A Child's Advocate: April 2012

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Team Building and Collaboration

Of all the groups I have worked in, the hardest ones to adjourn were those in which the spirit of the group flourished. The obstacles and walls that were needed to get over and how the group worked together to get through those obstacles make the group memorable to me. I have worked in groups where we had to really work hard to come together and think of a way around something, and I have also worked in groups where there really weren’t many challenges and everything seemed to go as planned. The groups where we had to work the hardest stand out to me, and it is the friendships that I made within those groups that make the thought of the process a happy one.

When saying good bye I have experienced parties (usually when we have done well) and meetings in small conference rooms about what we could have done to improve performance when we have not done so well.

One company I worked for as a purchasing assistant which was right underneath the junior buyer. I worked there for several years and built a good understanding of the junior buyer’s position. When the junior buyer moved onto another position everyone mentioned that I would probably move up into her spot. I was excited and knew I was ready. However, in a department meeting it was announced that the position would be open to the public. I felt like all eyes had turned to me to see my reaction. After the meeting I asked the department head why I had not been chosen. He said management said it was lack of knowledge. I was outraged. Six months later I found a job with a new company and when I left I said good bye to everyone except my bosses and management. I did not want to remember their faces at all.

When leaving this collegial environment I will have many happy experiences and lots of knowledge to take with me. I will most likely obtain as many email addresses and phone numbers as possible. I like to stay in touch with colleagues who I may be able to help and gain help from as well as we continue on our journey. It will be a hard good bye because of the growth we all have achieved together.

Although adjourning is sometimes a sad moment, it is necessary to thank everyone for their help and time. Just like ending a phone call or a casual conversation, adjourning at the end of a project is a way for closure and to congratulate.

Personal Childhood Web

Terry- A neighbour of mine when I was a teenager. She was like a big sister in a way and treated me like my age instead of like a small child. I could confide in her and she helped me through a sticky situation when I was in high school. She taught me that although things seemed bad at the time and like there was no possible way out, that all things end eventually. That thought has helped me through some tough times in my life.
Chris- My brother. Chris joined the service when I was young, but when I'd visit him he never ceased to congratulate a grade or a new step in my life. He is someone who gives appreciation and shows admiration to everyone. He is intense to learn more about you and to help you feel better about yourself along the way. He carries my favorite trait which is sometimes hard to find- common sense. I hope I have gathered at least a handful of his knowledge and kindness along the way. His open heart and courage to do good is a constant reminder to me that there is more to people than meets the eye.
Kathy- A friend of my mother's, she was and still is someone who tells it like it is. She would never hide anything about the truth to me and she was comical in telling it. If I had a question, Kathy had a straightforward answer. Still to this day Kathy will not hesitate to give meaningful opinions and life lessons to me. I don't call her enough, but I do think of her constantly especially when life throws me a curve ball and I make some kind of joke out of it!
Louise- A friend of my mother's, she was someone I could tell things to that I was afraid to tell my mom. She would comfort me and let me know I was normal and tried to figure out ways to help me in any situation. She stayed calm and optimistic and I always admired those traits about her that I wish I could have found at home. Louise has definitely taught me to stay true to myself and not try to change to meet another's needs. She's also taught me positivity lasts longer and doesn't create as many wrinkles.
Melanie- She was a childhood friend who had a stable family life and was very intelligent. She helped me study and she helped me see past what other's thought to find out what I thought. Melanie is someone who I assume went on to become some kind of life changing scientist. She showed me dedication, and for a young child to see a peer unafraid of committment to something left a lasting impression.