Entropy

Entropy is a topic that I thought was so simple yet so widely practiced unconsciously. I really like this topic and believe that it needs further attention because many times people in groups think they are being productive because they are coming up with a lot of ideas, brainstorming heavily, and generating discussions. What groups and people overlook is that this sometimes is detrimental to the ultimate goal because chaos ensues, time is wasted, and it deters from making decisions and therefore reaching the ultimate goal. Entropy could be positive because it opens communication but like most things in life, too much of something is not productive. This topic is so simple that sometimes is overlooked, but without creating a strong foundation in the beginning of group work, the end will be harder to reach. Group work is a step by step process and step one is the most important because it sets the tone for the rest of group experience. I believe this concept is one of most important ones that I have read, and definitely one of the ones that most affected me.

Group Observation Project

The group I chose to observe was the Christian Family Movement of a local church. I chose this group because my parents have always had acquaintances in these types of groups but have never joined. It’s interesting to me because I don’t really understand the pint or what the big deal was about. In my mind it was just about meetings where people critique each other, talk behind each others back, and pretend to be Godly.

In the process of observing the group, I had stereotypes and expected certain behavior. It was useful because I sort of knew what to expect, but at the same time I was open to what actually occurred during the meeting. In observing the group, interesting topics discussed in class arose and I was able to comprehend and pin point important concepts but the most interesting thing that occurred was the post interview I had with the leaders of the group. I was amazed by how the leader thought and how she, without ever studying communication formally, was so in tune with many topics that we discussed in class. I imagine that the courses she took in order to be the leader of the group taught them to observe non verbal cues and how to lead by example, but I was shocked by the things she was saying.

This assignment taught me to be more in tune with my own communication and how I work within groups, not only in school but at work. Proper communication within groups are essential and by observing this group I was inspired.