As I thought about the process of getting to adjourning when working in a team setting, I was reminded of the many courses that I have attended that related to my managerial duties. During the courses, my colleagues and I were paired up into groups and we were assigned to complete a project within a week based on the training and information provided. At the end of the week we would have to present our project. The last course I attended, people were paired up with a combination of new hires and long term employees it was interesting as we went through the stages of forming, storming, performing, and adjourning. There was a lot of storming that took place because we all came from different places, the skill levels ranged from entry to target and although we received the same information to manage our programs, the interpretation may not have been the same. On the night before our presentation was due, we finally agreed(a little norming showed up) that we all provided valuable information that would we could perform the task of developing a presentation that met the requirements for completion of the course.
During the presentation, the group received feedback from the instructor. One of the comments was that we all demonstrated a trust within the group. Our presentation involved each group member to speak and it was pointed out that as a team, the information flowed from one person to the next. Not sure what the other groups experienced during the course, I just know that we allowed each other to express ourselves as long as it took and when we needed to get the work completed, we performed with ease. As we prepared to go our separate ways, we each provided our contact information and we still keep in touch on a social and professional level. Even though we may never attend another course together, we will always remain in contact with one another. Recently two of our team members were promoted to a senior level and although we are miles a part, it was exciting that due to our continued connections, we were able to share our congratulations. Adjourning does not always have to be an ending. It can be closing one door and opening another because of previous interactions.
As I have made connections during my online studies with many Walden colleagues, I hope that we will continue to build upon interactions and remain connected through our social settings and continue to share our experiences as early childhood educators making a difference in the lifes of the children and families by providing support and resources that meet the educational needs of everyone.
