Bryant Galmes - Reflection #1

💬My Experience

When we got our group presentations assigned on the first day of class, I remember thinking, “Wait, already?” It felt like a lot to take on, especially during the first week of the semester and since this was my first real group project in college. I was nervous about how it would all come together. Would everyone do their part? Would we finish on time? Would we sound good?

But my group really stepped up. Everyone committed, and we put together a presentation I’m proud of. The whole experience helped me overcome a lot of my anxiety about group work. It showed me that when people communicate, stay organized, and contribute, teamwork doesn't have to be stressful; it can be motivating and even empowering.

🌎Group 1 – Chapter 3: Intercultural Communication

One of the most interesting parts of Group 1’s presentation was when they talked about power distance. Some cultures are more comfortable with unequal power dynamics, while others expect more equality. This really stuck with me because I had never thought about leadership or hierarchy that way before. 

For example, in a high power-distance culture, it might be completely normal for one person to dominate a group conversation or for leaders to rarely be questioned. In contrast, in low power-distance cultures, people expect their voices to count, even if they’re not in charge. This made me think about the differences we observe not only across countries but also in smaller communities or family dynamics. 

They also mentioned how this concept relates to how students view professors or how employees treat their bosses. It made me reflect on some of my own experiences in school and work, where I either spoke up or stayed quiet based on who I was talking to.

🤝Group 2 – Chapter 9: Communicating in Groups

Since I was part of Group 2, this chapter felt very relevant to me. We covered Chapter 9, which focused on how communication works in groups. It seems simple on paper, but it’s much more complex in real life. I presented the storming, norming, and performing stages of group development. Honestly, it was eye-opening to see how real those stages felt during our own process.

One section that stood out to me from my teammates’ contributions was about personality-related group conflict. Kevin explained that these disagreements aren't just about differing opinions; they are emotional and often linked to feelings of disrespect or being unheard. I’ve definitely seen this before. A group argument can start over something minor but escalate because no one knows how to step back and refocus. What stuck with me was the reminder that just because a group has conflict doesn’t mean it’s dysfunctional. It just shows there’s room to grow, especially when people are honest and respectful.

Another moment that made me think was when culture and communication were discussed. Kevin gave an example of how a simple word or gesture can mean one thing in one culture and something completely different in another. It reminded me how easy it is to misinterpret someone without realizing it. That part of the presentation really emphasized the importance of learning to pause and ask questions instead of jumping to conclusions, particularly when working with people from different backgrounds.

🧠Group 3 – Chapter 10: Group Leadership and Problem Solving

Group 3 had the last presentation, and they brought everything together well by focusing on leadership and solving problems in groups. What really stood out to me was the part about task versus relational roles. I had never thought about how some people naturally take on tasks to get things done while others support the group emotionally. Both roles are important, but we usually only praise those who focus on tasks. Their presentation made me realize that checking in on a teammate or telling a joke to lighten the mood can also be a form of leadership.

They also explained the Five Whys method, which I had never heard of before. It's a simple idea asking "why?" five times to find the root of a problem, but it made a lot of sense. It made me think about how often groups try to fix symptoms instead of addressing what’s really going wrong.

The examples they provided of different leadership styles were also helpful. For instance, I liked how they connected servant leadership to modern figures like Malala Yousafzai, leaders who prioritize others and work to uplift those around them. That’s the type of leadership I find most inspiring, and it reminded me that leadership isn’t just about giving orders. Sometimes, the best leaders are the ones who basically create space for others to flourish.

📌Conclusion

Looking back on all three presentations, I feel like I gained much more than I expected. Each group had their own style and insights, which helped me see communication through many different lenses, including cultural, relational, and organizational. Being part of Group 2 improved my understanding of my own communication habits and what I need to work on, especially listening more and reacting less during tense moments.

The biggest takeaway for me is that communication isn’t just about talking clearly. It’s about understanding others and being mindful of how your message is received. Whether it’s working through conflict, adjusting for cultural differences, or knowing when to lead and when to support, these are all communication skills I know I’ll need long after this class.