The Philosophy of Group Dynamics. How Can Effective Group Communication Facilitate Problem Solving?

Daniel Sciboz COM 332

Group Problem Solving Professor: Dr. Yelsma

FINAL ESSAY QUESTION

Present an underlying philosophy of the foundation of group dynamics that will integrate the major construct of effective small group communications, which facilitate group problem solving.

There are great authors out there that have contributed to the enhancement of small group dynamics. Contrary to theories, philosophical ideas are not easily applied to new situations. My philosophy is a collection of information I have gathered throughout my life. I valued this information enough to consider it over and over before I determined how it should be applied. This collection of ideas is stored into my subconscious and surfaces in my interaction with others. Although the small group theories I have learned this semester are bringing me a sense of small group functionality, my philosophical ideas are, after the understanding of the theories, the force that drive me to use them. Those philosophical ideas are the wrapping of the different theories that allow me to contribute effectively to group decision making and its dynamic quality.

The first idea that made sense to me and contributed effectively to my verbal behavior’s choice while living or interacting with others is based on the New Testament. In my childhood, some parables I heard from the church or the priest during catechism courses made me think before to understand that those ideas are applicable in everyday life for a genuine interaction with others. An example taken from Jesus’ sayings would be that laziness is contrary to God’s will (2 Thessalonians 3: 11-12). However, if a group is assigned to achieve a certain goal, other members may be affected by others not being willing to contribute. In this case, Jesus said to not judge others for being lazy or because they made faults (John 8:1-11). From my understanding of this example, group dynamics are enhanced only when positive energy comes from each member. In essence, the lazy people are concerned only about affecting others negatively by being willing to decrease their laziness and the others by willing to help or motivate them rather than judge. In small groups, roles are needed in order to be effective. In fact, Jesus advises to be an effective leader; it is called servant leadership. Serve your group members! (Luke 22:25- 26). Another important point that Jesus makes is honesty. How can a small group be effective if members are dishonest? “Dishonesty is not only destructive to yourself and others, but it is also discouraging”. Even if the world is asking you to lie, Jesus asks you to be honest (3 John 1: 3-4).

The main barrier that can inhibit someone from using their skills to enhance the group’s interaction would be understanding of their Self at first. It is important to understand who you are. Knowing my Self intensifies the understanding of other group members. Knowing my Self gives me the power to increase the dynamic of the group.

At the age of 19, I learned to pay attention to what I did not before. I learned about the power of my inside. I was well prepared to the entrance at the Swiss army music school. I feared presenting what I knew. I feared I would not be judged at my right level. My family doctor suggested I to see a Sophrologist¹. In ten therapy sessions, I was able to take charge of myself. I learned a relaxation process that enhanced my anticipation of different situations that I would encounter. I learned to role-play in my mind with the person I was concerned with. I was then able to talk with this person; I felt secure, because I had prepared what I was going to say. I learned to make decisions by visualizing in my mind several decision choices and how those choices would differently affect others and I before making the decision that seemed best. It is possible that since those skills became part of my basic philosophy on how to anticipate different situations, positive, more intensive and long lasting experiences has been brought to the group I have been part of during this semester.

Having learned about techniques to dispute irrational beliefs helped me not only to accept myself but to use this way of thinking hundreds of times while interacting with others. Often self-defeating thoughts impair a group member’s ability to contribute at his/her highest potential (Ellis,1975). Encouraging and supporting the upset member lead to a greater group dynamic when this person learned not to feel worthless anymore.

If for instance a group takes the wrong path, Albert Ellis, Ph. D. suggests that past experiences can influence individuals negatively. However, if you think “the present constitutes the past of tomorrow” greater are the chances of not staying paralyzed with bad thoughts forever (1975). Ellis means that there is nothing wrong with having taken the wrong way, it is possible by thinking, imagining and creating new ways that will turn defeats into present and future successes (Ellis, 1975).

Aubrey C. Daniels explains what philosophy should be applied in any organization or groups. He believes in the benefits of this philosophy if everyone tries to improve a little bit every day, if everyone actively seeks to find ways to help others and if everyone is working toward a common goal that benefits all.

When all members positively reinforce each other for a wanted behavior by giving verbal feedback at first and sometimes paired with small rewards. In case a member is not aware of his/her behavior that is affecting the group negatively; privacy is needed to communicate the disturbing behavior. The unwanted behaviors will decrease by positively rewards the wanted one (1989).

In conclusion, this text illustrates how I feel that my basic philosophy could enhance group dynamic quality and efficacy on making decision. First of all I explained how the New Testament makes sense by giving every human something to improve for a genuine and effective relationship in interacting with others. For some it is understanding how their laziness affects others, and for some it is not to judge the people that are lazy. Then I went through what Sophrology taught me, by visualizing myself interacting with others in my own mind. After the work of Albert Ellis taught me how to accept myself completely which gave me the power to help others get over their self-defeating thoughts. Finally, I wrote the desire of Daniels to have group members that are willing to reinforce wanted behavior by giving positive verbal feedback and sometime pairing verbal feedback with small rewards. The connection of all those ideas, gives me the power to bring efficiency and increase group dynamics in any small groups in which I am a part.

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¹ Sophrology – the Science of Harmonious Consciousness, has some basis from the work of Sigmund Freud. Further development came from the Swiss Sophrologist, Dr. Raymond Abrezol.