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Maintaining Professional Relationships
March 28, 2011
Adults think that kids playing is some nothing thing, but play is a different state of mind, and it can help us do so many things if we just allow ourselves to get back to it.
-Lynda Barry, Cartoonist
-Lynda Barry, Cartoonist
"Because early childhood education is people focused, how we relate to adults and children is pivotal to our professionalism. Our way of relating emanates from many forms of communication, which may be verbal, non-verbal, or written. Hence, communication involves aspects of power and position and attitudes about our relationships with others. We can understand and improve our relationships by reflecting on how we communicate and refine such skills as effective listening.
"Communication and relationships in the early childhood field are complex as they involve a variety of people with different levels of power and influence. Consider whether you relate to staff, parents, and children in encouraging, supportive, collaborative, or cooperative ways regardless of their status. Staff relationships are often volatile, so relating within a team may be particularly challenging. As a professional educator, reflect on your effectiveness as a team member. Ask yourself: Am I encouraging? Am I supportive and understanding of the perspectives of others? How do I relate during difficult moments? Do my comments alienate some staff or do they help resolve conflicts?"
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Comments (1)
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PITMAN, NJ, United States
When I read this commentary this morning, the word POWER jumped out at me. I reflected on how this can be interpreted/understood. When we each understand our own personal power, coming from WITHIN - our core of strengths, we are good listeners, communicating and caring about self and others. When we use POWER as over others, there is the possibility of major communication breakdowns. Some, when they are placed in an in charge position, believe they have the right/position to essentially boss others. Others, when placed in the same leadership position, do a dance - knowing when their strengths are best for leadership and when to step back and acknowledge another's strengths to take a leadership position for a task or project. Saturday, my colleague and I did an Attitude and Relationships training at the DE Head Start Association conference (well received). We all acknowledge that we can have automatic negative thoughts and that we have the POWER to change these to make relationships work!! Relationships are so much about our attitude and reactions/responses to another.
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