Team Development

When working with a group that is high functioning it is easy to feel a part of a family.  Every voice is heard and respected and attempts are made to include everyone in the overall goal of the group. In high performing groups everyone's skills and knowledge are combined to meet the group's goals.  When group members begin to identify their role in the group, it makes the direction of the group more evident.  It helps everyone know what to expect and each member something to contribute. 

It was hard leaving a high performing group when coming up with a presentation idea for NAEYC because everyone shared information and worked towards the same goal.  This group made everyone feel a valued contributor and each member had a chance to demonstrate their contribution and passion towards the goal.  This gave me the opportunity to see what being a valued contributor felt like.  It was beneficial to be a part of a group of people who understood that I had something to contribute to the goal of the group.   I would love to have had a closing ritual of some kind.  This would have helped me reflect on my participation in the group and know how I could improve the next time I was a part of a group like this.  It would also help me determine my leadership potential and know how I could better conduct groups in the future. 

I think that I will adjourn from my educational colleagues by letting them know how much I learned from them and summarizing their journey through the Master's program.  I would also like to know how they will further their experiences in the work force and if they have plans to continue on with their eduation.  Adjourning is an important step because it gives everyone a chance to see if they are in the same place to continue on their journey together, see if they have the same interests and maybe even maintain working relationships.    

Conflict Management

The Third Side presented strategies that I found very helpful.  They are "going to the balcony" and "stepping to both sides".  These methods showed me that I am on my way to becoming a more effective communicator.  Both of these skills gives each person a chance to step back and see the other persons side of the story.  This can keep conflict down when a person can truly empathize with the other.  If you take the time to stop, look and listen, this keeps everyone from jumping to conclusions and reacting on strong emotions.  When emotions become involved, then that is went conflict can escalate and become violent.
     The strategies from the conflict resolution website were also useful.  The skills presented on this website helped me to see how obstacles can become possibilities for those involved.  They also gave me insight on how to create a supportive environment for those who are involved.  These skills involve a variety of ways to help keep conflict minimal and develop a more positive with the people involved.  I plan to continue studying these skills to help me with conflict management.