Ed Batista, Interpersonal Dynamics (aka Touchy Feely) @StanfordBiz, Class 5: SOCIAL IDENTITY

Interpersonal

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DynamicsEd BatistaClass 5:SOCIAL IDENTITY

Same format as Week 3First 35 mins here • Brief discussion • Set up exerciseRemaining 2 hours • Exercise in T-group rooms

Today’s agenda

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Challengeyourself

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Social identityOur focus this weekA theme every week…why?

Social identityHalvorson (Getting to “Us”)Positive impact in the workplaceSense of group identity

= Higher morale & productivity

Social identityHenri Tajfel & John TurnerGroup memberships shape individual identityStems from a basic cognitive process

= Tendency to group things together

Social identityBut we exaggerate…1. Differences between groups2. Similarities within groups

= Inevitable stereotypes

Stereotypes

Stereotype threat

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Microaggressions

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Microaggressions

InadvertentNot “aggressive”But impact > intentConsistent with our emphasis on emotion

Emotion

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EmotionSocial IDs often trigger strong feelings…why?Many social IDs have status implicationsAll social IDs involve relatedness

EmotionDifficult conversations usually involve…Relative status differencesIncreased social distanceLikely to trigger a threat response

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Threat responseFight

FlightFreezeIntended to yield 1 of 3 outcomes…

Threat responseFight (Overpower it)

Flight (Escape from it)Freeze (Hope it goes away)Rarely helpful in a difficult conversation

A vicious cycleWe rarely discuss social IDs across differencesWe fail to develop the necessary skillsWhen compelled, we’re unpreparedThe conversation goes badlyWe avoid the topicRepeat

Consciousness

Competence

1

2 3

4

1

2 3

4

Consciousness

Competence

We’re unskilled.We need guidance.

We’re self-conscious.

We need practice.

Next stepsExercise until 5:50pm; then T-group tonight(See you tonight, Group 2)Week 5 Post-Group Assignment due Thurs @ NoonWeek 6 Readings & Class Notes on CanvasWeek 6 Pre-Class Assignment due Mon @ NoonNext class Tues Feb 14, 3pm here

Another exercise

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Another exerciseToday’s Pre-Class Assignment

Reflect on 3 types of experiences: • Stereotype threat • Recipient of a microaggression • Caused a microaggressionBe prepared to tell one 4-minute story

Another exerciseFishbowls

In your T-group breakout room1/2 the group forms an inner circle1/2 the group observes from an outer circleWith your partner, decide who’s in the 1st group

Another exerciseYou have a set of instructions

& your facilitators will answer any questions

Challengeyourself

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To your T-group

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rooms