The Journey Continues!!!

Hey everybody!! I just want to say thank you to all of my colleagues! It has been such a pleasure learning with you and from you. You all have helped me grow in my profession as an educator and I am truly grateful. I will be moving into the Administration, Leadership, and Management specialization. I hope to work with some of you again as we all continue our journey with Walden. This has really been such a rewarding experience and I am looking forward to what the future holds. Many blessings to each of you!

The Adjourning Stage

             This week we learned about the five stages of team development: forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning (check out http://www.projectsmart.co/uk/the-five-stages-of-team-development-a-case-study.html). Each group/team goes through two or more stages when working together towards a goal. Each stage moves the team towards success, but some groups can get stuck in the beginning stages depending on the situation and people involved. For this assignment we were asked to focus on the adjourning stage of team development. In this stage, the project has come to an end and group members go their separate ways.

            Personally, some groups are easier to say good-bye to than others. I think the easy groups to leave are those where there was lots of confusion, lack of communication, unclear goals, etc. These groups are frustrating and draining. There have been some meetings that I just could not wait to leave because the group I joined with was filled with confusion. Some groups also have a lack of focus. The meeting leader would assign a task and three out of 7 people would be focused on the activity. This is very challenging.

            On the other hand, I have been in groups where all members were focused on the task at hand. We would challenge each other in order to complete the task at hand. These groups were exciting and there would be a constant flow of information. Before separating from these group members, everyone would exchange email addresses and other contact info to stay in touch. These group members make great networking buddies.

            I think that is why the adjourning stage is so important. When meeting with people for the first time, it is always a good thing to establish a networking relationship. It is also a good thing to have resources in other areas to use when needed. At the end of this program with Walden, I hope to have gained some new networking buddies in order to share successes and lessons with. You can never have too many resources.

Conflict Strategies

            I am the type of person that avoids conflict and confrontations, even though I know they are inevitable. I think well on my feet and I am conscious of my responses and the other person’s feelings (sometimes a little too empathetic), but I have a slick tongue and can be very sarcastic. My sarcasm is not always appreciated. Lol.

            This past week I participated in a heated discussion with my son’s father. We do not see eye-to-eye on many things. I called him with a suggestion and he quickly jumped on the defensive. I felt attacked so I became very sarcastic. Transparent moment: I do not understand why I (as the mother) have to jump through hoops or bend over backwards for him to see and spend time with his son. This makes no sense to me. The ‘discussion’ ended with me saying “Ok, whatever.” Clearly, nothing was solved and no one’s needs were met.

            This week, I have been learning how it is important to be empathetic and understand the other person and their feelings. So I reflected on our discussion and thought of two things I could do differently next time.

1.      Focus on the matter at hand and not make any personal attacks. Be mindful of my sarcastic thoughts so that they do not become my words.

2.      Really listen to the words of the speaker. Repeat back their words to make sure I have understood them correctly. By doing this I will be able to focus on their needs and how I will be able to meet them.