So I'm going to talk to you today about the
symbolic convergence theory why it's one 
of my favorite theories.
I think it's a great theory because it
talks of how a group can come
together and become cohesive, through
the sharing of stories and experiences.
So the interesting thing about the 
symbolic convergence theory is that it's both
scientific and also has humanistic
characteristics. So it really appeals to
both sides there.
The symbolic convergence theory
states that when a group shares
fantasies or stories
that are not related to the group task
at hand the group will bond and increase
their cohesiveness.
And it's through those shared "fantasies"
or stories
with symbols, that the group really
converges and will continue to evolve.
So great example this is at a recent
leadership dinner that I attended
we were a new leadership group and were
still in those early stages of
convergence
[um] we weren't totally comfortable are
confident and how we would work together.
But we decided to take a break from the 
meetings and go to a dinner.
We sat down, placed orders, all kinda  good stuff that happens at a diner
and our conversation turned more relaxed
and a little bit more
indicative a small talk. Soon we started
sharing some funny stories
and including our most embarrassing
moments and our most impactful moments
that had happened in our lives to date.
It was wonderful not only did we get to
know
our team members and get to know one
another on a more personal basis.
But we really were able to find some
common similarities between the
team.
And it was through those similarities and 
our awareness of each other's
differences
that really strengthened our group. So
had we not had
the opportunity to talk about those
"fantasies", or shared stories that were
outside of our group. We would never have had a chance to come together and really
[um] elevate our team in our group as a
whole.
