Connor Lewis' Blog

Sorry to post about the government again, but when reading page 269 about the strategies to retain and accumulate power, I was reminded of Congressional proceedings. The terms of what will be discussed are clear and there is an agenda that is followed to keep order. This agenda uses some of the other examples given, like who can participate and limiting information, as well as time limits and the order of speakers. 

The possibilities of where power comes from on page 253 made me think about the government. I know that one of the possibilities is about government being the most powerful institution, but I'm talking about some of the other ones that can define our government.

For instance:

- Power is held by a few people (congress)

-Money is necessary for power (campaigns)

- Education and expertise are sources of power

- Power is concentrated in the hands of white males

- Power means getting others to do stuff for you while thinking it's their idea

- There is power in what is not said as well as what is said

- Power is given and can be taken away (elections)

- Power is not what you know, but who you know

"Here’s an opportunity to do something meaningful, to be a contributor to something important. You can feel good about yourself because you’re one of the builders of this better future”. This quote is on page 201 and is an example of what someone would say to gain followers and the identity of a leader.

When I was reading it, I thought to myself that if someone told me thatI would definitely get on board with them. 

Box 7.1 on page 184 talks about the different definitions of a leader. It got me to thinking about my senior year wrestling in high school. I was viewed as a leader on my team because I was one of the people who was there the longest.

I related with the fifth and eighth definitions on the page. My fellow captains and I were in charge of making sure everyone was on the same page and reach the goals we set in the beginning of the season. We had to motivate the team before the big matches and have everyone accountable.

This is a post that I forgot I had in my drafts, but I still though I would send it out

The author asks on page 112 for an example of a slogan that expresses allegiance. The one that came to mind right away for me was Apple/Mac users. I don't know if there is a name for that group, but i think there should be. 

On page 109 of OCAG, they talk about how organizations and individuals try to change their identities.

While reading OCAG, I saw on page 116 the system created by Amway. It involves sense-breaking and sense-making, basically breaking the person down and build them up with the organizations beliefs.

I immediately made a connection to the practices of the Army. I have heard that when bootcamp starts, the soldiers are worked so hard they can’t go further, and then they are rebuilt stronger than they previously were, with the Army’s values and beliefs instilled.

I don't know how much it has to do with organizational identity, but the whole time I was reading all I could think of were Super heros and their secret identities... so I posted Clark Kent. I mean Superman

Page 114 of the reading talks about defending an organization because you feel one with it, and mentioned sports fans.

This got me thinking to all of the arguments I have had with friends and family about how my team is better than theirs. Most recently my roommate and I fought to the point where we had to leave the room or violence would ensue. 

I know I'm not the worst (Alabama fans...) but when I think back on it, I feel stupid for arguing. I mean I'm not part of that team, no matter how much I like it.

A few weeks ago I posted a quote from the Annette Simmons book that said humans aren't rational. 

Today in my communication theory class, the assumption of one of the theory we learned today was that humans are rational and make rational decisions.