Time is of the essence

Bifurcation points have me really thinking. When it comes to communication, I am often learning about things I do all the time, but did not know the psychology of why it worked. I have recently told myself that I need to listen more and talk less. Prior to this conscious effort, i went into meetings with an idea and and a million reasons why it was the best thing since sliced bread. My ideas often got rejected before I could talk about all those reasons and I never knew why until I read about Bifurcation. Just about everyone comes to the meeting with an idea, and until everyone of them is heard, the group is not ready to choose one. By listening more tan talking, I can wait to present an idea and include the ideas already discussed in my explanation. The group at this point will be at the threshold needed to make a decision. This point can only be reached by having everyone heard and possibly exhausted of the topic. The conversation must move in an effort to cover all possible conflicts so that each new idea presented has evolved from the last with new information. The timing of each idea presented is based on the knowledge put forward by the group up to that point. If someone were to walk in toward the end of this conversation with an idea, not having evolved with the group, the idea would be uninformed and most likely ignored. You may even see your same idea get heard and rejected early on in the conversation and then later accepted by the group when delivered at the right time. It reminds me of the old war rule; Don't shoot until you see the whites of their eyes. Don't give your idea until your sure its a bulls-eye.

Skinning a cat

Entropy in a group is a fixed pie with Equifinality. They need to be in balance, and having too much of one, means there is not enough of the other. Entropy can happen when people in a group take opposing positions on different issues. There are too many good ideas and not enough places to implement them. When there is no agreement, then a decision can not be made, and when there are no decisions, there is no new growth. some groups may try to avoid this conflict with  a system of feedback that leaves only one decision maker. This can pose a problem in creative environments, such as a salon, where there are many ways to get the same or equally stunning result. When there is no Entropy or open feedback sessions, then the group defuses into doing there own version of skinning a cat in different corners of the room. This makes it harder for the group to come together and share ideas. When an equal balance of these two Es are taking place, then there is open sharing and learning taking place within the group.  It's the "agree to disagree" moment that is hard to stomach in a group. A good leader will be sure everyone is heard and understood before making a call that suits the group and promotes openness. In the case of a salon, a good leader will be sure to provide constant  advanced education for the staff so that there is a constant flow of new and consistent ideas across the group.

The weakest link

Interdependence of a group comes in many forms. The most recent group I have been is a group of educators who create and deliver curriculum. Our interdependence is not always obvious because we teach different things and spend most of our days in separate class rooms. When an educator falls short, we are reminded that a system is in place. Students are very quick to notice inconsistencies and even quicker to complain about them. Because the educators represent the school and its students, an educator who fails to keep up their work load in the system brings down moral of student body and discredits the institution. Our credibility as educators is what sets our academy apart from the rest and keeps us bringing in new students. In this group, lack of functionality could cost us our accreditation and our reputation of excellence. Dramatic as it may seem, at times, I think the weakest link has more power over a group than the strongest player. 

Introductary Post

Hi Comm141p,

This is my first class as a Comm major at SJSU. I am very excited to be getting started in the department and look forward to getting to know my fellow majors. Good luck this semester and I'll see you in the blogs.

Blanch Mortine