Communication and Conflict
Professionally there have been some disagreements between the administrative departments that oversee preschool in my building. On one hand, the preschool staff is directed by the early childhood department located in another building. The early childhood department provides professional development, a PIRT team for strategies, a master teacher for each preschool team and gives us a budget for school supplies. On the other hand we are given directives to follow the procedure of the administrators in our building. Often our building administrators and the early childhood department are not on the same page about the activities and teaching that is going on in the classroom. This creates frustration, confusion and a bit of chaos during evaluation time.
During conferences and meeting with our administrators as a preschool team we bring up the fact that the lack of cohesion between our evaluators and the early childhood department is causing some confusion for us when planning and also we are concerned about the proficiency of our evaluation because of the discontinuity.
The first strategy I can use in a situation like this is a cooperative strategy. Coming together, discussing the issues and making a plan on how to fix the issues. A compromise would not really deal with the matter at hand. But cooperatively, we can work out the miscommunications while also making a plan for better communication in the future.
The second strategy would be an distinctive line of the allocation of power. Though the administrators in the building have the last say, many of the policies that they enact are developmentally inappropriate and unachievable for preschool classrooms, teachers and students. Through the allocation of power the two departments and the preschool team has a chain of command and we will also know where to go when particular situations arise.
References
O'Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real communication: An introduction. Pgs. 219-245. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.
Hi Alyssa,
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a really frustrating situation. Do both the administrators and the EC department recognize that there is a problem? It sounds like in addition to calling a meeting, it would be necessary to present relevant research that supports developmentally appropriate practice in order to justify what you are doing. I have had experience with administrators who have a strong foundation in the elementary years, but have a serious lack of awareness for what is developmentally appropriate in the early childhood years. The problem is that the two overlap from k-2, when it is not appropriate to require the same expectations for those children as it is for children in grades 3-5. As you said, in situations like these, there is a serious disconnect!
Hi Alyssa,
ReplyDeleteI totally support the strategies you used in such situation. In both strategies, you used the concept of "power with" instead of "power over" others that I truly appreciate. I think we are fortunate that throughout this class we are learning about communication concepts and strategies, in addition, techniques of applying them. I have to admit; this course enabled me to see communication from a different perspective, and opened my eyes to the importance of effective communication on a personal and professional level.
Hi Alyssa,
ReplyDeleteWorking within teams with differing priorities can be challenging. It appears that you have realistic yet open minded perspective associated with the process. You highlight cooperation, which is critical for any project to work. It is also essential to have clear guidelines regarding roles and responsibilities to reduce conflict and misunderstanding within a multidisciplinary team. There is nothing more rewarding than concluding the school year and reflecting upon all the success of children, families, and staff.
Sounds like it can be a frustrating situation! However, when dealing with conflict it is also important to reframe from letting your emotions take over. And if you were to move forward with conflict resolution, that would help develop trust amongst all parties and build positive relationships.
ReplyDeleteHello Alyssa,
ReplyDeleteEach strategy that you used seemed very appropriate for your situation. It can be very confusing when there are two different people in charge with different ideas, beliefs, and communication ways. Everyone just have to come together and realize that we are looking at the best interest for the child. Great Post!