What does teamwork mean to Paul?

Guest Blogger: Paul Lazenby – Association Manager for AECA

Teamwork is about appreciating the diversity of strengths, talents and personalities represented in your program. Teachers and other child care staff need to feel appreciated for who they are and for the contributions they make. One of the biggest reasons people leave their job is because they believe they are not being given the chance to use their strengths where they are.

And while there is a certain set of skills, knowledge and temperament that is needed to be successful in early childhood, everyone on your team still has talents different from everyone else. That is why it is so important for team members to spend time with and get to know the rest of their team members. We all need to recognize others’ unique talents and find a way to put them to work for the good of the whole program.

I loved Renee Philpot’s blog that refers to taking care of each other. This especially applies to our directors and others in charge. Leaders take care of their team by connecting with them and recognizing the distinct role each of them play. When a team knows their leader cares for them, loves them and is willing to serve them, that’s when greatness happens in programs. During this time of social distancing, it is more important than ever to find alternate ways to connect with someone. This crisis has produced so much stress and anxiety among our child care programs. We need to find a way to harness our unique strengths and come out stronger on the other side.

Paul Lazenby is the Association Manager for AECA in Fayetteville, Arkansas