Phenomenal Achievement Along Your Journey

I would like to acknowledge all of my colleagues for such a dynamic collaborative learning community. Thank you for all of your insight, perspectives, experiences, and suggestions. Communication & Collaboration in Early Childhood, has been the best course by far! I feel I have grown in my communication efforts, personally and professionally. I have learned perspectives and concepts that I will carry with me onto future endeavors. I wish everyone phenomenal success and achievement along their journey!

Monique Woodard

Team Building and Collaboration Part 1

In considering the adjorning phase of several groups in which I have been involved, I do not believe that high-performing groups are hardest to leave. As a person who can be considered an introvert and prefers working independently, it was considered a relief (for me) when the project was completed because I could move on to my regular life and wouldn't have to engage in uncomfortable conversations. In social situations such as working closely with a group on a project or goal, such interactions made me slightly uncomfortable and I would actually look forward to the project being completed or the goal being achieved. But, in my personal opinion, I believe there is a difference between groups who are working on a project and those who are working together to achieve a goal in regards to the adjorning phase. If one is working with other individuals to complete a project, this is more temporary because a deadline is established. So, in going into the project, all members are aware that they have a deadline to meet and more focus is put on completing the project by the deadline. However, with a group working towards a goal, there is no outlined deadline and when individuals are working towards a common goal, that commonality sets the foundation for a more prolonged engagement which can possibly lead into friendship.

The group that I participated in that was the hardest to say good-bye was the co-workers that I worked with when I was an Early Head Start teacher. I considered this a group because we all had a common goal in which we worked together to achieve and that was to make sure our "babies" were prepared for Head Start. I had about 5 friends who were fellow teachers that I had become extremely close with. We were so close that we had outings after work once a week and we would travel out of town together every other month! We were laid off about 4 years ago and some of us eventually went our separate ways but I still miss them to this day. There are about 3 friends that I keep in continuous contact with.

My close co-workers and I at our friend's wedding in Pensacola in 2010!!! (I'm in the gray boots!!!)

A closing ritual that I have experienced is the infamous "take you out to lunch for your last day"! It is hard to imagine how I will adjourn from the group of colleagues I have formed while working on my master's degree in this program. It's sad to admit...but I am going to be so happy that I have completed this journey and achieved my goal...I will be grateful that it's over!