Congruence- Individual Social Change Value
What: Refers to thinking, feeling, and behaving with consistency, genuineness, authenticity, and honesty towards others. Congruent persons are those whose actions are consistent with their most deeply-held beliefs and convictions. I found this individual value true of me when I joined a sorority. The sorority had certain rules and regulations that they had to abide by that didn’t truly fit with mine. I found little congruence and in turn started to not go to events and not care about what I was a part of. This is not like of me. I like to give everything my all and try my hardest to find enjoyment and a place in everything I do. It took many months and semesters but I decided to drop my sorority because of the incongruence I found within myself. Now not in the sorority looking back it was the best thing I ever did. It freed up time for me to really do the things I wanted and found important to me.
Now What: Finding out that the sorority was incongruent with my values was a big stepping point for me. It showed me that I knew what my values are and can internally determine that something does not fit and needs to change and I took the responsibility to change that. This had influenced my future endeavors in life. In group situations people need to act with congruence towards other members of the group. If team members act incongruent they might think one way and bring those ideas to the group but behave in a way inconsistent with these thoughts. This can create group tension and create a team atmosphere that is hostile and you never know what is going on or what ideas or contributions to bring to the group because it is so incongruent.
So What: I think in learning that the sorority didn’t cohere with my values and beliefs knowing I can change and alter my situation and not have to alter my beliefs. I learned that just because something didn’t fit in with my values didn’t mean I needed to change who I am. Now in my life I feel that I have a good grasp on my internal values and try to behave and act in congruence to those values.
Link to definitions on the 7 C's- Scocial Change Values: https://www.csusm.edu/sll/leadership/SocialChangeModel.pdf