Maintaining Professional Relationships

In the Exchange article that forms the basis for our best selling Out of the Box Training Kit, "How Do I Relate and Share Professionally," authors Rhonda Forest and Nadine McCrea talk about the importance of establishing and maintaining relationships:

"Because early childhood education is people focused, how we relate to adults and children is pivotal to our professionalism. Our way of relating emanates from many forms of communication, which may be verbal, non-verbal, or written. Hence, communication involves aspects of power and position and attitudes about our relationships with others. We can understand and improve our relationships by reflecting on how we communicate and refine such skills as effective listening.

"Communication and relationships in the early childhood field are complex as they involve a variety of people with different levels of power and influence. Consider whether you relate to staff, parents, and children in encouraging, supportive, collaborative, or cooperative ways regardless of their status. Staff relationships are often volatile, so relating within a team may be particularly challenging. As a professional educator, reflect on your effectiveness as a team member. Ask yourself: Am I encouraging? Am I supportive and understanding of the perspectives of others? How do I relate during difficult moments? Do my comments alienate some staff or do they help resolve conflicts?"

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