Don't be "that guy"...

(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?