Blog Post Number 3: Group Skills

When working in groups, I tend to be more quiet than others. I have always been much more of a listener than a talker. Though I do contribute, I sometimes find it hard to do so-- especially when I do not know my group very well. I enjoy listening to others ideas and the only time when I'll promptly dispute or disagree with them is when I find that something doesn't match up or make sense. Esther, from the bible, stood up for what she believed in. She was quiet, more of an observer, but when she heard of the plot to massacre all the Jews in Persia, she stood against it; however, instead of simply accusing Haman of his plot, she was patient and after silently waiting and remaining silent, she spoke to the king. This lead to the salvation of the Jews. Like Esther, I tend to be quiet and patient most of the time. I am attentive to situations but I do not speak against others unless it is necessary to. I am more of an information seeker than an information giver when things in a group are going well but when something comes up that I do not agree with I could definitely be considered a diagnostician. I am more of an observer, a listener. I also do not initiate assignments, I normally add on to them once the idea or decision is there. Whether this be a skill or not, it has helped me in past group assignments.

As someone who is definitely more creative than analytic, my skill set lies in expression. I believe myself to be a creative thinker, specifically with poetic and lyrical pieces. Euterpe is the music of lyrical poetry in Greek Mythology. She is not as focused on fact as her sisters Clio and Polyhymnia. As a muse, she is not the one who simply states facts or tells people what to do. She may try to lead others a certain way but she stays true to herself and her beliefs. I do not necessarily state the facts or state what I or others should do when in a group setting. I help encourage and push my group in the right direction with different comments both about my personal beliefs on a topic and about comments that they have previously made. I am a follower unless forced to act differently. Lyric poetry is about expression, not dictation. Also, Euterpe is the daughter of Mnemosyne, the Titan Goddess of memory and the inventor of language and words. When working with others, I focus on what we are doing at all times. I try my best to keep track of every comment and make sure that everyone is included. I try my best to be a good supporter and feeling expresser when working with others. I attempt to support others opinions and statements while still expressing my own. As a rather shy individual, it is easier for me to notice when others do not feel as part of the group than it would be for someone louder and more extroverted.

I am a rather quiet individual and tend to be in deep thought most of the time, reading into things within not only the classroom but within life; however, when I am passionate or sure about a belief, I stand up for it.