Everyone relied on their “strengths” to solve the problems we, as a group, faced in each challenge. Where some were weak, others made up for it in their skill, ability and aptitude. Each person played a part or “role” in the activities.  A “role” is defined as “the consistent way a person communicates with others in a small group” (Communication: Principles for a Lifetime 227). Within the broad definition of a role, there are three subdivisions which are identified as “task role”, “social role” and “individual role”. Task roles are “behaviors that help the group achieve its goal and accomplish its work” (Ibid 227). Social roles “focus attention on the individual rather than the group” (Ibid 227). Finally, “individual roles focus on the individual rather than the group”. (Ibid 227). Each of these role distinctions helped the group come to the cohesive realization that the individual must sacrifice his/her pride at times for the sake of the team. Without everyone playing their roles, nothing was successful.

Looking back, I played many roles in each of these challenges. In the “Human Knot”, I assumed the role of “elaborator” by listening to what others had to say and giving my input based on whether or not I thought their advice was a good or bad idea (Ibid 229-230). I also became an “encourager” and a “tension reliever” to my teammates as I told them to keep going when things became frustrating and making everyone laugh now and then to relieve the tension (Ibid 229-230). In “The Plank Bridge” I took the role of “follower”, as I allowed more-experienced members of my team who had previously been to Hemlock and completed the challenge to offer their past insight and lead with greater efficiency (Ibid 229-230). I became the “follower” while others assumed the head roles of “dominator”, “initiator/contributor”, and “orienteer” (Ibid 229-230).  In the areas that I was strong in, I excelled. In the areas where I was weak, I humbled myself and gave my position of leadership up to follow. I did this not only for the sake of the team, but to learn through observation as well.