Blog Post #5

In episode 5 of Survivor, the Coyopa and Hunahpuh tribes were split, separating everyone into new tribes with new members. This split forced the participants to go through the group formation process all over again. Although members on the Coyopa and Hunahpuh tribes appeared to be polite and cautious with one another in the “forming stage” toward the beginning of the episode, it soon became apparent that the storming stage was taking over. In the new Coyopa tribe, as Missy began distributing rice to the group, Dale began to make comments that she needed to ration the food rather than give out large portions as she was doing. Dale, already being a member of the Coyopa group, feared that Missy as a new member did not understand the previous rules and norms established for eating within the tribe. It appears that in response to Dale’s comments about giving out less food, that Missy was exhibiting defensive listening. Missy interpreted Dale’s comments as a personal attack on her, when in reality he was trying to make sure the group had enough food to last throughout the rest of their stay on the island. Because she focused too much on his criticisms of her actions, she was unable to listen objectively and realize the truth in Dale’s suggestions.

After the Coyopa tribe lost their first challenge as a new group, members were forced to engage and communicate with one another about how to vote at tribal council. Because Dale and Missy began having problems when the tribe first formed, John and Jacklyn were put into a difficult situation. Dale and Kelley as well as Missy and Baylor confided in John and Jacklyn to vote in their favor at tribal council as they attempted to persuade them into voting out a member from the opposite couple. When they communicated with each of the couples to identify their perspectives, it appeared they were exhibiting listening intended to interpret. John and Jacklyn specifically exhibited empathic listening in order to learn about the emotions and perspectives of the other members in the group. They met with Dale and Kelley as well as Missy and Baylor to gain a better understanding of their individual situations, feelings, and most importantly their motives in why they believed the other couple should be voted out. John and Jacklyn were also listening to evaluate when conversing with the other group members as they critically analyzed the valid points each of the couples brought up in order to persuade them. However, in the end, it was John and Jacklyn’s decision to side with Missy and Baylor as they made a smart tactical move to vote out Kelley, who they felt may be threat to them later in the competition.