This week we learned about the five stages of team development.
One stage was adjourning – a time for “reflection, celebration, and goodbyes”
(Adubi, 2010).
Groups that I have been a part of that made for hard good-byes
were ones where we were all compassionate about the goal, we got along very
well, and we worked together for a substantial amount of time. One group I am thinking about was my teaching
job (School A) that I worked at for three consecutive years in the same school.
I got along really well with the teachers in the school, we all collaborated on
school wide themes and tasks and it was a great positive experience. My placement after that year (we moved out of
state for my husband’s job) was not as friendly and cooperative and it was hard
to feel that connection like I had before. I ended up leaving that job after
one year for a different placement which was more family like. At School A’s closing rituals included a
goodbye party, lots of cards, hugs, stories, and well wishes. I am still in
contact with most of the colleagues from this school and miss them often!
School B – there wasn’t a goodbye really; I had delivered my son at the end of
that school year and decided over summer to apply to a school closer to my
home. When I was hired, I resigned and that was that…
From this group of colleagues from our Masters courses, I do not
know what to expect. I have taken some semesters off and therefore have changed
cohorts a few times so I have not been with any one set group for very
long. At the end of each course we wish
all of our groups well and good luck and I would expect the same. Some people may continue to keep in touch but
I don’t think it will be as emotional as when you have a physical class with
someone and you see them each day.
Adjourning is an essential stage of teamwork because it is natural
to have endings and endings allow for some sort of closure. This closure also
allows for a new group to form for the next project.
Abudi, G. (2010). The five stages of team development: A case
study. Retrieved from http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/the-five-stages-of-team-development-a-case-study.html
Danielle,
ReplyDeleteI have also experienced situations and environments which were on both ends of the emotional spectrum. Adjourning allows us to celebrate our successes and reflect upon where we may have been able to improve as a group (Abudi, 2010). I also feel that it is a natural part of life and what we learn from each and every experience benefits our professionalism and personal development. Each new challenge we face places in a position to consider the relationships we have built along the way, and navigate our world to the best of our ability.