A line I heard on "Dexter".

Post Reply New Topic

It is something I've heard stated in a variety of ways.

Basically, the key ingredient in understanding is empathy.

I would like to make that statement a bit more specific: the key ingredient in understanding an individual that you have time to listen to is empathy.

A key ingredient in understanding groups is somewhat different, IMHO. I see understanding groups as hard work: as continuous, rapid and unbiased observation as possible and running multiple observation-based explanation models side by side for comparison. A key ingredient for succeeding in groups, IMHO, is choosing groups that have such expressed goals that interest and suit oneself, good enough synchronization/cohesion between individuals' goals and group goals and little discrepancies between expressed goals and the "hidden curriculum".

Other important things are group size, physical environment, and traditions/group habits that one finds personally enjoyable or at least manageable. Naturally, successful groups can choose, promote, discipline, and - if needed - dismiss members: nobody should be able to demand membership if they do not fit the group's goals and/or standards.

Sorry if this is too much leadership/management and organizational psychology jargon - I'm sleepy. If anyone cares to translate the possibly interesting parts into more understandable English, I would be grateful.

Athena

Groups are endlessly frustrating.

I was also talking about physical objects and constructive concepts such as math and language, not just people.