The "I" in teamwork - communication is a crucial part

In interviews, we tend to be asked about teamwork and what it means to us. An important question, of course, because our ‘team hygiene’ has a huge impact on the emotional environment the children in our settings experience. (And on the wellbeing of our team). 

The most frequent answer to this question tends to be “communication”. That we talk to each other, kindly, and share what we're doing and why, and it probably encompasses being able to ask questions, have different opinions and have an open, candid discussion. It’s a solid, important answer and we wouldn’t be hiring someone who didn’t believe communication was a crucial part of teamwork. 

But, we want to back a step. Because how we respond to people is based on how we view them. So, teamwork really starts with seeing our team mates in the best possible light. For appreciating what they bring to our space, and losing the judgments that we hold - and ‘feed’. 

We have to remember that what we look for is what we see, and if we decide one of our teammates is unreliable, we’ll hone in on that one time in a fortnight they are a few minutes late, or that occasional time when they say they’ll tidy something and then get distracted. We’re much less likely to spot all the times they are really reliable because that doesn’t fit our ‘story’. Or as another example, if we decide our teammate is just “so loud”, our ears will be so tuned to any elevation in volume, and our irritation would rise alongside. We won’t notice the quieter moments of care, or the quiet moments, period.

If, however, we chose to see that same team member as bubbly and enthusiastic, how would that change things? Both what we saw, and how we responded? We’d more likely appreciate the zest and note that loud is not 100% of who they are, it only feels that way if we overfocus on it. It is a choice how we see our team, and the ‘how’ really matters. 

Our teams don’t need to be made up of identical personalities. Diversity brings richness after all, and our children need variety to show that their own unique way of being is just as valid and valued as everyone else in the setting’s own way of being.

But our teams can be compatible if we choose to make them so - to see the best in each other, and if we aren’t sure why someone is doing something a particular way, we get curious instead of judgemental. We ask rather than assume.

There is communication involved - we ask, we chat, we listen, but it’s more than that. Deeper than that. And it takes even more responsibility than being willing to speak up about what we need, or what we believe. That focuses outward, and first we go inward.

We have to have a willingness to recognise when our view is in the way. When our assumptions, or ‘stories’ are stopping the teamwork being ‘dream work’. Yes, teamwork is “communication”, but it is also certainly: personal responsibility, a kind lens, and grace.

Our Team Wellbeing bundle is a treasure trove full of ideas and tips to create a magical space for your TEAM and your children. More info -> Team Wellbeing <-