Please respond to the two classmates posts. This is the post that you completed in order # 771596. Below are some guidelines as stated by the instructor. They only need to be about a paragraph or so for each classmate. In this assignment, the writer needs to respond to each classmate, about a paragraph each. For example, something along the lines of……. Annabelle, great post…..I agree with, or I dont agree with and why etc
A substantive response to your peer does the following…
Advances the discussion of a topicsays something new
Demonstrates creative and original thought
Provides reasons for a perspectivee.g. if it is agreeing or disagreeing with the assessment, it explains why
Cites evidence (e.g., from the text, lecture, personal experience)
Is courteous (e.g., demonstrates respectful disagreement)
Is professional (you do not need to be excessively formal, but avoid spelling and grammar errors)
Classmate #1(Shelby D)
I belong to a few social groups. One of them is the club volleyball team, and my role this year is vice president. Last semester, I had to do a semester-long group project in one of my CS classes, and I still hang out with most of that group. We were all equals in that group, and the people I still hang out with all did an equal amount of the work.
My CS group communicated through in multiple different ways. During our lab time and in between classes we had together, we met in person to work on the project. At the end, when we had to code the whole project in two weeks, we also coordinated a time to meet in NERC to all sit together and finish the code. We would meet on zoom some weeks when we could not all find the time to meet in person, and we also used Slack and text messaging to send quick updates and messages about the project. This communication was effective, but having in person meetings was the most effective. Seeing my group members kept me motivated to do my share of the work, and we were able to better help each other on our different parts of the code when we met in person.
The transformational leadership theory, defined as “a leadership style that empowers group members to work independently from the leader by encouraging group cohesion,” (Alberts et al, 2022, p. 260) reminded me of Simon Sinek’s speech. These leaders hope to inspire and motivate their followers. Simon said that leaders need to give us their “why”, instead of just their “what” and “how”. Their “why” is what inspires innovation and inspires people to meet their full potential.
Small groups can “focus on purpose” by having someone fill the orienter task role. A task role is a role that is “directly related to the accomplishment of group goals,” (Alberts et al, 2022, p. 253). The orienter role keeps the group focused on the task, and also helps summarize what has already been discussed. Delegating someone to fill the orienter role will and allow the group to stay on track and keep them focused on their purpose.
I have experienced grouphate, which is defined as “the distaste and aversion that people feel toward working in groups,” (Alberts et al, 2022, p. 246). I always dread working in groups with people, as in high school there would be people who slack off and rely on the people who care about their grades (like me) to do all the work. I do not like when my grade is dependent on another person, and I would rather earn my grade myself. I did, however, really enjoy working with my group last semester, and we now work on most of our assignments together. Finding a group of people that are highly motivated and also care about their grades is the key to school group projects, and mine led to lasting friendships where we help each other out whenever one of us is struggling with an assignment.
Classmate #2 ( Caroline K)
Growing up, throughout my grade school and high school years, I belonged to many groups, including academic groups, environmental groups, and religious groups. As for my role in these groups, it varied among the type of group I was working with. For example, in academic groups, such as math club, me and other members worked as tutors to students struggling with certain areas in math. As for my involvement in environmental clubs, green club, we all worked together as one, including our supervisor for the greater good of the environment. Lastly for religious groups I was a part of, I felt equal with the other members, but at times felt as though, our leader, either a priest or a religious teacher was using their power of religion to make me, and members feel inferior if we did not oblige or agree with their teachings. For the most part, I believe my role and the power dynamic between the leaders and members was mostly a shared leadership style, apart from religious groups. All members, including leader, felt equal, and we all worked together for a shared purpose.
As for the communication amongst these groups, excluding religious groups, I would say it was effective. Since we were working towards a common goal, we were working together and helping each other. No certain person was trying to be better or hold more power, as all members were equal. We shared different skills, ideas, and responsibly between members and leader to work towards our goal either academic or environmental.
When listening to Simon Sineks Ted Talk, many point about requirements for inspirations leadership stook out to me. He states, There are leaders and there are those who lead, leaders hold a position of power or authority, but those who lead, inspire us. Two theories of leadership and communication from our textbook, in my opinion related to this quote perfectly. In relation to leaders, the Style Theory, theory that asserts that a leaders manner or style determines their success, is most related. They are not inspiring anyone; their main goal is to lead and that is it. Finally, in relation to those who lead, the Functional Theory is most related, in particular, shared leadership. Shared leadership can be defined as, all members are equal partners and share responsibility for the work of the group. All members share a common goal, purpose, and have respect for each others skills and ideas, and that is what Sinek was referring to. Its those who have the ability to inspire those around them or find others who inspire them.
Small groups can focus on purpose together in many ways. A sense of purpose in a group unifies it members and leaders to help work towards the common goal of the group. By sharing ideas and skills that are relevant to the greater good of the group, helps to work towards that purpose. Valuing all leaders and members and keeping power dynamics straight will also help to establish respect between the group and help to guide all members to strive to be their best.
I personally have experienced grouphate, specifically in academic groups. It can become infuriated when you are placed in randomly selected groups and all members are not equally contributing. Since my grade was dependent on the other members participation, I was frustrated when some did not put in substantial effort and time into the project. To avoid grouphate in the future, the answer is communication. By communicating with all members effectively in advance, while not guaranteed, it can help make the goals and purpose of the assignment known to all members. You can also establish the desired outcome of the assignment in hopes all members will collectively work together to reach that goal.
Last Completed Projects
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