The Ingenuity of Introversion

In today’s society, qualities of introversion are often associated with a lack of understanding or confidence and in group settings these are often undesirable qualities. When working in groups there is always the push for everyone to voice their opinion or provide their input, while some people work better with supporting or improving upon ideas. These qualities of introversion play supportive roles in group dynamics and allow for greater depth of ideas and understanding.

In the group dynamic with both introverts and extroverts, introverts are able to process and reflect upon ideas that are put forth but more extroverted members in the group. Ideas become vetted and refined through this additional layer of thought processing. The push for all group members to be leaders discourages the contemplative nature of true introverts.

Groups that are lacking introversion maybe present ideas that isn't as comprehensive or as thought out. Ideas may come about easily, but expanding on those ideas will be harder. There is a synergy brought about when merging these two personality styles effectively that can push groups into the performing development stages.

Many of the points seen about are clear indications of what a group will miss out on when suppressing introversion. One part of the storming phase that introverts could excel at would be the focus and clarity of the group’s purpose. The nature of the introvert is to reflect and take time to act and that can be beneficial because of their focus. The norming and performing stages benefit from the refining of ideas and the emphasis put on the groups goals and plan of action. 

Broken Silence

Dead Poets Society shows the affect that one man can have on a group of young minds. Mr. Keating’s teaching style was so different because instead of drilling ideas into the student’s heads he gave them the chance to think for themselves and they felt free.

One instance where I noticed a lack of integrity was when Neil was talking to Todd about trying out for the play. Todd asked him if his father would punish him for not telling him. Neil responded with something along the lines of “I am not deceiving him if he doesn’t know,” and while he was deceiving his father I couldn’t help but agree with his decision. I felt for him because his life was already planned out for him and dictated by his father. He was doing something he was passionate and although he went about it in a less ethical way I did not blame him for doing so.

Another part of the movie that stuck out with me was when Richard Cameron came back into the room where all the boys were and admitted that he gave up Mr. Keating and encouraged the other students to do the same. He put the blame on him to keep himself out of trouble. Even though it was not true, he was willing to give up his teacher to save himself. It is harder for someone at that age to develop strong moral principles, but it was unethical for him to lie about Mr. Keating’s involvement with the Dead Poets Society even when a lot was at stake.

The final scene of the movie, however, shows the integrity of Todd when he stands on the decks and addresses Mr. Keating by saying “O Captain, my Captain.” It was powerful to see how Todd, who was afraid to speak out in Mr. Keating’s class, disobey the teacher and standup for what he believed.  This set an example for the rest of the class and Todd’s action started a movement. He gave the other students the courage to stand on their desks and stand behind Mr. Keating.