Wow... that was a painful simulation. We were so stumped as to how other people moved so much. Then, at the debriefing everyone talked about using team building. Why didn't we think of that? Well... part of it was that we had forgotten to check the second page of game options. But thinking about our approach... we did kinda rush what we wanted to do. Part of that may be because of our ages (remember that chart of the different ages of teachers) and we were impatient and then thought about what we wanted to achieve and overlooked the process a bit.
When I really thought about it... all of the team building for the simulation was really cool and the things I remember most about teaching at the high school. We actually had a 1/2 collaboration where we got put in groups of teachers we ordinarily don't meet and sit and eat and answer some questions (kinda like questions from The Book of Questions or If.... (Questions for the Game of Life) and learn more about each other. Then we went on to other stations like the DDR station and the t-shirt station. It was a really cool way to build camaraderie. I think activities like this are essential if you're going to be working with someone for 8 hours a day for 9 months.... year after year.
It was really cool and a fond memory of mine. It's a lesson that can be learned at any work place. What made it really cool is that time was given to us to do this. It wasn't some activity that was organized after school... it was done during our regular work hours. It shows us that administration supports us and values our interpersonal relationships.
I just went back and noticed I didn't specifically state how I would use this in my leadership personally... so here it is. I would make sure to build solid, trusting good relationships with as many people as possible. If you have trust, or trust someone change is more likely to happen. I know I will bend over backwards for someone I trust. And conversely, I have a difficult time working with (or for) someone I don't trust. For me personally, I will continue to use my interpersonal skills and make sure to build connections with all that I work with.
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Good thoughts Shawn........We got this!! We will NOT come in last place this week!! HAHA
ReplyDeleteI think we did rush things......but now we know what we should have done and we heard some great ideas from others. We will do better :)
Shawn,
ReplyDeleteI think that when we are excited about change or a new idea, we tend to rush into them and expect everyone else to be on board with as must zest and gusto! :) I know that as we were doing our simulation, we kept thinking not as the "leaders" but how can the building make the change. Those that are very willing and eager will be able to jump steps (I think) and make the entire change process shorter whereas, those that resist, keep the group back. I see change in a school building like weight loss. If we change too quickly (ie loss a lot of weight quickly) we have a higher chance at resorting back to our old ways (ie. gaining all of our weight back and/or more). If we do the slow and steady way and do it right, we have a better understanding of what needs to happen and learn to teach/instruct for the long-term. (ie. learning how to eat and exercise for a lifetime rather than a y-yo diet)