Everything that we do in life is a result of interactions and
contributions of others. As I am completing my studies, I am accessing my work
environment for ideas, vision of others and sharing. My mother is helping to
prepare occasional meals to lessen the work load. My husband is assuming the
completion of more of the household chores.
When we are focusing upon
children and families, early educators also have common objectives. This
becomes increasingly complex when there are contributors with a wide variety of
perspectives and levels of expertise. There is nothing more rewarding than a
group that has come to together to achieve a common goal. When individuals are
working in a group towards meeting common purpose, there are five stages of
team development: forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning.
Forming is the
stage where individuals are building relationships. If strangers are coming
together, they are integrating all aspects of communication to understand and
respond to their partners. During this period, group members are polite, and
more courteous. At this stage of the process, this level of information will be
maintained even if communications partners re familiar with each other, yet
assuming new roles, tasks or projects.
It is always a good experience to work
with others and form new relationships. This challenges us to change our
communications style and evolve our thought processes.
Storming – as
the group members become more familiar with each other, they will still act as
if they are individuals rather than part of collective. It is not uncommon for
there to be hostility as the individuals challenge the leader to determine
where the boundaries are.
As a team leader, I have to remind
myself that I do not have to be a leader in all situations. There are times
that I may provide the boundaries and become an effective team member under the
guidance of another person with a different level of expertise.
Norming – as
individuals settle into the group, they realize that separate of collective
objectives can be met as people are working together. During this time group
members begin to understand that they must consider the viewpoint of others.
This is a means of ensuring that the outcomes are most effective.
We must reassure ourselves and others
that we are travelling in the same direction together. Trust begins to form,
and we are less uncomfortable when conflict arises.
Performing –
is the stage where group members trust each other and want to collaborate for
optimal effectiveness. It is during this period where the group’s relationships
are most harmonious, and trust is maximized.
As the group works together, they
experience personal and interpersonal success. Leaders must role model, but all
members must be active and contributing, recognizing their contributions, as
well as their colleagues.
Adjourning –
occurs as the group prepares to conclude the project, school year, or
educational opportunity. The group members are proud and confident in their
achievements and able to thankful for the input of others.
For me adjourning, is the most important stage, although it is often difficult to say goodbye to our collaborative partners. This is an important aspect to reflect upon, because, much like the poplar television show Survivor, we must understand the contributions and sacrifices others have made to meet a common objective. We may have worked together to benefit someone else, but each person has also grown through the process.
As a team
leader, I have tried to provide focus to the teams in relation to what
objective are during the initial stages, and how we have done at conclusion of
the school year. In between, we do updates, to reinforcing others and ourselves
that we are still working together, keeping the child and family central to our
mandate.
Resources
O'Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real communication: An introduction.
New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.
