Thank You

I would like to say thank you, to all of my colleagues for their positive feedback, comments, and insight as we learned together; how to communicate effectively as colleagues.  I wish all of you good will as you move on to your specializations and I hope that I have been a source of support as well.  Thanks again for your support.

Team Building and Collaboration

During the Bachelor Degree program at Spring Arbor University, we were a cohort group where we stayed with the same instructor and the same group of colleagues; though out every course until graduation, there were 17 of us, and first, we all did not get along, but as time went on our communication got better.  

Therefore, we were put into groups to do group projects; were everyone in the groups was required to participate; were a certain person had to be “miss know it all”.  Within these groups, we formed very productive teams.  Because we studied together for two years, some of us formed lasting friendships.  During the end of our last project, we all out for dinner and drinks to thank everyone for their contributions to the team. 

The way I would adjourn from the group of colleagues I have made while working on my Master’s Degree, would be to thank my colleagues for their discussion board/ blog support, contribution, and feedback.  Furthermore, I would wish them all well while completing their Master’s Degree.  Adjourning is an essential stage of teamwork because it gives everyone closure.

Nonviolent Communication

I am having a conflict with my classroom aide.  I am a new lead teacher in our classroom; she has been in the classroom since September.  She refuses to take direction or redirection from me and shows total disrespect for my role as lead teacher.  I have tried everything except kiss her bottom.  I am sorry to say that I have had to follow the chain of command in order to establish a positive working environment where we can communicate productively. I will try to implement these new communication techniques.

What surprised me the most about what others thought about my communication styles, was that I do not take time to listen unless it is on my terms.  This was hard to learn about myself because I truly feel that I am a good listener.  It seems to depend on the person or groups you are trying to communicate with it is a hit or miss situation.

The Platinum Rule

I really do not feel that I communicate differently with people from different groups at least I try not to.  What I do find is that people of different groups may communicate with me differently.  The strategies of “Do on to others and you would have them do unto you” and having empathy and listening effectively can help me to communicate more effectively with the people or groups.

Competent Communication

I respect my Site Coordinator as being a competent communicator, she embodies all the qualities that I admirer with regards to communicating effectively. She gives her staff per nit information in a timely matter, she give feedback to issues and concerns in a timely matter. She listens without being judgemental, and she makes everyone feels important and valued. I would very much like to model some of my communication skills after her because she is one in a million.

Early Childhood Australia

Early Childhood Australia, advocates for social justice that ensure quality and equity in all issues of education and care of children from birth to eight years since 1939.  Early Children Australia values the rights of children, leadership, excellence, respect, courage, honesty, openness, collaboration, diversity justice, and social inclusion for children.  Early Childhood Australia is the peak non-profit national, non-governmental organization, and is the leading early childhood publisher. Therefore if you are a leader in the early childhood field or a parent studying in the early childhood or you are just interested the well being of young children, it will be in ones best interest to join an early childhood organization such as Early Childhood Australia.