Adjourn? When? Really???

Parting ways is most often a very difficult task, especially when a group of people have shared many triumphs and positive moments.  As I think back to several groups I have had the privilege of working with one in particular stands out.  A few years ago I worked in a child care center that was unlike many others I had previously worked in.  It was a small center which made for a tight knit group of early childhood educators and  families.  Having had the experience of other child care centers, I was surprised how involved all of the teachers were with each other.  In previous centers I had been in teachers primarily worked with only those in their classroom and on occasion shared ideas or insights with others.  It never felt right to me, but I have never been the one to create new waves.  In any event, here I was in a new center surprised to see teachers share, inform, created, organize, and support one another willingly.  Yet as most know, the characteristics of effective, successful teams include:

• Clear communication among all members.
• Regular brainstorming session with all members participating.
• Consensus among team members.
• Problem solving done by the group.
• Commitment to the project and the other team members.
• Regular team meetings are effective and inclusive.
• Timely hand off from the team members to others to ensure the project keeps moving in the right direction.
• Positive, supportive working relationships among all team members (Abudi. G, 2010). 

The teachers at my new center demonstrated some of these characteristics if not all.  During my five plus years at the center, myself and the other teachers would meet once a month to discuss anything from A-Z.  We would plan together, brainstorm how to deal with new parents or seasoned parents, share creative ideas, or any concerns we were having.  On various occasions we would also invite parents in our discussions to gain their perspective and insights about what some of their concerns, ideas, needs or wants.  Overall, the group was fascinating, inspiring, and a true example of dedicated early childhood educators.  Sadly, this group had come to an end due to unexpected circumstances.  On August of 2007 the owner of the child care center had informed us that he had relentlessly worked with the building owner to renew our contract to which he denied us, and we had only a few weeks to find a new job.  Leaving this group was just as hard as saying good bye to the children and families we had built relationships with.  This team of early childhood educators was dedicated, committed, and most importantly trustworthy.  When trust prevails, team members are more willing to go through a difficult process, supported through ups, downs, risk, and potential loss (Learning Center, 2011).  Together through our trust and commitment to one another, the children, and families we were able to walk away feeling great about our accomplishments and work together, but still very hard to say good bye to what had so comfortably had become our home away from home. 

Although adjourning can be difficult for some or easier for others, it is critical to remember that it is also a time to look back and reflect on what accomplishments had been made or what mistakes have allowed you to grow.  This is an essential stage, because as educators it is important to evolve with the times and develop an open mind to the diverse world we live in.  But at the end of the day, we function--it is like a puzzle--and so the pieces have to fit together (Laureate, 2011) in order for change to be made.





References:

Laureate Education (Producer). (2011). Team building strategies [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

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
Learning Center. (2011). How to build a team using vision, commitment, and trust. Retrieved from http://www.learningcenter.net/library/building.shtml