Group Development...and Movie Clips

Tuckman's Stages of Group Development certainly are an interesting and insightful way to think about how group dynamics work. And they certainly make sense. How many strained group projects have you been a part of? Probably more than a few.

First off, let's figure out which videos represented which stages of group development.

Video #1: Norming
Here we see teammates taking the "fall"--the work, the pushups--for one of their own. It's clear by this stage that the group has developed into a cohesive unit that acts for common interests rather than competitive, selfish goals. The misfortune of one person is the misfortune of the group, and without complaining, without hesitation, without resistance, each of the players rises to the challenge of working with one another so as to better the whole.

Video #2: Adjourning
The primary plot points concluded, the only piece left in the puzzle of Aladdin is the denouement. Here we witness the breakup of the Genie and the rest of the characters as the work is done. There is nothing left to do, all problems being solved. Of course, it is a Disney movie, so it was clear from the beginning that Aladdin was going to "get the girl" as well.

Video #3: Storming
Breathtaking conflict. Each player is concerned about his own interests and not those of the whole group. A clear clique has developed, with individuals taking stances not solely for the merit of those stances, but because they wish to be seen as superior to everyone else. Of course, this sort of a moment in group development does create challenges, but only by resolving them can the group work toward execution.

Video #4: Performing
The "important" part. This is where it all comes together. Clearly, with one of "their own" in trouble, the members of the fish tank community at "P. Sherman, 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney" are concerned with working together to make the impossible happen: saving Nemo from Darla's wrath. And they do so without care of themselves--only for the task at hand.

So, what's missing?

Video #5: Forming
Quite honestly, I haven't watched a lot of movies recently. So this challenge was particularly difficult. Especially considering the fact that I had to think of a scene that I knew would be on YouTube. So when I stumbled upon this clip from last year's The Perks of Being a Wallflower, I knew I had found a good match.

First of all, we see a group slowly coming together. Charlie, the "loner" in this situation, comes together with Sam (played by Harry Potter actress Emma Watson) and Ezra Miller's character. There's a focus on similarities as Miller's character remarks that Charlie hasn't made fun of him. Obvious first impressions are made, and are clearly enough as the two invite Charlie to a party later that night. There's not too much exploration of each character, but there is a large emphasis placed on inclusion, as Charlie is welcomed into the two's circle. Later on in the movie, the acquaintanceship grows into friendship, which only continues to flourish.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is an excellent movie. And I never thought I'd say that. My brother is a big fan of the novel as well as the film, and needless to say, the enthusiasm has carried over at least somewhat. That said, it's not for the faint of heart or the emotionally-weak. And it's certainly not a "walk in the park" movie. But I do encourage all of you to see it if you haven't already. It's one of the two movies I've seen in theaters in the last six months, and given that Les Miserables was the other, I can't exactly give the nod to one over the other.

Enjoy.