Recognizing Social Dynamics

Trifoilum

Trifoilum

find wisdom, build hope.
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INFJ
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6w5
How well are you in recognizing social dynamics within a group? And do you like doing so?

As in, determining the alpha, or the omega, or the advisor of the group, and where the rest of the group go in the group placements. And how the group goes, their values, their interactions, and so on.

Something I just randomly wondered...
 
Yes, I am good at it. I perceive these things quite well - especially the hidden meanings and intentions behind people's behaviors and words. And, yes, I enjoy it.
 
I enjoy observing social dynamics more than another social activity, especially looking at communication styles and the power dynamics among the group - who is acknowledged, how, and comfort level each person has with everyone else. But I think that the evaluation of what is seen or observed can be tricky because it can often be biased, since it's based on subjective perceptions. We may think we can truthfully interpret what's happening but may not be correct.

One of the biggest things I've noticed is that relational dynamics are interesting because interaction changes depending on the persons socializing. I'd rather be an observer vs. a participant any day.
 
Trifoilum said:
How well are you in recognizing social dynamics within a group? And do you like doing so?

As in, determining the alpha, or the omega, or the advisor of the group, and where the rest of the group go in the group placements. And how the group goes, their values, their interactions, and so on.

Something I just randomly wondered...
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Its my number one talent. It is incredibly easy to choose the omega. Alphas and betas are easy as well.
 
I can spot it pretty quickly. And generally, I always despise the leader of the pack for some reason.
 
I'm really good at it. I really don't think about the fact that I'm actually doing it when I do anymore, but I always find it interesting that the omega in one group can be the alpha in another and vice versa.
 
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Korg said:
Envy?
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Maybe. I just find in social situations some people have too much influence and not always in the best way.

And most people tend to kiss these people's ass and I refuse to.
 
SouloftheLaurel said:
I'm really good at it. I really don't think about the fact that I'm actually doing it when I do anymore, but I always find it interesting that the omega in one group can be the alpha in another and vice versa.
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Yeah, this is one of the most interesting aspects of social dynamics - someone may be dominant in one setting but be the submissive in another, or vice versa.
 
I find that if I care, I will try and interpret the situation first. If there is a given positive reason for deciphering social strata I will do it but have found that there is usually very little benefit in caring who is the alpha and who is the omega. I have a distinct disinterest in figuring out the social dynamics and do what I need to do with whom can help me expidite it the fastest. In some situations, the person with the power isn't really the one who can assist you, so why bother? I don't really concern myself with how others see my power or lack of power or whatever. To be brutally honest, I find that I am rarely bothered with how others see me. Having roamed the INTJ board for awhile, I guess it is a somewhat common trait. Feelers sometimes take it the wrong way--it's not that I don't care what others think--its just that I don't let it bother me--I mean, what are you doing to do? Take away my birthday if you don't like me? I tend not to waste the energy, it isn't efficient. I do however, like to watch groups and understand group dynamics--I just don't really waste effort on playing them if it isn't required.
 
SouloftheLaurel said:
I'm really good at it. I really don't think about the fact that I'm actually doing it when I do anymore, but I always find it interesting that the omega in one group can be the alpha in another and vice versa.
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I noticed this too. It's quite interesting. However I don't see people that often to see how they fare within one social circle and another....so yeah.

middle1 said:
I can spot it pretty quickly. And generally, I always despise the leader of the pack for some reason.
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Ahahaha, can't say I've never feel the same. They often have this quality of....being...haughty. Like they are milking their leadership position by being bossy and suppressing. That's why I'm quick to admire people who are in position of leadership yet lacking that quality.

Part of it was projection, I admit.

Anita said:
I enjoy observing social dynamics more than another social activity, especially looking at communication styles and the power dynamics among the group - who is acknowledged, how, and comfort level each person has with everyone else. But I think that the evaluation of what is seen or observed can be tricky because it can often be biased, since it's based on subjective perceptions. We may think we can truthfully interpret what's happening but may not be correct.

One of the biggest things I've noticed is that relational dynamics are interesting because interaction changes depending on the persons socializing. I'd rather be an observer vs. a participant any day.
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+1. Only I'd participate if I notice the group dynamics are peaceful enough for me to swim around safely. But even then I'm positively going to analyze deeper. So...yeah.
 
Sonyab said:
I find that if I care, I will try and interpret the situation first. If there is a given positive reason for deciphering social strata I will do it but have found that there is usually very little benefit in caring who is the alpha and who is the omega. I have a distinct disinterest in figuring out the social dynamics and do what I need to do with whom can help me expidite it the fastest. In some situations, the person with the power isn't really the one who can assist you, so why bother? I don't really concern myself with how others see my power or lack of power or whatever. To be brutally honest, I find that I am rarely bothered with how others see me. Having roamed the INTJ board for awhile, I guess it is a somewhat common trait. Feelers sometimes take it the wrong way--it's not that I don't care what others think--its just that I don't let it bother me--I mean, what are you doing to do? Take away my birthday if you don't like me? I tend not to waste the energy, it isn't efficient. I do however, like to watch groups and understand group dynamics--I just don't really waste effort on playing them if it isn't required.
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I like the way you worded this and I have a very similar approach. If there's no reason to care, the stratification is completely irrelevant to me. Well, I may go a step further than you and decode it for amusement and/or intellectual satisfaction but, yeah, otherwise I can't be bothered. The exception to this is if there's a girl that I really like in which case I'll be more attentive (read: strategic) so I can have her.

I've discovered my perspective on things is not like that of most others. For example, I rarely ask "who likes me?" - my question is "who do I like?" I focus my attention on the latter and everyone else outside of that category fades into background noise. Nor do I ask "what is everyone else doing?" - my question is "What do I want to do and how can I get there?" I don't think it's self absorbed, I think it's efficient; it reduces social clutter in my life by preventing relationships I don't want from ever beginning and streamlines the path between where I am where I want to go.
 
Korg said:
I like the way you worded this and I have a very similar approach. If there's no reason to care, the stratification is completely irrelevant to me. Well, I may go a step further than you and decode it for amusement and/or intellectual satisfaction but, yeah, otherwise I can't be bothered. The exception to this is if there's a girl that I really like in which case I'll be more attentive (read: strategic) so I can have her.

I've discovered my perspective on things is not like that of most others. For example, I rarely ask "who likes me?" - my question is "who do I like?" I focus my attention on the latter and everyone else outside of that category fades into background noise. Nor do I ask "what is everyone else doing?" - my question is "What do I want to do and how can I get there?" I don't think it's self absorbed, I think it's efficient; it reduces social clutter in my life by preventing relationships I don't want from ever beginning and streamlines the path between where I am where I want to go.
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I agree with the focus being "who do I like" rather that who likes me. It is difficult for some people to understand that it isn't a form of arrogance when voiced, rather a distinct way of organizing your universe and how you prioritize what is important. I also think in terms on "what do I want" but it is tempered with a strong degree of "what do I need to do". I have a very strong sense of duty and honor that generally precludes ignoring what I should do in favor or what I want to do.

I have my moments when I am feeling insecure but those are usually internal and I won't display any distress. More often than not, I don't want to talk to people. I can usually bother my sister in speaking for me when I am reluctant to interact. I think it has more to do with information overload than anything. Sometimes I get tired of analyzing or anticipating/formulating strategy which makes me really hesitant to interact.
 
nope i'll be the first to admit i'm pretty blind to these things. well in terms of my awareness anyway, like someone mentioned asking questions to themselves about social situations, consciously its rare i do. i mean maybe on a different level i am analyzing, but as far as where i fit in and where others fit in it's not an automatic process for me, though it does fascinate me.

i think if i were merely observing in these situations it wouldn't be like this, but because i am invested and involved i am more worried about what i am saying that what other people are and switches the focus from them to me.

one on one i feel more comfortable and aware bc i can ask and listen, but in a group setting most people aren't talking about obvious problems or how they feel as directly so it throws me off the trail.
 
It's cake to me, and it's also quite natural. In years past I was not trustful in what I saw though as there is very little you can to prove this unless you involve yourself. Thus I would just observe, but I also wouldn't learn. I eventually got beyond that though, and "social navigation" as I call it, is just natural. I don't even really think about it, I just do it, and it all makes sense.
 
Excellent.

For example I am def. the Alpha of this thread right now. Cheesecake. ;)
 
slant said:
Excellent.

For example I am def. the Alpha of this thread right now. Cheesecake. ;)
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You are the Mayflow/ notmeganfox of the internet.
 
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