The process we went through in the morning involved us listing all the problems we associate with development and then later on clouding the statements we made into areas which we thought were similar or related in some way. From these areas we then formed questions. This is only one level of the system thinking but again has shown me a way to generate questions and attempt at least to view things more holistically, almost like a checklist to ensure that all processes and possibilities have been considered.
Then we had an explosion of anger within the team. Although this started regarding peoples time keeping regarding the class, I feel the underlying tension regarding the systems thinking class is really to blame for everyone losing their temper as well as a number of other factors. I think almost 3 solid days of presentation style classes with not enough practical work, and that we have almost 2 weeks in each others company – more than I would spend with my girlfriend or family. Once the barrier came down, people started to be quite vindictive within their accusations, and it was quite an emotional drain once talks had broken down and people went their separate ways. There seem to be a split in the form of the houses we are living in, and I did start to worry that things might stay this way which would have made the next week quite difficult, especially regarding the group presentations. Although I felt like sticking my head down and just getting on with my work, I knew this would be no solution. So I attempted to bridge the gap between the houses, sharing lunch and having an open discussion with the other house – attempting to find out where their grievances really lay, explain misunderstandings and sympathise where necessary. So I guess in way I've learnt something about conflict resolution here too. Tony, sensing our unhappiness with the course did a brave thing in twisting the last class into a reflective period where we could voice our opinions. It's good to know we will all learn something from this period, not just the students.
Then we had an explosion of anger within the team. Although this started regarding peoples time keeping regarding the class, I feel the underlying tension regarding the systems thinking class is really to blame for everyone losing their temper as well as a number of other factors. I think almost 3 solid days of presentation style classes with not enough practical work, and that we have almost 2 weeks in each others company – more than I would spend with my girlfriend or family. Once the barrier came down, people started to be quite vindictive within their accusations, and it was quite an emotional drain once talks had broken down and people went their separate ways. There seem to be a split in the form of the houses we are living in, and I did start to worry that things might stay this way which would have made the next week quite difficult, especially regarding the group presentations. Although I felt like sticking my head down and just getting on with my work, I knew this would be no solution. So I attempted to bridge the gap between the houses, sharing lunch and having an open discussion with the other house – attempting to find out where their grievances really lay, explain misunderstandings and sympathise where necessary. So I guess in way I've learnt something about conflict resolution here too. Tony, sensing our unhappiness with the course did a brave thing in twisting the last class into a reflective period where we could voice our opinions. It's good to know we will all learn something from this period, not just the students.
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