(this part really isn't relevant, but I just want to set the stage)...About a month ago I took a coaching license course. These courses are part of US Soccer Federation policy/training and are sort of a big deal. the instructors take things seriously and expect professionalism from candidates. there are various levels of licenses (starting at E and going through A)...there were 35 candidates in my "class" all ranging in ability/skill (both playing and coaching) from rec league soccer dad to former and current NCAA division 1 college coaches. this post is about group dynamics and how some people become dumber in a large social setting/environment., especially when education is involved. the course consisted of both classroom lectures and field practicals. Both served as prime environments for the following 'guys' to emerge:
1.) "The Question Guy" = this person feels the necessity to ask questions at any and all times. Social awareness does not apply to this individual. Natural stoppages in a lecture mean nothing. Questions should be asked frequently, repeatedly, and about anything. Even if the answer was just given. We should ask a question to have the instructor repeat what was just said. This 'guy' thinks that extra credit is given for the number of questions asked, no matter how ridiculous said questions are...
2.) "The Statement Guy" = is a close relative of the 'question guy'...similarly feels that the frequency of statements adds extra credit to one's grade. social cues are lost on this individual as they feel that their knowledge is so important that to withhold their knowledge from the group would be like depriving water from a thirsty child. Usually the information shared by the 'statement guy' is meaningless, elementary, or not specifically relevant in any way, shape, or form...
3.) "The Humor Guy" (aka "The Joker") = this guy is sort of tricky to discern at first. his first funny is usually pretty good and can get people chuckling; but he soon steps over the line and inserts jokes often, at inappropriate times, and in inappropriate ways...and then they just stop being funny. Also, this guy is notorious for being the one to laugh loudest at his/her own jokes. the Joker thinks that getting the instructors to laugh equals a passing grade...
4.) "The Smart Guy" = this guy thinks that he is super smart/intelligent but is really not. they DO have the potential to be smart in a certain topic or two, but not the one at hand...they typically try to answer a question or two but in such a way as to give them an "out" if they are wrong.
5.) "The Answer-a-Rhetorical Question Guy" = this guy thinks they are supposed to answer rhetorical questions. They might be the same guy as the 'statement guy' but doesn't have to be...sometimes this 'guy' thinks that by answering a rhetorical question it will give them bonus points, like by showing the instructor that they are paying attention or something...mostly they are just too dumb to realize that it was a rhetorical question.
6.) "The Quiet Guy" = always be aware of the quiet guy(s)...they are usually the ones in the room who know what is up. they know that that know too. so they don't have to talk, be funny, ask questions, or any other shenanigan used to get attention. When they DO talk it is usually insightful\worthwhile and the instructors usually learn something from them as well. the 'quiet guys' are also usually the ones to befriend. they don't need to be friends so hanging out with them you know they aren't in it for narcissistic purposes. if they like hanging out with you, they genuinely like you.
(NOTE: these "guys" are not isolated to my experience. they are sure to arise wherever group gatherings/education takes place. ALSO, "guy" is a gender inclusive term as females can be "that guy" as well)
I guess this post is my way of saying that I am not a fan of 'group dynamics' when it comes to adult-education. I could have written a very similar post when I was in seminary...why do adults get dumber in groups?
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5 comments:
You must not forget "too-cool-for-school guy"- he's the one that acts like he'd rather be somewhere else because he already knows all this, even though he signed himself up for whatever course he's too cool for. There is a secret group dynamic that comes into play whenever the topic is childbirth or parenting or breastfeeding or whatever. Talking about kids you don't have yet really throws perfectly stable and well-adjusted people into a tizzy.
Add the "first time out of the country guy" who doen't speak spanish and tries by adding the "el" and "o" or "a" before any spanishized world like "el Banko" - after two weeks of this, I'm ready to go home...
Add "Creepy Guy" who is an overweight, extremely hairy older gentleman who sits in the hot tub and STARES (without ever looking away or even trying to be subtle) at women as they exit the locker room and walk to the pool. What a creepy creeper.
And never forget dumb-@$$ guy. They interpret "no" as a violation of some sort of personal right, are the experts on everything (much akin to "too-cool-to-be-in-school" guy), and generally display both the IQ and the usefulness of a discarded straw wrapper.
everyone likes the silent guy, we are all drawn to him, but beware, sometimes the silent guy could be attempting the "silent bob" technique where he tries to only say a few things so that when he does actually speak people think its all profound and whatnot. most good teachers can see right through this technique and know that the silent bobs dont really have a clue.
i like the "im think im good looking guy" who thinks he/she can get by on their looks. this "guy" typically wears outfits that are totally inappropriate for the situation i.e. jeans and a v-neck sweater to a touch football game or a matching jumpsuit with "juicy" arching across the booty. as if having a juicy butt is something desirable. these people usually have signed themselves up for a course that is about 3 steps beyond their comprehension level in an attempt to place themselves in the category of intellect they think their looks warrant.
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