Kevin Rosario - Reflection #1

      Bernadine Olivier - Reflection #1

 

My experience  

 

When I first heard about our group presentation, I thought how ironic it was that our chapter was about “Communicating in Groups”. I assumed this would be simple, all we have to do is work together, split our part and talk about working together, but when I realized that how layered the process of real group work is, it's not just about talking- it's more about listening, coordinating, respecting and adapting. At first, I was nervous, it has been so long since I’ve worked in a group setting. I was concerned that my work wouldn’t be as valuable as my other team members, letting the team down. However, with the support of my group members and proper communication, everyone contributed equally and was able to give me a great experience in our presentation. Overall, the presentation was a great success and gave me the confidence I needed for future teamwork experiences. 

 

 

Group 1- Chapter 3: Intercultural Communication 

 

The first presentation was by Group 1. They covered Chapter 3: Intercultural communication. Their presentation was very engaging and informative. I loved how hand gestures are made among different cultures and how each hand gesture has different meanings. I was shocked to learn that the “thumbs up” gesture- which in the U.S. means approval and good job is an insult in certain cultures in West Africa and Middle East can be an insult. Another gesture was the “V-Sign” which symbolizes peace in the U.S. but in the United Kingdom it can be seen as vulgar. This shows the distinction between countries that are both similar in language, but different in culture.These are some examples that help me understand some gestures in each country. 

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Another concept that stood out to me was about melting pot vs salad bowl. They explain how America mixes cultures to create new, shard traditions like a melting pot, but different cultures keep their same unique flavors just like a salad bowl. As a Haitian American, I can relate to both the melting pot and salad bowl metaphors. Growing up, I felt the pressure to adapt to American culture in schools and public settings where American norms were necessary. This is more of the melting pot metaphor where blending in means to put my Heritage to the side, but at the same time the salad bowl metaphor keeps me close to my Haitian roots. I'm able to celebrate holidays, speak creole with my family, and enjoy my favorite Haitian dishes.  

Group 2- Chapter 9: Communicating in Groups 

Next, I would like to discuss my groups presentation. Chapter 9: Communicating in Groups”. This presentation was a fun group assignment where we discussed different types of groups such as work groups, social groups, support groups, familial groups, interest groups, and service groups. I found it interesting to know that there were steps in groups to keep the group functioning appropriately in a healthy manner. The topic I discussed was accountability in a group, setting a clear agenda, assigning roles, and giving feedback, are some of the key roles in keeping a group functioning healthy. I also discussed synergistic roles and how healthy groups can generate ethical goals, cohesion, accountability, and giving synergy within the group. And lastly, I discussed farming in group development. I found this topic interesting because I didn’t realize it was such an early step in forming groups. We often tend to use this stage to understand each other's goals without showing negative behavior.  We also presented the other stages of the group such as storing, norming, and performing. Overall, this group chapter was an eye-opening experience, and highly informational. 

 

 

 

 

Group 3- Chapter 10: Group Leadership and Problem Solving  

 

The last group leadership and problem solving is one of the most important discussed, the types of group leadership, autocratic, democratic, laissez faire, transformational, servant. This was interesting because I didn't know how any types of leadership were present, and how diverse groups can function under these different group types. They discussed task leadership roles of givers, seekers, and analyzers, they talked about leadership hierarchies and how this is used in politics, times of crisis, and how leaders gain power in the first place, this was interesting especially being in the military it showed some of the dynamics in my everyday life.  

 

 

Conclusion 

 

This group assignment was both fun and informative. I learned how different types of groups function and the importance of accountability, setting agendas, assigning roles, and giving feedback to keep a group healthy. I also found the forming stage in group development interesting, as it sets the foundation for teamwork. Group 3’s discussion on leadership styles and hierarchies helped me connect these concepts to real-life experiences, especially in the military. Overall, this chapter gave us valuable insight into how groups work and the roles we all play in their success.