Groups often operate an approval system—some formal, some not. Being in a group almost always means that, at some point, you will feel the need to validate the ideals of the group. That's OK...to a point.
But, inevitably, if you do (or say) something that appears to call that validation into question, the group will almost automatically react and start to isolate you—perhaps without even knowing it—until you re-establish your validation or are effectively marginalized from it.
Unfortunately, I really can't think of a type of group—political parties, businesses, clubs, churches, neighbors, even families—where the system of approval is not in force. It seems to be just part of the DNA of groups. A sad, and often painful, reality. But, a reality nonetheless. Even though it often actually isn't, it can feel lethal. I've experienced this in fresh ways over the last few years.
Very few groups seem truly interested in much of what is outside of their own ideals. But, sooner or later, groups must reckon with what is beyond them. Because what is beyond them is a part of what is next for any group to grow, if not persist. It must embrace the realities of what is around it, or it just isolates itself further and further until it withers and dies off. The context around all groups is always dynamic and evolving, a reality which, in fact, enables groups to continue to be vibrant and make contribution to the world around it.
Approval is too often an inhibitor to the important need for growth in groups.
