This cartoon has four individuals tugging a rope in different directions, with the caption reading ‘I think this works better if we all pull in the same direction.‘ The cartoon relates to the chapter because it depicts the challenges associated with interdependence and common goals, which are under the ‘Characteristics of Groups’ subheading in Chapter 10. The chapter says that in order for groups to be effective, members need to work together towards common objectives. The chapter also says that people in groups should use synergy, which is the idea that a whole is greater than the sum of its parts. When group members aren’t on the same page, the group is unable to effectively achieve its goals.

The image also addresses issues about group roles and a poor leadership style. A more laid back leader might not be able to unify the team towards a certain goal. On the other hand, a strict and authoritarian leader might discourage people from collaborating. In a group project I was working on, we struggled to agree on the template of the PowerPoint. Someone wanted to use the simple white PowerPoint template, and someone else insisted on a flashy template from the internet. Like the cartoon, we were pulling in different directions, which caused more effort and wasted time. Through this experience, I’ve learned that alignment in groups is essential. When we pull together, we can achieve much more than when we pull apart.

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