Saying Farewell

For the last 8 weeks we continued fostering that extensive learning community and I must say it has assumed greater significance because we shared some very personal experiences with each other.  We have been encouraged and supported in opening our lives much more to each other and for that tremendous respect and concern were shared thus making our experiences much more meaningful. 

As we prepare to embark in our various specializations I hope we will continue to definitely find a way keep in touch.  I am on facebook so if it is possible we can keep in touch there.  It has been a tremendous learning experience with the entire group and one which has definitely left an indelible impression in my mind. I wish you all the best in your specialization areas. My area is Teaching Adults in Early Childhood.  All being well, I am also looking forward to see many if not all of you at graduation. I wish you all the best as you continue to fulfill your professional goals.

As we part at this juncture, I leave this quote with you: 

 “When you do nothing, you feel overwhelmed and powerless. But when you get involved, you feel the sense of hope and accomplishment that comes from knowing you are working to make things better.”

-anonymous

Team Building and Collaboration, Part 1

The adjourning phase of a team is that separation phase signaling the end of the project.  At this phase the group usually reflects on its accomplishments as well as shortcomings towards the attainment of the goals (O’Hair & Wiemann, 2009).  I think parting would have been more difficult for me when I was a teenager because during that phase you seek to a great extent the love and admiration of your peers.  I have come to realize that these are all phases which we go through; we meet persons, form relationships to achieve certain goals and there comes a time when we may need to go our separate ways as we continue to pursue our destiny. 

High performing groups are usually difficult to leave because there is so much happening.  Group members feel a great sense of satisfaction and eagerly look forward to making a difference.  They are highly passionate about what they do so their contribution extends well beyond the allotted time for meetings.  They have clearly established norm and the leader will remind members of these rules should there be any violation of these rules. 

I think leaving my youth group was the hardest because the members of our group bonded so well.  We made tremendous impact on the lives of persons in our community and at the same time we were developing ourselves – self concept, self-esteem, self-efficacy. There was always a hub of activities to which we channeled our energies. 

I cannot recall what closing ritual would have taken place for me in particular but generally we would end with a social evening where we would bring along eats and all members would partake. Persons would usually reminisce on the time shared and wish the persons God’s continued blessings.  

For our master’s degree I think adjourning would not be too difficult because we are some distance from each other.  Adjourning is an essential stage of teamwork because it signals the end of an era and members are moving off into different directions (Abudi, 2010).  I hope for us that moment will culminate at graduation.  I am looking forward to that moment, hoping to join many if not all of you for that culminating event, putting faces to names and definitely hoping to foster some long-term friendships. 

References

Abudi, G. (2010). The five stages of team development: A case study. Retrieved from http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/the-five-stages-of-team-development-a-case-study.html

O’Hair, D., Friedrich, G. W., & Dixon, L. D. (2011). Strategic communication in business and the professions. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

Nonviolent Communication and Conflict Management

About two years ago many sections of the Division of Education, Youth Affairs and Sport that were conducting business at several different buildings came together under one roof.  We now occupy a four storey building with limited parking space.  When plans were being made to have us relocated a meeting was held with the then Secretary of Education informing us of the pending changes.  I remembered asking the Secretary whether there is sufficient parking at the new building and I was told yes there are sufficient spaces for parking. 

Upon relocated we quickly realized that parking was a huge problem however, persons were able to secure spaces on a first come, first serve basis.  Shortly after, several spots were assigned to top management.  The latest situation is that areas in which parking could have been obtained are now being blocked off for company vehicles leaving many of us fending for spaces.  I was unaware of the latest development until I was informed by a worker.  When I enquired I was told that a memorandum was released debarring workers from parking in that area.  That   has left me very disappointed because no discussion took place on the issue.

In order to arrive at a reasonable solution debating the issue can be considered.  It is important that the cards be placed on the table and a variety of tactics be utilized to arrive at a solution.  They include probing.  Probing raises questions that allow for specific and precise answers (O’Hair & Wiemann, 2009).  It allows all parties to understand how each other feels with a view of arriving at cooperative conflict management.  For example, I could remind the audience of the assurance I was given in an open forum held at our previous site and discuss the hardship workers are experiencing on a daily basis in order to secure a safe park.  A compromise can also be suggested, in that, the Secretary of Education may decide to approach the owner of an adjacent piece of land with the hope of establishing an agreement so workers plight can be alleviated.

I enquired from two of my colleagues’ strategies they have learnt that have proven to be very effective in conflict resolution.  They noted that being a good listener goes a long way; restraint and exercising respect have also proven to be quite valuable.
Reference

O’Hair, D., Friedrich, G. W., & Dixon, L. D. (2011). Strategic communication in business and the professions. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.