Building Good Relationships

Building Good Relationships

            The key to working effectively with others is building good relationships. I would like to take this time to thank my colleagues for their respect, trust and empathy during this course. You listen to my views and gave me good advice. You showed me that you understood my feelings and thoughts in regards to a subject or concept. My colleagues have given me support throughout this course.

I enjoyed reading your insights on discussions and sharing of your thoughts in regards to communication and collaborating with others, whether on a personally or professional level. Whatever the information, it is essential that you pass it on accurately and in an appropriate way. Collaboration and team work create an environment that allows the collective knowledge, resources and skills of each team to flourish. This has been my experience working with each of you through this journey.

            I wish each of you continued success in your journey in the early childhood education field. You can contact me at Central Mississippi, Incorporated Head Start/Early Head Start Program @ (662) 283-2227.

“Live your life each day as you would climb a mountain. An occasional glance towards the summit keeps the goal in mind, but many beautiful scenes are to be observed from each new vintage point.” –Harold B. Melchart

Five Stages of Team Development

            The family reunion committee group met with the remaining family from the reunion to conduct a farewell breakfast. The group read the “Fruits of the Spirit” with the family. “Fruits of the Spirit” is a biblical term that sums up the nine visible attributes of a true Christian life. This part was very sentimental to me because we were saying good-bye to family members we will not see again until the next two years. The group tied up all the loose ends of the reunion.

As a group we had achieved our purpose and were ready to move on to new things. I don’t think that high performing groups are hardest to leave. There is unity established within the group. At the end of the reunion the group’s morale was high. The group came together during the last week of planning. Members were willing to change their preconceived thoughts and solving of group issues.

            There has not been a group that I participated with that was hard for me to leave. As a group we began to identify with each other. The level of trust contributed to the development of group cohesion. I would have to say the closing ritual with “Fruits of the Spirit” was most memorable activity that I have ever participated in as a team.

Adjourning is an essential stage of teamwork because just as something begins, it has to end. When it is time for me to adjourn from the group of colleagues I have formed while working on my master’s degree in this program, I am sure that I will feel a sense of loss. However, in this profession I never know when I will work with some of these same people in future conferences locally and nationally.  

           

 

           

Disagreements and Conflicts

Disagreements and Conflicts

            A very common cause of disagreements occurs due to people having different opinions about a particular fact. Recently at work I had a conflict with a co-worker in regards to high-quality of teachers that have been recently hired for the agency. The more I quoted what high-quality means, the more upset she became with me. Sometimes you can keep a conflict from escalating simply by acknowledging your disagreement. Two strategies I have learned to manage or resolve conflict is to address the conflict. Identify the source of the conflict. Understand how to approach each person involved. Compromise if necessary. This shoes the employees that you are willing to work with them. Compromise is a way to resolve conflict in which both parties must give up something to gain something (O’Hair & Wiemann, 2012 p. 241). The ultimate goal in conflict resolution is for both parties to resolve the issue between themselves.

The 3 R’s (respectful, reciprocal, and responsive) interactions might impact communication by allowing you to accept another person’s point of view when communicating. The way people communicate through verbal and nonverbal language impacts on what message the listener receive, whether intended or not.

Two-way communication allows sharing of information, concerns, and feelings. It is essential to build a rapport, and building understanding, trust, and a sense of collaboration. Effective communication leads to understanding. Communication is a two-way process that involves getting your message across and understanding what others have to say. Communication involves active listening speaking and observing. One of the greatest effects of successful communication is the abilities to be understood and to understand.

Reference

O’Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real communication: An introduction. New York: Bedford/St.

       Martin’s.