Teams

I have been somewhat neglectful in keeping up my posts of late, as some of you have pointed out to me. It seems that I am busier than usual at this time of year and that many of the families of the children I have been seeing are in crisis and trying to manage as best they can under incredible stress. While this has often been the case with the children and families I have worked with over the years, it seems more so now, than ever before. I know in my day-to-day interactions with other care-givers, they have also expressed that the children we now serve present greater challenges than those in our care not so long ago.

Recently, I have been talking to a number of parents about the importance of "teams" in providing for the needs of children and families. The team approach is not only important in the assessment and delivery of services for children, but it provides a structure for care-givers to provide each other with mutual support, both professionally and emotionally, as they move forward. Generally, I see success as care-givers come together as team players in support of children and families. However, within the larger context of the local community I serve, we often seem unwilling or unable to come together to develop a positive environment in which to work on common goals and to provide mutual support. Attitudes range from anger, resentment and personal animosity to apathy, indifference and disinterest. We pursue what benefits our narrow interests, not what is in the best interest of everyone. We accept financial support and consider it an entitlement. We've come to expect a helping hand, but are unwilling to extend our hand in appreciation. We engage in the politics of personal destruction, attacking or denigrating those individuals or groups who disagree with us, even though they share our common goals. We complain bitterly, but can't be bothered to try to make a positive contribution. These attitudes seem to pervade our small community of providers and professionals. . . and we have come to accept and tolerate this behavior.

Our obligations to serve the needs of children and families in our community require us to find ways for us, as individuals, and the institutions we represent to work together with mutual respect. I offer these "Team Commandments" as a way that may help create a community of childcare providers, advocates and professionals who work together in a positive and supportive manner. They may help with your team too.

1. Speak positively about each other and about our organizations at every opportunity.

2. Help each other to be right, not wrong.

3. Look for ways to make things work, not for reasons they won't.

4. Help each other win, and take pride in each others victories.

5. Compliment often.

6. Recognize that your constituents are not an interruption to your work, but reason for it.

7. Realize that "being right" is irrelevant. It's other's perception that counts.

8. Maintain a positive mental outlook.

9. Sacrifice for the good of the team.

10. Participate and have fun.