In Chapter 1-3 Collins found that successes in three main areas, which he terms disciplined people, disciplined thought, and disciplined action, were likely the most significant factors in determining a company’s ability to achieve greatness. As a Brilla staff member how will you stay disciplined in a founding school where you will have to be a "jack of all trades"?
*In other words you have a job with a job description but we all know if founding a school you have to be ready to step in and be proactive 100% of the time. How will you be disciplined enough with so much going on to stay focused on our mission and forget all the "minor things" that might go wrong (and will)!
I always believe that what I do is not a job; I am fulfilling a mission. Once I feel I am just doing a job, it is time to do something else. That being said, the mission of education is a team effort. We are part of a bigger picture. when we work together and share our talents and focus on the vision great things happen! The beneficiaries are our children! I will share my talents, and my experience. Over the years as an educational leader I learned that no day is a cookie cutter version of the last. You learn to be flexible and at times spontaneous. You learn to pick your battles and be creative. You realize you are as good as the people around you! I look forward to be a part of lighting the fire with the family and truly make Brilla the beacon of the south Bronx!
ReplyDeleteMr. Acosta,
DeleteI can't agree more with you distinction between not doing a job but rather serving and fulfilling a mission. This past year I had the privilege of running an organization on campus that I had been a part of for my previous 3 years. Everyday I looked at it as fulfilling a passion and mission, rather than meandering through a list of to-do's and responsibilities. That mentality I saw other people have drove the success of the organization, and you learn no day is the same, that you must be flexible and use past experience to drive your decision making and be creative. Can't wait to apply that same experience to Brilla!
Well said Mr. Acosta. It is so true that teaching is nothing but being able to be flexible and spontaneous. That's why I feel Mr. Gillaspie and crew are putting together such a great team, knowing that we will all be required to be these things, and more, with a new school. I also completely agree with you that once you start seeing this as a job, and nothing more, then it's time to get out. Teaching is difficult, it comes with its ups and downs, but the overall outlook on what you are there to do outweighs those mishaps and downfalls. When you lose sight of the mission, getting through obstacles is much more difficult to maneuver.
DeleteFocus and discipline as a team will be a function not only of the practical steps we take to establish and reach lofty goals as an academic institution, but also as a function of the genuine love that we each have for our collective mission in Mott Haven.
ReplyDeleteI fully agree with Ms. Acosta's view that what we are doing is not simply a job. That means that when (not if) when much more is expected of us than we imagined, rather than gripe and say 'that's not in my job description', we will rise to the challenge of being the best at all costs, and we will do so because of the abounding love in our hearts for the children and the community that we are here to serve.
From a practical perspective, I think that being meticulously organized is key to remaining disciplined, especially in Year 1 when, as Mr. Gillaspie puts it, we will all be 'jacks of all trades'. Each day will likely bring new challenges for each of us, so we will have to be humble, nimble and adaptable, but most importantly, ORGANIZED. The more organized we are, the more we will be able to tackle each new challenge that arises, and still stay as focused as we are today on our mission.
Mr. Martinez,
DeleteI agree with you and Mrs. Acosta that what we're doing isn't simply a job. But I also think that while that while providing a superior education is a higher calling, getting there is a JOB. That being said a lot of the tasks that we have to do and accomplish will be tasks where it is not readily visible the outcome of the work we're doing. It will feel like a job. All entrepreneurs with vision go through this phase and as long as we keep in mind that those tasks are essential to our greater calling we'll be just fine.
Mr. Barnes,
DeleteI think you make a really salient point about the fact that sometimes what we are doing will FELL more like a job than a calling, especially when we are in the grind doing things that don't feel like they are directly related to student outcomes. I think we will have to be really cognizant of this if morale starts to drop. To go from good to great, we've always got to keep focused on the bigger picture and long term outcomes of our work.
The idea of disciplined people, disciplined thought, and disciplined action as a path to success is completely accurate, as I have seen it in my brief experience. You also cannot have one without having the previous (i.e., in order to have disciplined action, disciplined thought must first be present, and in order to have disciplined thought, you must be a disciplined person).
ReplyDeleteStaying disciplined means a variety of things, from being organized to conveying passion to working through difficulties. By being disciplined and controlling the things that you can control (i.e., getting day-to-day taks done on time and efficiently, to maintaining positive morale in the classroom, etc.), you will set yourself up and allow yourself to tackle the greatest challenges that come out of left field, since you have what you can have under control. This is where staying organized and on time come into play.
Staying disciplined through energy and passion also play a role. I definitely feel like a part of a new family, and it's important to maintain a disciplined attitude everyday. Basically, I mean to not let yourself get caught up in the minor things that will derail you from the bigger goals -- which is allowing 200 students to achieve the highest quality education and build their character for future success.
By maintaining these types of discipline, I feel like I am equipped to be a jack of all trades team player. You always know something unexpected will happen, you just have to be ready to handle it head on.
Good Morning Mr. Larsen,
DeleteI liked how you mentioned maintaining a sense of positive energy at all times. It is through this enthusiasm and energy that we will not only motivate ourselves to stay disciplined and achieve excellence, but also our students will sense this energy and stay motivated. Emitting this positive energy while embodying a disciplined focus on success will surely influence our students' attitudes towards education.
Have a great Friday!
Hi Mr. Larsen,
DeleteYou're 100% right. When we are able to control the known variables, we are better able to be solutions oriented around difficulties that may arise. It will also create the brain-space necessary to identify potential pitfalls and be as student-centered as possible. I also really like your mention of staying positive. Of course there will be times that are trying, but because we are creating a true team and family, we'll be able to work through challenges together.
Keeping the big picture in mind is so incredibly important as well. I liked how you identified this in your post and tied it back to self-discipline and passion. Taking a step back and refocusing on out collective goal will allow us to push each other forward and really, truly go from good to great.
Thanks for sharing!
Ms. Barry
I think the biggest thing to being disciplined in a founding school with so much on the line for these children is open honest communication. Yes, everyone has to do their part and even go above and beyond. Where I think people go wrong is by taking to much on, not asking for help, or assuming no one else is giving it their all too. To many times I have been in work environments where people assume if a staff member leaves early or something is not done that that person not giving it their all, we assume! Rather that it is ok if you have to be home at 4pm for your kids or leave at ____ time for an appointment and as a staff we pick up where they left off.
ReplyDeleteIt is also OK to say no if needed. To many times people say yes to a request and then all they do is complain about having to do it. We need to make sacrifices but we should do it because we want to and put our attitudes behind us. Everyone pays there does but if everyone walks around with an "can do attitude" and gives people the benefit of the doubt, and communicates when they need help or what is on their mind we will have an amazing foundation for our school.
It is hard to imagine and maybe cliche but communication is everything in relationships, personal life and even work so how can we be disciplined to stick to being open and honest with one another?
Mr. Gillaspie,
DeleteI completely agree that open, honest communication is essential to being disciplined in a founding school. Sometimes we think of communication as chatting about how our day went. This isn't enough. Open, honest communication must come from the heart. If you see someone having a hard time with something - ask to help! If you're having a rough day - tell a colleague! I know it takes a while to get to know someone, but we will quickly become a family. Families reach out and ask if you need a helping hand. Families are proud of one another when you've accomplished a goal. Families openly tell you if they don't agree with something you've done. I think we can stick to being open and honest if we are very conscious of one another's feelings, efforts, and accomplishments. We can do this by asking questions. We could each make a habit of asking a colleague how they're doing, how their day went, and if they need help with anything before they leave. Just showing you care and would offer your time opens the floor for someone to ask for help or vent. If our Brilla team makes these little steps to communicate I'm sure it will create a disciplined, warm culture.
It helps to hear administration say, "It is OK to say no if needed."
DeleteSometimes we want to put in our all, but in reality, we may not be equipped to take on what we think we can. It can be difficult to say no to something, especially if you really want to take it on. It is important to know what is a practical amount to plan and execute, and what is too much. It can be an uncomfortable conversation, but learning to "no", when to say, "I want to do more", or "I need help" are essential when it comes to communication and building any sort of company, school, relationship, etc.
It is vitally crucial to be reminded by our administration that it's okay to decline, and it doesn't change one's "can do" attitude. It doesn't mean you don't care. As much as we want to please, overwhelming ourselves completely does not help any parties involved. Instead, it can lead to feeling like you let someone down (or a whole team of people down), which is an incredibly isolating and dark place that we most certainly do not want for each other.
In "Good to Great's" discussion of the level 5 leaders, they cite that leaders who achieve this status doggedly pursue results for the sake of the company, rather than for their own personal ego. I feel like having the success of the school on the line to guide us as our moral compass, rather than our own personal aims, is what will keep us disciplined. We won't need other people on our backs reminding or motivating us to step up. We will be disciplined to do what needs to be done because we are intrinsically motivated by the desire to see the school reach its potential. Moreover, I think we will be able to juggle those many hats if we really ascribe to the window/mirror analogy that was discussed. If we look out the window when attributing success and into the mirror when ascrbing blame, we will truly feel ownership of the big picture and built a culture of positive praise. Instead of seeing a fault and pointing out the window "that person was responsible for that task", we will look at ourselves to think of what role we could have played to be more of a support.
ReplyDeleteMs. Kopro I totally agree with what you said. I think our biggest motivation needs to be the success of the school and inherently our students; giving the opportunity for these students to truly succeed in education (as opposed to what could have happened to them in a failing public school). They are our biggest inspiration. Furthermore, I also appreciated the window/mirror analogy, which I had never heard of before. I think having that mindset not only ensures we take responsibility for our own actions it will make us want to work better when we look into that mirror, which will help us to grow at teachers and a staff as a whole.
DeleteWe are not just doing a job we are doing a service. The word service at it's core means to serve, and do what is neccessary to help those in need. As teachers we are serving the greater Mott Haven community and not only Brilla. We must have an attitude of whatever it takes and no excuses. We have to do what is best for students, each other, and families.
ReplyDeleteWe preach high expectations in everything that we do and having very big goals. The goals we have will never be reached if we don't have an all hands on deck approach towards the work that needs to be done. We are all on this team to support each other in the good and rough times. The speacial thing is we are all embarking on this journey together, and it changes everyday. In order for us to achieve success we have be flexible, and willing to take on multiple tasks and responsibilities.
Being disciplined in a school setting and life is about being organized. I learned a very beneficial lesson about organization during my year long fellowship. I was very structured and organized, but I did not always plan for the unexpected. I would have tasks set and some days would not complete them, because an situation arose. One thing about organization is that you want to block time for those unexpected events. That way you will be able to still be productive and complete the outside tasks.
You have to remember that in the first year things will go awry, but you have to just roll up your sleeves and solve the problem. One last piece. I remember when I was part of founding team our school was not done being painted. I became a painter and a handyman. I was painting and putting together furniture. That was not part of my job title, but it was what the team needed and was best for our students.
Mr. English,
DeleteI loved how you made a note of how organization plays a key role in our own discipline. It's one thing to be willing to do an unexpected task, but sometimes there's just not enough time! If we each make an effort to prioritize our to-do list and plug in extra time for those unexpected tasks, we can reduce the anxiety that comes with finishing multiple things at a time. I'd love to hear more about how you organize your planner and prioritize your daily to-do lists. I like to think I'm quite organized, but I think I'm ready for a new system.
Throughout the introductory chapters, Collins mentions the importance of "unwavering faith." He describes this characteristic as a deep rooted belief in one's mission that it undoubtedly conquers all hesitations and obstacles to greatness. I feel as though that this "unwavering faith" in Brilla's mission will keep myself, and other staff members focused. This faith will force us to push past the setbacks and the upsetting moments, and encourage us to keep striving for something better. It is the belief that all children deserve an exceptional education that connects us already, despite having never met. Regardless of the fact that becoming a member of a new charter school is daunting, the support we provide for each other as teachers and administrators will be the key to our success with the students. Through support and collaboration with the "right people" I have no doubt that Brilla will be able to achieve continual greatness.
ReplyDeleteMs. Clair, when Collins mentioned the "unwavering faith" it was also something that stuck out to me. For me personally I can see/feel what happens when your faith dips--your students are the ones who suffer most. Keeping that faith alive is what will get us through our most trying times--even when things seem impossible. This also ties I think to the positive energy we must keep throughout all that we do. I have witnessed what happens when negative energy starts to seep into people's mind; and once again the ones who suffer most are our kids. We must always remember that nothing is impossible!
DeleteIt’s true. Good is the enemy of great. It's a concept I've never thought about until Collins’ simple explanation of why schools, businesses, and even lives are not great. It's because they're good. Good enough. At Brilla we can't settle for good enough.
ReplyDeleteWhen we are faced with obstacles and asked to put in extra time to get something accomplished, we do it. That's what our student's and their community deserve. Word hard, yes. Work smart, even better. Of course, we want to do it all ourselves. We want to be superman/woman who takes on tremendous tasks. But why? We are a team. Efficiency must be factored in. If we can help one another, the task then is no longer such a burden.
When the going gets tough, I know I will take a step back, breathe, and remember the mission. My “unwavering faith” will remind me that our scholars don't just deserve “good enough” teachers, but great teachers. Great teachers know what they are capable of and get things done in an organized and efficient manner. Great teachers know when they need help. Great teachers delegate tasks, if necessary, to work as a team. These great teachers who communicate, trust, and motivate are then great role models. If each of us steps up to the plate and does what needs to be done, we will succeed. No excuses. No placing blame on others. Positivity. Organization. Responsibility. I have no doubt you are the “right people” and we will create a culture of discipline in no time at all.
Ms Mann this issue of being good is what SCARES me most. If we do ok people will tell us we are great. In a community where 27% passed the ELA state test if you get 40% people will think you are amazing, but we are not. It is not fair that many people settle to be average in their own lives but we all know parents want the best for their children, average is not good enough. That does not mean don't stop to smell the roses but rather always want better for these students futures and for them to have it better then you had it.
DeleteThe American Dream use to be all about leaving the world a better place then you found it and having a better life then your parents had and building on the family legacy. We need to do that for these students and make it GREAT
Discipline is an oft thought about character trait. What does it mean for an organization to exhibit "organizational discipline?" When I think about discipline in the context of an organization, especially a start-up organization, I think first of the self-discipline required of individual employees. Every member of the team must exhibit this trait for the team to move symbiotically from one phase of growth to the next. Inherent in discipline is order. Disciplined thought is organized thought. Disciplined action is organized action. In the first year of a start-up the every member of our team is going to have thoughts and ideas about how best to proceed with the numerous facets that go into running any organization. Being able to have disciplined conversations, disciplined debates, and yes, even disciplined disagreements is going to be key to the success of our organization.
ReplyDeleteA start-up is an emotional place, especially a high stakes start-up in the education space, like Brilla. Being disciplined in how we disagree with one another is key. It is very easy and dare I say, pleasant, to have pleasant conversations. It takes discipline, diligence, and patience to disagree in a manner that is beneficial to the organization as a whole. Staying disciplined by knowing our ultimate goals will help us not only as we agree but also help us be disciplined in our disagreements.
Mr. Barnes,
DeleteYour post made me think differently about what it means to be "disciplined." As you alluded to, I was thinking of discipline as a personality trait that resides in an individual. Most people are able to be disciplined about doing the work that is outlined in their job description because anything less might result in them being fired. I think the more difficult discipline to develop is the self-discipline to do what is better for the organization, for tasks when it is NOT part of your job description, when there is no accountability for you getting it done, and when there will be no acknowledgment or praise if you DO get it done. This is the discipline that takes a company from good to great, and the kind that we must develop from day ONE.
When joining Brilla a couple months ago, I never imagined myself running after parents, sitting in on a board meeting and meeting with our uniform company to pick out colors, but while my job description is 'teacher' my heart in dedicated to making Brilla a great place to learn and grow while being of good use wherever it is I am needed. As we start up Brilla, we are also developing a team where we share a responsibility to mold minds and instill values and morals into the lives of our students. In order to complete all 1,000 tasks on our to do list as part of founding a school, we must find peace and determination within ourselves. From there, collaboration and support from our fellow teachers will allow us as a team to reach and surpass our goals.
ReplyDeleteAs part of the Brilla team, we need to be willing and wanting to make Brilla the best it could be without over extending ourselves. We must learn how to organize ourselves, ask for help and know our limits, because while we would all like to think we can do it all, especially in year 1, we will end up hitting a wall at some point. My goal is to be an essential part of the team, building others up and keeping my heart set on the goal of giving our students the best education we can give.
One of the biggest lessons i learned early on in my teaching career,life is to know when to ask for help. We cannot do it alone! I completely agree with you Samantha.
DeleteAsking for help is definitely a hard thing to do sometimes, but you are so right that if we don't, we will hit a wall because we are trying to do so much all on our own. Brilla seems like it is going to be a wonderful place in that we are all supportive of each other and working toward the same goal, but at the same time realizing when it's time to look for reinforcements, revamp, collaborate and support, or just take a break for a second. We all come from different backgrounds, with varying types of experience, that will ultimately be essential in making year 1, and beyond, a success. I am anxious, yet confident that as long as we are focused, supportive and keep our eyes on the end result, year one will be nothing short of a success.
DeleteI think the biggest thing that I took away from the three chapters is the fact that you must have the right people first. I couldn't help but think of Brilla and how we are doing just that. I feel honored that I am part of a network that is first building a team filled with the "right" people. I think in order to stay focused on our mission and not sweat the small stuff, we will have to keep reminding ourselves that we are a team, put together purposely, all working for the same goal. And because we are that team, we must stay confident in ourselves that no matter what obstacles may stand in our way, and will, nothing can stop us from reaching that goal.
ReplyDeleteI also found it significant, that the best leaders, the Level 5 leaders, made sure to make a life for themselves as well. I think it is so important for our leaders, and all members of the team, to also remember to enjoy their lives outside of work. Great leaders realize that when work becomes all consuming, the joy in themselves, as well as their employees, will ultimately be lost. We must be able to balance work and life, enjoying both while putting forth our best effort in both.
Good Morning Ms. Maxwell,
DeleteI completely agree with your reflection about Brilla's commitment to finding the "right people." Even from our brief conversations over the phone, the cohesiveness of the group is tangible. We are not only teachers, but support systems for one another. Also, thank you for pointing out that "self-care" is incredibly important to sustaining any passion! I am sure that taking care of ourselves will be challenging, especially with such a big transition, but I hope that we can all remind each other of this important fact!
Enjoy your weekend!
Mrs. Maxwell,
DeleteI totally agree with your comments on work life balance. It is essential that every one has activities outside of daily work. In order for Brilla to have a great environment people need to have outside activities. We want staff members to have fun and enjoy life, so they can put 100% effort into their task at work. We want to produce environment where individuals can do what makes them happy and still be charged up for work. I am firm believer in having work life balance, because it makes you more efficient in work, and a better team member.
I really liked and agree with your comments about putting forth our best effort in both work and life. I think this is a very important concept and allows you to maintain joy and energy in both. And from the interactions I have had with everyone so far, I can tell this is a great team, and that that discipline will definitely be present. Have a great weekend!
DeleteWe are a group of people who have an amazing drive to make things happen. We all believe that we can and will reach our goals. Working with this group is motivation in itself for self-discipline. Unlike some organizations, at Brilla we have a great support system that will help us work with our strengths and weaknesses so that we can engage in disciplined actions and build a great model for our successors.
ReplyDeleteIn order to develop self-disciplined thoughts and actions it would be helpful if are eager to try different methodologies, and have the willingness to make adjustments in areas that need improvement. We can use daily goal plans showing time scheduling for performance of tasks. Start with the difficult tasks and if necessary, break them into smaller ones for good management. Working with children requires the use of all your mental resources. Treat your body well so that your mind is nourished at all times and prepared to work smart.
Discipline, determination, and dedication will help us fulfill our commitment and stay focused on our mission. I agree with Collins’ recommendation to have a positive approach when faced with challenges. A positive outlook, will let us see “minor things” that might go wrong as opportunities to make advancements.
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ReplyDeleteFounding a school will present many, many challenges, many of which cannot be anticipated. As unique people with diverse and unique sets of skills and experiences, we cannot all be equally prepared for the challenges that await us. At times, the challenges that unfold will be easier to handle for some while more difficult for others. Nevertheless, we must be prepared to address these challenges without losing sight of our mission.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Collins that the key to our ability to respond well to these challenges, whether big or “minor,” lies in discipline. This discipline will manifest itself in many (often interconnected) ways: such as the following:
**Being a good team player- being proactive and maintaining healthy and consistent lines of communication
**Anticipating problems before they arise rather than just responding to the
** Avoiding shortcuts (because shortcuts often require cleanup after the fact)
** Pitching in for the team when an area lies in your “core competency” – even if it is not “your problem
**Knowing when to ask for help
**Being supportive of your team
**Striving to exercise good judgment
**Being flexible and open minded to new ways of doing things
**Above all, maintaining optimism!
While I anticipate the vast majority of things will go “right” over the coming year, there is no doubt there will be plenty that go “wrong”. I am confident that we all care about the children who will be placed under our guidance and will go great lengths to ensure their success and well-being; as long as we maintain a sense of who we are and why we are here...all with a healthy attitude, we’ll turn our obstacles into popsicles.
Ms Wang you hit on a great point: Being flexible and open minded to new ways of doing things. So many of us come in form years of experience on education or just life with an idea of how we want things and while our prospective counts we must also know "we do not know it all". It took me some time in teaching to set my own agenda aside and realize there are others who do things WAY better then I do but if I walk in thinking I am the best at this or I know this then my mindset will never let their idea in.
DeleteMany of us come from schools who had a bathroom routine of some sort or discipline system of another and while we want to hear everyones we can not do them all. We must be one team and open to change and a new idea even if you don't 100% agree, but we must also be willing to share ideas and speak up if we disagree.
As I said to our admin in PD last week we are not KIPP , TFA, Uncommon, AF, Trinity or anyone else we are Brilla and we must remember that!
Well said Mr. Gillaspie! I completely agree. Although we learn from others, we must remember that
DeleteWe are setting a new stage, a focus of a new era. We are Brilla, we are like non other!
I will stay focused on the mission by remembering my "WHY". The reason that I am in the field of education and why I am here at Brilla is because I believe that education is essential and a right and I truly believe that our students and their well-being comes first. I know that one of the primary reasons that we are all here is because we want what's best for our boys and girls and with that being said, I am willing to wear many hats and be a jack of all trades in order to be the best educator that I can be. What I'm learning is that people are only too happy to help others achieve success, as long as you’re sincere about it and willing to put in the work. I will not be afraid to ask questions. Another thing is that I will not be afraid to get knocked down, because guess what? In life, that happens. It’s only natural, and one of the best ways to improve at something is to have to work at it. The thing to remember is that you only truly fail when you stop trying, so as long as I get back up and try again then it’s a lesson, and I'll get it right next time. My grandma used to tell me that in life, the wind is either going to blow against my back or directly in my face. I will remain calm and composed, and keep sailing full force ahead through the good and not so good times. I must also remember that self-discipline is a must. Self-discipline is the ability to push yourself forward and work on a goal, even when you don’t feel like doing so physically or emotionally. People with self-discipline keep going through obstacles and low points in their life, and ultimately achieve their goals. Self-discipline is what enables us to do high-quality work, even when we’re tired. It keeps us pursuing our goals through tough times, and it helps us to stay professional, even when we’re not feeling great.
ReplyDeleteSelf-discipline is such an essential quality, and it’s a key differentiator between people who are successful in life and those who are not.
Why is a very important part of the intentionality that guides the thought process of our team. People really are happy to help other people succeed. One of my favorite sayings is "Delight in the Success of Others." I read that one in one of those cheesy self-help books when I was in college. But it stuck. And it really is a way to go about things. I want my team to succeed.
DeleteHi Ms. Gibson,
DeleteI really enjoyed reading your reflection! The "why" is so very important when we think about the mission and consider the discipline necessary to go from good to great. It is not enough to be disciplined for the sake of being disciplined; we must own why discipline is so important and how it impacts our students.
I also really liked your reflection on getting knocked down, and you're exactly right: getting back up is the lesson. I don't know that I've ever seen it framed this way before, but it really resonated with me, thank you for sharing! Self-discipline will allow us to do high-quality work and provide our scholars with the ability to make the academic and personal gains necessary to be thoughtful, young people.
Enjoy your Friday!
Ms. Barry
I think an important way to stay disciplined is by thinking about why we are here. Even when things get stressful and we have a lot on our plate, at the end of the day we are here for the kids. That needs to be our driving force. We are here to give these students an opportunity they would otherwise not have if Brilla was not there. Even when we are exhausted, we must push through and get our work done and teach every day because our kids deserve the best. (And of course make sure that we take care of ourselves along the way). We must be prepared and stay organized if we plan to be “jack of all trades.” The students should be your personal drive and motivation; and they deserve the best.
ReplyDeleteAs a staff I think one thing that will help us to stay disciplined as a whole is teamwork. We need to be working together at all times. That includes many things from open communication to sharing lesson plans and great ideas to sometimes needing to pick up the work for other teammates when they need your help. I believe that by having a strong team it is easier to get through the minor (and major) things that may go wrong. Working at a school now with an amazing first grade team has not only helped me to stay disciplined but also helped me to grow as a person and become a better teacher for my kids.
With our discipline we will change the lives of these students!
Ms. Cuevas, like you said, teamwork is so important. When a team functions well, they can accomplish anything. When a team cannot (which is so often), it's a complete disaster.
DeleteBeing a team player is more complicated than expected. It's funny how we teach students the skill of working with a group, yet so many adults cannot seem to do it effectively.
For example, grade level meetings are useful and an ideal way to collaborate ideas and share lesson plans. It sounds easy, but different personalities clash. Sometimes they go far too long without anything coming out of it. There's nothing worse than having meeting after meeting with no decisions made. We have limited time as it is, so learning to function as a team and finding that synergy is key. To work in a team, you have to understand your team members' working styles and personalities, and then learn how to engage in a way that everyone responds well to. Be direct, but sensitive. Stand your ground, but be open to other ideas. Make a decision, but have 2 backup alternatives. Disagree, but don't shut down. Communication is key, yes, BUT what if one's style of communication isn't working? When you put a bunch of teachers together and ask them to develop something as a team, for example, it's necessary to acknowledge potential collaboration issues. Once issues arise, working through them is the only way to move forward...as a team.
When I write reports for my students, I'm ultra proud when I can say, "________ respectfully supports his/her peers' ideas while incorporates his own into discussion." This is such a valuable quality for any individual to have throughout his or her life.
Ms. Cuevas,
ReplyDeleteI agree the team is very important. No individual is more important than the team. In order for us to be successful we must together and be aligned. We also must have set norms in place that we all adhere to. Many of the most successful organizations achieve success, because of their team structure. People in those organizations love to stay, because of the great team culture. In order for Brilla to achieve the success that we can it will be because of the team and not just individuals.