Session 1

After watching the video about the Power of vulnerability by Dr Brene Brown I learnt
that Vulnerability is the driving force of connection. Vulnerability is an openness to
experiences and uncertainty. Sometimes it is terrifying and sometimes brave. She explains
that people with a strong sense of love and belonging believe that vulnerability is a necessity.
People who are vulnerable are more courageous than others and they do not think about the
final results. For instance, I don't feel shy about expressing my caring or sharing to my close
friends without thinking much. It is opening me up to somebody getting closer. But at the
same time vulnerability still has to be earnt by others to some extent.
Before joining Tiss, the most difficult part for me not being vulnerable is that I am not ready
to expose myself to strangers or talk to unfamiliar people. I fear about myself and feel that
people start judging me because I speak a bit fast. This kind of feeling suppressed my
feelings and emotions.
Same with my friend too, he has a lot of body issues that he has to work through and always
felt ashamed and feared of vulnerability. Anytime he tried to do something out of his
comfort zone, he felt vulnerable. But as rightly explained by Brene Brown, allowing the
vulnerability and doing it is true bravery and I totally agree with that.
After joining Tiss, I have made myself very strong and learnt that the fear of shame will leads
to nowhere. Learnings from various lectures, sessions and interactions I adopted a practice of
openness, awareness of my own thoughts, feelings, emotions and triggers which helped me in
my transformation. I also realized that being perfect all times not possible and not necessary.
To face the vulnerability we should have enormous courage.
After studying and attending the session on Group dynamics I have learnt that Group is 2 or
more individuals who are formed to share a common purpose or goal and connected by social
relationship. As an OD student, I liked the concept of group dynamics and Kurt Lewin
explained that the groups are formed to act and react to their changing circumstances. I have
learnt that Group dynamics mostly deals with the attitudes and behavioural patterns of
individuals of a group. It concerns about how groups are formed, their structure and what
processes are followed in their functioning etc.
The second topic I liked is Group Cohesiveness which refers to the bonding of group
members, feelings of attraction for each other and desire to remain part of the group.
Cohesiveness in groups has many positive effects, including employee satisfaction, higher
productivity etc. Many organizations also found that groups have many motivational aspects
as well. Group members are more likely to participate in decision-making and problem-
solving activities which are leading to empowerment and increased productivity. As in
Organizations also Groups complete most of the work. Hence, the effectiveness of the
organization is limited by the effectiveness of its groups.

References:
1. Video on: “The Power of Vulnerability and Emotions – Brene Brown”.
2. Donelson R. Forsyth, Chapter 1, Introduction to Group Dynamics, Group Dynamics,
7th Edition.