Team Building and Collaboration, Part 1

Adjourning

1. Are high performing groups hardest to leave?

    Yes, high performing groups are definitely hard to leave because of the strong relationships formed and the success or the accomplishments of the group members.

2. Groups with the clearest established norms?

      Groups with the clearest established norms are definitely hard to leave because the expectations and the goals of the group were established early with each member making a commitment to work towards the groups goals.

3. Which of the group that you participated in was the hardest to leave? Why?

      I work for a local Head Start center and each classroom is divided into teams with a teacher and assistant. Last year, my assistant was the best and we were totally in sync with every project that we wanted to do for our classroom. This "group" was hard to leave because she could finish my sentences or thoughts without me opening my mouth. It was wonderful to work with her because we shared the same visions for the classroom and wanted to see each child succeed beyond the classroom.

4. What sorts of closing rituals have you experienced or wish you had experienced?
     
     We found out in May that were both up for transfers to other centers which caused a few tears but we decided that we would meet up monthly for dinners or lunches to keep in touch which I guess you can say was our "closing ritual".
    
5. How do you imagine that you will adjourn from the group of colleagues you have formed while working on your master's degree in this program?

    I'm not sure how I will adjourn from my group of colleagues in this program. I would love to keep in touch via email and hope to run into a few members at different conferences in the early childhood field.
     

6. Why is adjourning an essential stage of teamwork?

     Adjourning is essential in teamwork because it allows the team to reflect on their accomplishments and to celebrate with each other. It provide the opportunity for the members to say good and close out their projects successfully.