What does "Tension" mean? (separate, calling, problems, different)

[artsyguy]

I've been in class projects before and have heard behind my back that there was "tension" in the group and some of it had to do with me. But it is hilarious how nobody defines what "tension" means and what exactly I or another is doing to create the tension nor is anybody willing to discuss it openly so that peace and compromise can be made. I've also heard the term "awkwardness" used before. I don't know but it just seems that I get stuck with some real petty drama queens. Seriously it is like junior high all over again. Topic: Tension and awkwardness...lol.

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by artsyguy

I've been in class projects before and have heard behind my back that there was "tension" in the group and some of it had to do with me. But it is hilarious how nobody defines what "tension" means and what exactly I or another is doing to create the tension nor is anybody willing to discuss it openly so that peace and compromise can be made. I've also heard the term "awkwardness" used before. I don't know but it just seems that I get stuck with some real petty drama queens. Seriously it is like junior high all over again. Topic: Tension and awkwardness...lol.

Oh, yeah, tension can be felt! You can cut the air with a knife. My office, for instance, feels completely different when the boss is gone. There's this sweet lightness in the air... Everybody is more easy-going and happy. Hard to describe, but it's there.

Now whether those creating the tension can feel it... I don't know.

[zonababe]

Originally Posted by artsyguy

I've been in class projects before and have heard behind my back that there was "tension" in the group and some of it had to do with me. But it is hilarious how nobody defines what "tension" means and what exactly I or another is doing to create the tension nor is anybody willing to discuss it openly so that peace and compromise can be made. I've also heard the term "awkwardness" used before. I don't know but it just seems that I get stuck with some real petty drama queens. Seriously it is like junior high all over again. Topic: Tension and awkwardness...lol.

Sounds uncomfortable. If it is short class project, no reason for "peace talks" just go your separate ways. You've already resorted to name calling, why would you care to discuss the situation openly and seek a resolution?

[ColdCanadian]

To me, tension is when two or more people with something to say (or something on their minds) but are afraid to say it, yet neither are able to go un-noticed by the other person.

[artsyguy]

that seems to be accurate for the situation I am talking about! I'm thinking in my head some of these people act so foolish like they are still in junior high but I don't want to say it. So I just try to get the work done and be as kind as can be..haha.

Originally Posted by ColdCanadian

To me, tension is when two or more people with something to say (or something on their minds) but are afraid to say it, yet neither are able to go un-noticed by the other person.

[artsyguy]

Does the boss treat everybody like dirt?

Originally Posted by sierraAZ

Oh, yeah, tension can be felt! You can cut the air with a knife. My office, for instance, feels completely different when the boss is gone. There's this sweet lightness in the air... Everybody is more easy-going and happy. Hard to describe, but it's there.

Now whether those creating the tension can feel it... I don't know.

[Terry Ray]

I know what you mean. I had a group project the other day and everyone is the group was acting like they were twelve ..."im not going to participate if no one else will answer"..."i dont like out group because some people dont ever say anything"
Sometimes i feel like throwing a desk at people. Grow up people. I find its the over confident people that make group work suck...especially when they have nothing to be confident about and just come off as arrogant. The attitude makes the whole process tense and uncomfortbale...and makes people want to throw desks.

[therewego]

Originally Posted by artsyguy

I've been in class projects before and have heard behind my back that there was "tension" in the group and some of it had to do with me. But it is hilarious how nobody defines what "tension" means and what exactly I or another is doing to create the tension nor is anybody willing to discuss it openly so that peace and compromise can be made. I've also heard the term "awkwardness" used before. I don't know but it just seems that I get stuck with some real petty drama queens. Seriously it is like junior high all over again. Topic: Tension and awkwardness...lol.

I think you answered your own question when you say "nobody defines what "tension" means and what exactly I or another is doing to create the tension nor is anybody willing to discuss it openly"; so basically it is when people have issues w/you and keep it bottled up. I do not know you, but feel the "awkwardness" is probably a result of the way you carry yourself, perhaps you make people feel uncomfortable when they are around you.
I would say talk to your professor but he will probably say you need to work it out with the group. The object of team oriented projects is exactly what you are experiencing, to see if you can work as a team member, work out problems that arise like adults, work on a project despite your differences (of opinion about the project or differences in personalities); this is what the world is about. Good luck!

[Fat Freddy]

Everything is in Balanced Tension. It's what holds the Universe together.

If you released the Tension, everything would collapse into a giant marshmallow.

[Tzaphkiel]

when i hear "tension" as you describe it, it sounds like an emotional charge or difficulty someone has around a person, an issue, a conflict, or a disagreement.

Yes, it can be felt. It can be personal ("i don't like her because she's from the east coast and talks loud") or it can be professional ("Im anxious because he's evaluating our project and we may lose staffing")

Requires a calm professional manner, not always much you can do about it, just focus on your own professionalism, and keep your side of the street clean.

If there's an undercurrent of drama, gossip, behind-the-back sabotage going on, we can by our own actions either feed it (i.e. pour gasoline on the fire) or not make it worse by staying out of it. We have no control over what other people say or do, or what they think of us. But we do have a choice about how we respond in a given situation.