Let’s face it, the last 18 months have been somewhat challenging to say the least. The amount of guidance changes and conflicting information has left even the most experienced leaders a little bewildered.
However, the stormy seas are certainly starting to settle, and as we return to our settings after summer breaks, annual leave and the easing of lock down restrictions, it’s important to reconnect with ours team and start this new term off smoothly.
We know that this September is a super busy time for leaders, with new children starting settings and the implementation of the revised EYFS, so it’s easy to overlook the needs of your team. However, reconnecting with them can be pivotal in your settings long term success.
In this post we will look at 7 ways that you can reconnect with your staff team, and ensure that strong team culture.
This is not rocket science, but a simple smile, and acknowledgment of each staff member can go such a long way! Say hello, good morning, ask how the weekend was or ask how their child’s birthday party went. Whilst being present may sounds like common sense, it’s so easy to get caught up in busy mornings, parent queries, emails and phone calls. Don’t lose sight of the people that make the difference every day.
We spend more time at work than anywhere else, and it’s easy to forget that we all have lives outside of our settings. Get to know your team on a personal level, find out about their interests, their family and things that are happening for them. You don’t have to know their inner most secrets, but an overview of what’s going on for them can help you to connect on another level. Are they planning a family getaway or perhaps their little one is about to move into high school? Maybe their sister is getting married, or their best friend has been diagnosed with an illness. Understanding the key parts of their life will allow you to support them, whether that be with encouragement, excitement or a little empathy.
The frequency of your staff supervisions may depend on your staff team, their experiences and their performance, however, every member of your team should have regular supervisions. Schedule these in over time so that they have time to prepare for their meeting, and ensure they are a supportive and open platform to discuss staff needs. Having regular conversations will ensure that any concerns are swiftly managed and prevent future problems arising. Keeping the communication open, honest and candid will encourage your team to be open and honest with you and allow you to build trusting relationships with them.
September is notoriously busy and you cannot do everything yourself. Share the workload with other members of your team, in particular those who are looking to develop themselves and their careers. Let them help and give them feedback on the task, developing their skills whilst balancing your workload. Winner winner!
With restrictions easing, plan some fun activities with your team, to support them in reconnecting with each other Maybe bowling, a meal out together or just some drinks after work, bring everyone together for some fun, it may surprise you how such a simple gesture like this can create a shared experience that will be talked about for weeks to come.
Giving someone feedback on a job well done is a great motivator. Perhaps you spot a practitioner supporting an upset child with love and understanding, tell them how great it was. Maybe you listen to a brilliant parent handover, share with the practitioner what you thought. This has even more impact when done there and then in the moment, don’t wait until their supervision or the next staff meeting, catch them in the moment!
There’s nothing more disengaging than a leader who takes herself or himself too seriously. Embrace the chaos and let your team see you have a little fun or be self-deprecating. This humility can go a long way in keeping your team connected to you.
Remember as an early years leader, you have the ability to create a positive team culture, where people enjoy coming to work and offer support to each other in challenging times. Take the time now to reconnect with your team and enjoy the positive impact on your setting as a whole.