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.

Brainstorming

A topic from Chapter 11 which I found interesting was brainstorming. Brainstorming is something that we learn since grade school in terms as a useful tool for creative writing. I think brainstorming is important because it give people a free environment where you don’t think rigidly but rather just blurt out ideas and concepts. From this freedom and comfortable environment, sharing is facilitated and therefore a creative solution can be accomplished. By coming up with an abundance of ideas, one is able to open their mind and see the world of possibilities that are out there. Moreover, it promotes communication and positive sharing which is always useful. I believe that many times, brainstorming is undervalued.

On the other hand, brainstorming can deter from progress if the ideas aren’t organized and don’t decide on a plan of action. If this occurs entropy could ensue. If this happens, the chaos hinders the group from achieving the ultimate goal of positive communication and problem solving.

I consider my family a sort of group. Right now, I am experiencing something quite interesting with them and I believe that it is an excellent example of groups and creativity.
One month ago I became engaged. My parents were in Mexico during this time, so the planning process was left to me and my boyfriend. We make a great team, and the environment is comfortable and sharing therefore is easy. We can brainstorm, we say ridiculous ideas, and somehow things work out and we come up with good things. It’s been a month and we have so much accomplished already. Sharing ideas and being creative was not that easy when my family came back into the picture. My ideas were not well accepted, faces were made, and I was rejected on mainly every decision I had previously been excited about. I am scared to even share any more of my ideas. I used to stay up until four in the morning every night, tirelessly and excitingly looking at options and trying to plan. Now, my motivation is down, I feel more stressed, and I feel like I don’t know what I’m doing anymore/I don’t trust my ideas and I’m second guessing myself. I have been experiencing some of the culture barriers that have hindered my creativity. I have found myself being polite, complacent, and agreeing that I like things that are being changed when in reality I wanted it the original way I had decided. I have found that even when I try to be creative and decide/ visualize what I want, it’s just not working anymore.

Five Cultural Barriers to Creativity

Living in this melting pot of cultures that is the United States deeply affects people and their ability to be successful. Many times there are cultural barriers due to the fact that ones persons culture does not promote but rather looks down upon on certain aspects of ones character that is needed in order to succeed in the United States. In many cultures, conforming is importartant and standing up or fighting for your ideas is not good. This hinders creativity because one becomes submissive and therefore is less likely to give creative ideas, or add to someones idea, but rather conform to other peoples ideas. Another barrier is a culture that promotes competition. Obviously, competition obstructs creativity because the environment of sharing freely is not able to occur and therefore people fight over each other and compete rather than create on creative solution out of all the ideas. Conversely, and expectation of politeness that some cultures put high regard on is also detrimental to group creativity. Being polite means not going against what someone else says and if someone shoots your idea down, then conforming. Not everyone knows everything though and though one may not be and expert per se, their ideas are still valuable. Some cultures though, do not promote this and they rely on expert knowledge. Lastly, an expectation of practicality and efficiency does not allow the creative juices to flow. When a groups is strict and to the point/ mechanical, group members can not be creative.

My person experience is with conforming and expectation of politeness. I do not like to go against people because as a female and Mexican-American, I was socialized that it was rude and looked down upon.

Sharing

Sharing is not the easiest thing in life. Whether it be sharing material things, responsibility, or feelings, it is hardly ever an easy feat. Sharing though, plays an important part in the creative process. When one feels comfortable, supported, and the environment is ideal, people feel more at ease and therefore confidently share ideas and the ability to come to a creative goal is more likely. A negative group environment where ideas are laughed at, looked down upon, or etc, hinder the willingness for people to share and in turn hinder creativity. Effective groups and leaders know this fact, and create this environment where creativity can grow. Sharing ones ideas can be very difficult and intimidating. One never knows if what they say is stupid, how the idea will be received/ perceived, and no one wants to feel stupid. For this reason, a nurturing environment is necessary. Without it, you will have shy group members who do not speak up.

Motivation

Motivation was a topic from chapter 7 that I found interesting. I agree that motivation plays a big part of successful listening. I believe that if you are motivated then active listening is facilitated and therefore interpretation of context/ message is easier. I believe that these phases and terms of listening are all related but I found motivation to be the most interesting because this is, in my opinion, where it all begins. If one is motivated/ interested then they pay more attention. When someone is distracted or busy, then motivation is lower due to the fact that their focus is elsewhere. Caring is an important part of listening. We have to want to listen and want to understand the message being sent by the other person. Like the book stated, good listening enhances our lives by allowing relationships to blossom, avoid conflict and many other things. Effective listening begins with motivation.