My contribution to mediating and bringing unity in pursuit of group objectives

My contribution to mediating and bringing unity in pursuit of group objectives

In life, we often come across encounters that force us to adjust our normal ways of life to accommodate the impact of the new experiences (Zimmerman, 2008). If the encounters and experiences resonate with us, they transform our view of the world and how we live with others. However, the outcome of the encounters doesn’t need to be all positive. Perhaps this is due to an inherited predisposition.

My contribution to mediating and bringing unity in pursuit of group objectives

In the year 2015, I was elected to lead a group of youngsters from my village. The group was on the verge of dissolution by then. This was caused by continued complaints from some of the members that there is no accountability in resource allocation and utilization. Also, there was a cry of how the current regime was ignorant of their views. With that in mind, I knew that was I was up for a bigger task of ensuring that the group members co-exist with each other in peace.

To counter the dictatorship claims, I replaced the leaders involved with those whose views were seemingly being ignored. With this, I was convinced of partial peace of mind having killed two birds with one stone. The next measure was to cultivate unity and understanding amongst the members to ensure peace one-mindedness

in discussions. Also, for accountability, I took the initiative of availing all the documents to win the members’ trust. In pursuit of the group’s objective of building one another, I initiated projects which demanded supervision from the members. Majority of the work I assigned the members who seemed to complain of laxity of leaders for them to have a feel of how demanding leadership is.

In a span of three months, we were bonded together by love and focused on achieving. The driving force being sacrifice and dedication from all the members who had now understood that leadership entails dedication and for the group to succeed, every little effort and peace of mind with proper utilization of resources is necessary.

Countering the biggest expectations

It was after the secondary school level, where I was required to further my studies at the university. I received a letter from a university located in an Islamic region where the majority of the scholars were Muslims. Having no choice other than to get enrolled, I knew I was up for a lot of inconveniences, including but not limited to worship practices, cultural practices, dressing code, and language. When I reported, I was pessimistic about the kind of life I will be living simply because of the many differences. With now an obligation of learning to new people with totally different ways of life, I had to brace myself for the same psychologically. Within the first few weeks, I distasted everything about the new environment.

However, at the end of the second month, I had made friends and adjusted to the surrounding. This was initiated by embracing the fact that we don’t have to be homogenous. We got to accommodate other people’s preferences. I was even curious to try their dressing code, their eating habits and even inquire about their religion which was the biggest challenge. In the process, we became friends and lived happily, being mindful of one another’s welfare. With this, I understood that we don’t need to be perfect for each other, but it takes forbearing and being flexible to survive and welcoming new ways of life available in the universe.

Dealing with a different mindset

It happened that my parents kept disagreeing openly such that it affected us the children as we grew up. This led to my brother being negative about life. This affected him in studies and even social life. No piece of advice for changing him positively. It was difficult for him to believe that he can live a good life comfortably and in peace simply because our parents did not offer us one in our upbringing. He became useless to the point of becoming a drug abuser, no future plans, and he was not ready to change.

Having tried to advise him countless times without succeeding. I opted to concentrate on our younger brother. I ensured that he concentrated in studies, gave him hope of a better life, which he believed in, and also showed him love. With the little efforts, he headed to the pieces of advice and worked hard to realize the good life. He indeed started showing good results which convinced our elder brother that it is truly possible and real to live a good life if only you choose well.

Eventually. He changed his life for good, and we were all moved. The family lived happily and in unity enjoying love. It is never too late to make u-turn whenever you realize that you are headed in the wrong direction. Also, it is advisable that we do not tire of assisting where we can to influence a positive change in people’s lives.

References

Zimmerman. (2008). Life-changing experience and encounters. Retrieved from http://www.ourbetternature.org/life.htm accessed on April 10, 2020

Evelyn, W. V. (2016). Your life changing encounters with strangers. Retrieved from https://www.beliefnet.com/entertainment/tv/saving-grace/your-life-changing-encounters-with-strangers.aspx accessed on April 10, 2020

Mattila, A. S. (1999). The role of culture and purchase motivation in service encounter evaluations. Journal of Services Marketing.

Chris Guillebeau. 3 3ncountres that changed my life; how can a corporate employee gain a new perspective through travel. Reptived grom https://chrisguillebeau.com/3-encounters/ accessed on April 10, 2020

Earley, P. C., & Gibson, C. B. (2002). Multinational work teams: A new perspective. Routledge.

Blau, M., & Fingerman, K. L. (2009). Consequential Strangers: The power of people who don’t seem to matter… but really do—WW Norton & Company.