Saturday, April 7, 2012

Team Building and Collaboration

Leaving a group has never been a very difficult thing for me to do.  I am usually ready to make some changes or have the project be over by the time we get to the end.  As I have gotten older I realize the importance of not burning bridges and to leave a group feeling good about the other people and on a positive note.  Just when you think you will never see someone again you do.  If that is not the case, you know someone who does know them and you wish you would have done something differently.

I think the hardest groups to leave are those that you make friendships with.  I feel like a broken record but I don't build relationships with others very easily and put up walls during group times to avoid getting let down so don't build attachments to others.  As far as leaving a project I am so competitive that completion is almost as much of a reward as what the actual project produces.  I enjoy the thrill of deadlines, making a plan and getting things done correctly and quickly. 

When I am in groups I tend to pick the part of the projects that I can work on by myself or don't need a bunch of people to complete it.  This way I do not have to rely on others to get my piece done and I am in control of the pace and the outcome.

Geez, I sound really bad.  That is not true.  I am definety to controlling and competitive but awareness is half the battle, right?  As I proceed through my Masters degree I also am learning how to control these emotions more effectively and be more of a team player.  It is definetly a work in progress.

I think the importance of closure is good for any relationship.  It opens you up for the new task.  If you don't review the good and the bad of a particular task you will always wonder and second guess the choices you made.  Constructive feedback is really helpful so you are able to move forward and not make the same mistakes again, or at least try too. 

Saying good bye to some of the colleagues in this class will be unfortunate.  Louann has been with me since the beginning.  Terri was with us for awhile but haven't seen her in our group lately.  It is interesting to know a lot about someone without actually meeting them.  On-line dating is the same way.  I met my current boyfriend on-line.  I knew so much about him maybe because we could email and talk onthe phone about anything because we didn't have that romantic, emotional bond yet that happens sometimes after a first date.  Typically on a first date you get to know so much about the other person but I already knew so much about them  Same with Louann and others that have been in several of my groups.  I already know so much about Louann, at least professionally, who she is as a person, and a little bit about her family and we haven't even met.  I have enjoyed learning from them and enjoy seeing them in my group when we start a new class.  As we seperate into different specialiazations I am sure I will find others who will be in many of my classes and get to know them as well. 

2 comments:

  1. I agree that wonderful bonds can be made online and that saying goodbye to our group of colleagues will be difficult; particularly those that have been with us from the start. How wonderful that you were able to form such a great connection with a man online. I used to be so wary of online dating, but have many friends who have met their husbands that way. Good for you and good luck. Great post!

    Raina

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  2. Tracy:

    I am so touched you mentioned me specifically. I feel the same about my connections and interactions with you. I now consider you a friend. I agree with you that is unexpected to form so tight bonds when none (well, most of us...Teri and I are actually colleagues in Ohio) of us have not had the pleasure of meeting in person. I think there have been times when I am more comfortable being my authentic self in this format that I do with people in my everyday life.

    Thank you for everything! I have learned and grown so much from knowing you. I wish you luck as you move on and really hope to continue hearing from you.

    LouAnn

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My son, our dog, and me.

"My Connections to Play"

Two quotes:

Vygotsky - "Children use private speech in play to regulate behavior"

"Creative play is a central activity in the lives of healthy children."
Almon, K. (2002) The vital role of play in early childhood
education. Gateways, 43.

My family, especially my mom, was very supportive of play. She recognized its importance. My sister and I loved to play with our friends. She would take us to the community pool and parks and we would play all day. When we got a little older we got a trampoline and jumped on it for much of the day. We had a playroom above our garage in Tennessee and we played there for many hours even though it got very hot at times. My sister and I loved to play with dolls. My mom always said she would be my best friend and as we got older did not encourage many outside friendships. I think that hurt our social skills a little. Now we talk every once in a while, have very different lives and see each other about 2-3 times per year. Even though we are still very close and had many years of play as children, we have drifted apart. My dad was really good at playing with us also. He took us on our boat all the time and encouraged more of the rough and tumble type of play. Both my mom and taught us to be resourceful and take care of ourselves, almost to a fault.

As I attempt to write my blog assignement I feel play has changed a great deal since when we were younger. We would go all day without seeing the inside of our house and find things to play with. All three of my boys are sitting around my table asking me questions and saying they are bored. I live about 2 blocks from one of the most beautiful lakes and beaches in the country and 1 block from an elementary school playground. There are children all over this neighborhood to play with and they are asking me what they can do. Where have I gone wrong in this scenario? They have come to rely on me as their "social director" and I have probably enabled that. Play is very different. I am going to cancel cable and hide the playstation and nintendo ds's for the summer. My kids are older and possibly beyond help. I hope that young children will be pulled away from the computers, tv and other electronic devices. I hope they will be in a safe place to be able to venture out and make friends. Parents need to be more confident in their childrens ability and need to become independent players. I think sometimes parents protect their children and don't let them make mistakes at an early age.

I have included pictures of my boys below at the beach. This is what we love to do these days. This was on a spring break vacation. My youngest sons favorite toy was a palm branch he found the first day. Again, an item from nature that I didn't have to purchase that entertained him. Nice!!








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About Me

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I have 3 boys, 2 dogs and 2 horses. I live in beautiful Northern Michigan. I really like my job of teaching preschoolers in our local schools. I can be a little disorganized at times but for the most part enjoy a full plate of activities and keep very busy.

My Favorites

  • Scott
  • Boating
  • Summer in Northern Michigan
  • Elk Rapids Public Schools
  • Ice cream
  • My horses
  • My family
  • Preschool children
  • My 3 sons
  • My 2 dogs
This is me with one of my preschoolers who has been with me 5 days a week for the past 2 years. He is moving to Ohio. It is difficult when they leave. Good news is he will be back in 2 years. He is also one of my favorites.




"We are to cool for our shades!!"