Team development has a beginning, a middle, and an end. We begin by getting to know each other, we work together to achieve our goals, and then we say goodbye when it is finished. But goodbye doesn't have to be forever. We can stay in touch in other projects or just continue to converse as friends. The adjourning phase in team development gives us closure; however, it creates the opportunity for us to begin again with something new.
The hardest goodbyes are the relationships that were formed over a long period of time where trust and respect have been formed. Saying goodbye to a college roommate after 4 years or a childhood friend moving away or a close friend being transferred to another location are tough because we are used to seeing these people every day. Fortunately there are so many means of communication in today's world that it is easy to stay in touch with people, so there is no need for goodbye but rather "until we meet again".
It's always fun getting to know people people and form trusting relationships. It's the adjourning that is a double edged sword. Yes, we are glad we have completed our project or met our goal, but saying goodbye to the relationships we have built is not so fun.
As with each Walden class we take, we give thanks to our colleagues on our last blog assignment for all they have contributed to our learning. Yet, it is not the end. We meet up with them again in other classes. These are the easy goodbyes. When we graduate, they will be a little harder. Luckily, we can still email, facebook, or even write on each other's blogs! And maybe we will meet in person at graduation. Then there could be alumni events and reunions and collaborations in the early childhood field.....see, it's not really goodbye!
Until next time....
Adjourning is such a tough stage! Thankfully we have things like email, facebook, and texting to keep in touch with those people we have developed strong bonds with through teamwork. I couldn't agree with you more! I love the photos you have chosen to share as well- the quote on the bike picture couldn't be more true!
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
Jessica
Hi Lynne, Your post is absolutely fantastic especially the phrase, ‘until we meet again.’ It certainly true how hardest goodbyes are the ones that we have earned and given our trust and respect to one another. To me, relationships among friends and families should remain strong as long as we keep close communication, trust, respect and faith in one another. Jay
ReplyDeleteHi Lynn,
ReplyDeleteI loved your post! I agree that parting is such sweet sorrow but that it doesn't have to be. Some of my best relationships have endured multiple "good-byes" and I believe they are stronger for it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Monette
Lynn,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the theme of your posting that saying goodbye doesn't have to mean forever. However, if goodbye is the outcome of a group membership, adjourning can provide the necessary closure to these affiliations, as you mentioned. I agree with you that trust and respect for group members makes it especially difficult to adjourn from a group because of the strong relationships that you've developed with the other members. You make an excellent point about all of the options we have for staying in touch with others once we've said "goodbye".
Katelyn