Better alone or better together?
@denniechantrain (31)
Belgium
January 7, 2012 9:13am CST
There's this interesting theory of Norman Triplett that we tend to perform better when we're in group than when we're all by ourselves. Triplett tried this by timing cyclist when they were on their own and when they were in group. The performance level of the cyclists was significantly higher when they were in group.
I can imagine that his theory would be applicable to all sorts of situations. At the same time joined efforts, like pulling a rope, apparently works better when you're on your own, because we would pull the rope harder than when we experience the joint efforts of friends.
Has anyone ever literally experienced something like this? I'd be glad to hear about it.
2 responses
@denniechantrain (31)
• Belgium
8 Jan 12
Together you can be strong, I grant you that, but together everyone could be waiting for one person to make a move and finally do something. When you're alone, you realize you have no-one to rely on and therefore you will just start working.
So what's the view on working in team for one particular job, product or purpose? Is it better to split up the big task in subtasks, so everyone has to contribute?
@roadrunner77 (173)
•
7 Jan 12
I think a lot depends on the individual. Some people much prefer to work alone and indeed seek out employment opportunities which meet this criteria whilst others prefer to work with colleagues within a team.
Speaking personally I have an open mind on the subject and have no particular preference for either team or solitary working. However, I would be interested to hear other views on this subject.
@denniechantrain (31)
• Belgium
8 Jan 12
Do you (or does anyone) have any clue as to why the effect of others is so big on our own effort. When in competition we become better when we're surrounded by others. When we have to work together our efforts become less obvious. I wonder how come.
Does it depend on the type (personality) of people you have to work together with?
