Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/creating-spaces-for-connection/5025756/
“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” —Maya Angelou
As the new executive director of Child Educational Center in La Canada, California, I knew we would be dealing with a pandemic and increased concerns about social justice issues, but I also knew I could choose my attitude. I decided my focus would be on my love for the work of early childhood education, not the challenges that lay ahead. As I got to know my team, I soon realized they shared these same passions, and it became clear that we would be able to weather the storm together.
One of the first things I did was make space for honest dialogue about what we were facing and the steps we would need to take to address financial challenges, family concerns and staff questions. I invited all staff members to come sit with me one-on-one, to talk about anything that was on their minds. I urged them to honestly share their feelings and concerns, whatever they might be. These conversations were the first step in building trust and getting to know each other on a deeper level.
It is not easy, ...