decided what tasks needed to be done, and divided them evenly.
-I agreed to contact Emily and work on getting the project approved. I also said that I would work on preparing the signs for the donation boxes.
-Arlise agreed to make flyers with all of the information and distribute them. She also mentioned contacting a friend to help gather boxes.
-Jess agreed to make the powerpoint slide for the Cafeteria Screen, as well as work on Facebook advertisements. She also agreed to help me with the signs for the boxes.
Since that meeting, we have been trying to complete our tasks. Due to crazy schedules, it took longer than we planned to prepare for our kick off. Our plan is to start distributing boxes this afternoon (10/11/10) if all possible, though we still do not have signs for all of them.
The current plan is to leave the boxes in the locations for two weeks to collect donations.
In our second group meeting, we decided on a game plan of how to carry out our group project. We decided what tasks needed to be done, and divided them evenly.
-I agreed to contact Emily and work on getting the project approved. I also said that I would work on preparing the signs for the donation boxes.
-Arlise agreed to make flyers with all of the information and distribute them. She also mentioned contacting a friend to help gather boxes.
-Jess agreed to make the powerpoint slide for the Cafeteria Screen, as well as work on Facebook advertisements. She also agreed to help me with the signs for the boxes.
Since that meeting, we have been trying to complete our tasks. Due to crazy schedules, it took longer than we planned to prepare for our kick off. Our plan is to start distributing boxes this afternoon (10/11/10) if all possible, though we still do not have signs for all of them.
The current plan is to leave the boxes in the locations for two weeks to collect donations.
Small Group - Chapter 8
10/11/10
9. What are some factors, in your experience, that make it difficult for a group to be cohesive?
One factor that makes a group cohesive is their common ground. If, for example, group members have similar likes, dislikes, or hobbies, they are more likely to understand each other, and be more cohesive. Another factor that aids group cohesiveness is a common goal. If group members have the same, or similar goals, they will be much more willing to work together than if they were all working towards their own separate goals. A third factor that aids in group cohesiveness is personality types, and each person’s ability to cooperate with different personality types. If group members each have a different type of personality, and none of the members truly know how to work well with other personality types, then group cohesiveness will be very low. If, however, the group members have different personality types, but also know how to work together and use their personality types to their advantage, then group cohesiveness will be high.
9. What are some factors, in your experience, that make it difficult for a group to be cohesive?
One factor that makes a group cohesive is their common ground. If, for example, group members have similar likes, dislikes, or hobbies, they are more likely to understand each other, and be more cohesive. Another factor that aids group cohesiveness is a common goal. If group members have the same, or similar goals, they will be much more willing to work together than if they were all working towards their own separate goals. A third factor that aids in group cohesiveness is personality types, and each person’s ability to cooperate with different personality types. If group members each have a different type of personality, and none of the members truly know how to work well with other personality types, then group cohesiveness will be very low. If, however, the group members have different personality types, but also know how to work together and use their personality types to their advantage, then group cohesiveness will be high.
Small Group - Chapter 7
10/11/10
1. What is the hardest thing for you when you are a member of a group that is being observed?
The hardest thing for me when I am a member of a group being observed is remembering to act natural. My instinct is to act up for the people who are observing my group. In other words, if I know that people are watching me, I am more likely to be very careful about what I say, or act differently than I normally would, just to impress them.
2. What is the hardest thing for you as an observer of another group?
The hardest thing for me as an observer of another group is trying to fix their every problem. My mom always tells me that I’m a “fixer”, especially when it comes to people. When I see something wrong in a person, especially when they do not recognize it in themselves, I always want to try to help them correct it. Therefore, observing another group brings out those tendencies in me. Even if I am observing to help them fix certain problems, I still will not be able to fix all of their problems, and I will get frustrated.
1. What is the hardest thing for you when you are a member of a group that is being observed?
The hardest thing for me when I am a member of a group being observed is remembering to act natural. My instinct is to act up for the people who are observing my group. In other words, if I know that people are watching me, I am more likely to be very careful about what I say, or act differently than I normally would, just to impress them.
2. What is the hardest thing for you as an observer of another group?
The hardest thing for me as an observer of another group is trying to fix their every problem. My mom always tells me that I’m a “fixer”, especially when it comes to people. When I see something wrong in a person, especially when they do not recognize it in themselves, I always want to try to help them correct it. Therefore, observing another group brings out those tendencies in me. Even if I am observing to help them fix certain problems, I still will not be able to fix all of their problems, and I will get frustrated.
Small Group - Chapter 6
10/11/10
2. Do you think that you are cognitively complex or simple? What is it like for you to work with others who differ from you on this variable?
I consider myself to be cognitively complex. This usually works to my advantage, but when I have to work with someone who is significantly cognitively simple it can be pretty frustrating. This is because I often have to be very intentional about how I address the person, and the language that I use. I often find myself having to substitute very simple words for words that I use on a regular basis. I also have to regularly rephrase sentences altogether so that other people can understand. Another problem I find in working with people who are cognitively simple is explaining concepts that may seem simple to me, but are very complex to them. In general, I am not completely opposed to working with people who are cognitively simple, it is just really frustrating!
5. How do you handle a member who is withdrawn and quiet in a group? What are you feelings about such a person?
Because I have a tendency to be quiet and withdrawn in groups myself, I find it easier to handle other members of a group who are the same way. If I am leading a group and have one or more members who are very withdrawn and quiet, I try to make a very deliberate point of including them. This can be done by encouraging everybody to give input by going around the circle. I also try to help the group become more comfortable with each other by playing simple games to help members learn about each other. Often a person who is quiet or withdrawn will be more active in the group once they feel comfortable with the other members. If this does not help, however, I continue to make deliberate actions to specifically include the withdrawn members.
2. Do you think that you are cognitively complex or simple? What is it like for you to work with others who differ from you on this variable?
I consider myself to be cognitively complex. This usually works to my advantage, but when I have to work with someone who is significantly cognitively simple it can be pretty frustrating. This is because I often have to be very intentional about how I address the person, and the language that I use. I often find myself having to substitute very simple words for words that I use on a regular basis. I also have to regularly rephrase sentences altogether so that other people can understand. Another problem I find in working with people who are cognitively simple is explaining concepts that may seem simple to me, but are very complex to them. In general, I am not completely opposed to working with people who are cognitively simple, it is just really frustrating!
5. How do you handle a member who is withdrawn and quiet in a group? What are you feelings about such a person?
Because I have a tendency to be quiet and withdrawn in groups myself, I find it easier to handle other members of a group who are the same way. If I am leading a group and have one or more members who are very withdrawn and quiet, I try to make a very deliberate point of including them. This can be done by encouraging everybody to give input by going around the circle. I also try to help the group become more comfortable with each other by playing simple games to help members learn about each other. Often a person who is quiet or withdrawn will be more active in the group once they feel comfortable with the other members. If this does not help, however, I continue to make deliberate actions to specifically include the withdrawn members.
Small Group - Chapter 5
10/6/10
2. When you work with others who are very different from you (perhaps from other countries or from other areas of the United States), what kinds of things do you think and feel about those people?
I usually enjoy working with people who are very different with me, though I think it would be exhausting to do so on a continual basis. I love to learn about other cultures and places, as well as the people from those cultures and places. Because of this passion, it is always interesting to work with people from different backgrounds and learn about them as we work. I love learning from other people’s perspectives, and people who are different from me I see as a wealthy source of new things to learn and discover! As I said before, however, it could be exhausting to constantly work with people from different cultures, because I would constantly be studying them and never actually working!
3. How do you feel when you have to share a grade with other members of the group? Do you prefer to be rewarded for your own work, or as a member of a group? Why?
I usually do not like to share a grade with other members, and would much rather be graded on an individual basis. This is because most groups, as we have discussed before, do not really act as a group, but divide the work up and work separately anyways. In this kind of group, I usually am the person that does the most work anyways, while the rest my group usually ends up being social loafers.
If the group is working together, and we have the same goals for how we want the end result to look like, then I would not mind sharing my grade with them. I just had being penalized for other people’s laziness; especially when I have worked especially hard to compensate.
2. When you work with others who are very different from you (perhaps from other countries or from other areas of the United States), what kinds of things do you think and feel about those people?
I usually enjoy working with people who are very different with me, though I think it would be exhausting to do so on a continual basis. I love to learn about other cultures and places, as well as the people from those cultures and places. Because of this passion, it is always interesting to work with people from different backgrounds and learn about them as we work. I love learning from other people’s perspectives, and people who are different from me I see as a wealthy source of new things to learn and discover! As I said before, however, it could be exhausting to constantly work with people from different cultures, because I would constantly be studying them and never actually working!
3. How do you feel when you have to share a grade with other members of the group? Do you prefer to be rewarded for your own work, or as a member of a group? Why?
I usually do not like to share a grade with other members, and would much rather be graded on an individual basis. This is because most groups, as we have discussed before, do not really act as a group, but divide the work up and work separately anyways. In this kind of group, I usually am the person that does the most work anyways, while the rest my group usually ends up being social loafers.
If the group is working together, and we have the same goals for how we want the end result to look like, then I would not mind sharing my grade with them. I just had being penalized for other people’s laziness; especially when I have worked especially hard to compensate.
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