Week: 6 Communications and Calloboration EDUC 6165

Adjourning 

an essential stage of teamwork

I think that adjourning is an essential stage of teamwork because it provides a clear understanding that the "task or project has come to an end and the members reflect on their accomplishments and their failures" (O’Hair, Wiemann, Mullin, & Teven, 2015, p.249).

I believe that high- performing groups with norms are the hardest to leave and say goodbye to because the team has formed a close bond for a meaningful purpose.  I understand that "high- performing members combine their skills and knowledge to work towards the groups goals and overcome hurdles" (O’Hair, et al., 2015, p. 249).

 The Five Stages of Team Development (Abudi, 2010), states that in the "adjourning" stage the project is coming to an end and the team members are moving off into different directions. This stage looks at the team from the perspective of the well-being of the team.  The team leader should ensure that there is time for the team to celebrate the success of the project and capture best practices for future use. This also provides the team the opportunity to say good-bye to each other and wish each other luck as they pursue their next endeavor. It is likely that any group that reached Stage 4: Performing will keep in touch with each other as they have become a very close knit group and there will be sadness at separating and moving on to other projects independently.

I think as I adjourn from my colleagues here at Walden University it will be a bitter sweet experience as we walk across the stage to receive our diploma.  I think we will all feel sadness to say goodbye to the relationships we have established but also a sense of accomplishment, pride, and joy.  As professional educators I hope we can all continue to keep in touch and share resources, information, ideas, and strategies as we go on to different endeavors supporting young children and families. 

  

  

References:        

Abudi, G. (2010). The five stages of team development: A case study. Retrieved from http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/the-five-stages-of-team-development-a-case-study.html

O'Hair, D., Wiemann, M., Mullin, D. I., & Teven, J.  (2015). Real communication (3rd. ed). New York: Bedford/St. Martin's

Week 5: Communication and Collaboration in Early Childhood

Managing Conflict 

The most current conflict that I have experienced has been in the workplace.   

Recently I have had a new teacher’s aide employed in my classroom and 

I have had an issue with her using her cell phone while in the classroom.

The first time I saw my aide standing in the corner with her back turned towards the children I thought something was wrong as if she was sick, or upset. 

When I approached her to see if she was okay I noticed that she was texting on her cell phone. 

Right away I was surprise and shocked because staff is not allowed to have any personal belongings including cell phones inside of the classroom.

My first strategy was that I wanted to be mindful and understanding.  I thought maybe she has an emergency situation or something important as she may needed her cell phone at this time.  

My second strategy was to calmly, respectively, and politely listen to what her response was.      

 I first asked her if everything was alright and did she need a minute outside of the classroom because we cannot have our cell phones inside of the class.  

She said no and put her phone in her pocket and sat down with the children.  I then asked her if she knew the policy about personal belonging and cell phones inside of the classroom.   She replied “I forgot to put my phone in my locker do you want me to go and put it in there now”.  

I said "yes I do and please do not bring your cell phone in the classroom again or I will be forced to have to write you up as the policy states”. 

I know understand how my staff and our “communication climate was uncertain, realizing that her and my expectations was unclear” O’Hair, Wiemann, Mullin, & Teven, 2015, p.221).

Please colleagues share with me any other thoughts, ideas, and or strategies that I can use to help managing conflict in the future with situations as this.  Thank you all ;)

   


Reference:

O'Hair, D., Wiemann, M., Mullin, D. I., & Teven, J.  (2015). Real communication (3rd. ed). New

          York: Bedford/St. Martin's.

Week: 4 Communication and Collaboration 6165

For this blog assignment we had to think about the similarities and differences between how you evaluated yourself as a communicator and how others evaluated you.

I evaluated myself as a communicator that is very mindful and respectful, who value other opinions and I show empathy and concern.

My score from my family members and friends portray that I am uncomfortable in several communication contexts and general reveal anxiety in most areas of communication.  

 What is the one thing that surprised you the most?

I think that the one thing that surprised me the most was my listening style.  My score revealed that I can appear efficient but impatient.  I realize now that I struggle to listen attentively and I tend to focus on details and prefer to have all necessary information before making a decision. 

  



 What other insights about communication did you gain this week?  

After evaluating myself and comparing the similarities that I had with my family member and friend I gained great insights in understanding that I maintain a good balance between respect and consideration for others' viewpoint, and their ability to argue fairly by attacking the facts of a position rather than the person holding that position.

The two communication goals that I choose to work on to help my professional work and personal life is to "strive to understand and respect other communicators before evaluating and responding to their messages” (O’Hair et al., 2015, p14).   Understanding that  “Communication is a two way street, and listening is a crucial part of the process” (” (O’Hair et al., 2015, p. 5)

  
    

Reference:

O'Hair, D., Wiemann, M., Mullin, D. I., & Teven, J.  (2015). Real communication (3rd. ed). New

          York: Bedford/St. Martin's.