Hey Everybody. When the lunchbox idea started I told a couple of members my thoughts on it. I had hoped it would just disappear, but since it hasn't I wanted to share my thoughts with everyone. The Outtakes, dysfunctional as we are, are a group. When awards are given to an individual instead of the group as a whole, it becomes, or will become, divisive to the group. If it continues, eventually it will get down to one or more people who never get this thing. Think of it as being the last person picked in dodge ball. Do you remember that feeling? I'm sure it wasn't a fun experience. It's not any different now.
While I appreciate the idea, Vic, God knows we don't get much positive validation, my strong feeling is that we end this now and return the box to Vic so he can put it in the Indiana Jones warehouse. I'd like everyone to give their opinion on this.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
8 comments:
Larry, I will leave that one up to the group. I do not agree. I see the lunch box as a way to point out individual growth and that is a good thing. I also think that since we are a group and all function in that way that anyone is as likely to get it than anyone else.
I think it could go either way. I think the lunchbox is fun and harmless unless we start investing more importance in it than it should have.
I think I understand where you're coming from on this. I was thinking that the lunchbox thing was a way to highlight someone's actions and that everyone would get it at some point. Traditions are a nice touch to a group dynamic, but if we're not all on board than perhaps we can come up with something else.
Gee whiz. Call me silly, but I have the strange feeling there are some people who didn't like the fact that Vic gave me the Goonbox.
Oh well. Anyway...
I can't necessarily disagree with the point. Its certainly something I pondered when the 'box was introduced. But my greater concern eventually became about going on stage and just thinking about whether or not I had a shot at getting the 'box. Once again, all about work, not about play (very good point MK!).
On the other hand, I really appreciate Vic's view that its about growth. Further, it came out of something utterly silly and innocuous from one of our first gatherings. And it was chosen because it was something unique to our group. Something very thoughtfully chosen at that.
Unfortunately, as I write this, I realize just the fact that we're discussing this means its become divisive. And that's unfortunate.
But there's a bigger point raised I'm more concerned about.
Kickball and getting picked last... or not picked at all... you're right, that does suck. I remember the feeling well when I didn't get to play at our first show this season. It makes me feel empathetic when others don't get to play. It makes me anxious about having to go through auditions again.
And I should have said this a while ago, but if we're going with the kickball analogy, then why do we make comments like, "Ha. You suck." to people who don't get to perform? I realize the intention isn't to be hurtful, but I think it's unnecessary. I don't think its always... or perhaps ever... funny.
In regards to positive validation, I've tried raising this point before. And when I did, people didn't get what I was saying at all. We all have the opportunity and ability to give positive validation.
Yes, the stakes are higher. Its not a park a show. People are paying money to see this. Expectations are higher. So the feedback is going to be tougher. And yes, we have that fear too. The fear on stage. The fear of risk. The fear of failure. Or, in my case, the fear of judgment too.
But if we're a group, does that mean we're a team? If we are, then we all to need be more willing to find and take those opportunities to support, encourage, and affirm. Which by no means am I saying nobody does. But if the point is really about positive group dynamics, cohesiveness over divisiveness, then overall we need to take some more ownership here.
That, to me, is the greater point to reflect on. Goonbox or no Goonbox.
Did you ever feel bad about something and so you bring it up for discussion and then feel even worse for having brought it up? Please let's drop any further discussion of the lunch box!
There were a lot of good points made here, especially by Wells, and have given me a lot to think about. I think further discussion on boosting positivity as a group could be valuable. Wells, you brought up the point about the comment made to you, and I see where you're coming from. Other people's sensitivities can be very different, so it's worthwhile taking them into account before making comments. I personally want to make sure though, that I drop all those filters when I go onstage.
Larry, I don't think you should regret bringing this up at all. I was becoming confused as to what getting the lunchbox signified- best in show? most progress? and who determined who would get it. I'm too new here to have an opinion with any weight, but maybe a little clarification on what the lunchbox means would be helpful.
You know what guys...Here is the thing. I never meant the box to mean much of anything. I figured one person would give it solely based on their opinion of who deserved it next. It could be best in show or growth or the fact that they liked the shoes they wore. This was not meant to be taken so seriously. This is play my friends....Can we do that?
Post a Comment