From the Stuart Blog

By Christine D'Alessandro, Head of Early Childhood and Lower School at Stuart Country Day School

This year our school community underwent a significant change to our physical space. As a senior member of our leadership team who has been through multiple construction projects in the various schools I have served, I am in awe at the positive impact a healthy team can have on change in a community. As we all enter another school year and will most likely need to face a multitude of unexpected changes, here are some cultural traits I have observed that have significantly contributed to a successful change in our shared community.  Hopefully, what I found to be the power in our collaboration will give you validation, affirmation, or aspiration as you begin another school year.

Powerful Collaboration Means:

• No ego - Although change and transition impact us all individually, keep your focus on the “greater whole.” There is no room for self-centeredness or a selfish, driven mindset when you are within a community that is working towards innovation, inspiration, and dignified pursuits.
  
  
• Give encouragement and/or compliments - Value and commit to being a community that empowers, and that means taking the time to stop, be grateful for each other, and then express that gratitude.
  
  
• Be patient - Always be patient, patient, and more patient - there is never too much patience! This is a vital practice and an internal commitment that each individual in the group needs to make, as well as hold each other accountable for. If you want to react, don’t. Respond instead.  
  
  
• Compassion in practice - Stop playing negative narrative tapes. It takes courage to recognize the need for change and to act on it, so acknowledge your strength and what you have already done to get to where you are in that moment.
  
  
• Kindness truly matters - Kindness takes awareness, time, and intentionality, but it is worth it. Stop and take the time to be the best part of yourself with others.
  
  
• Always bring understanding first - Be curious, seek out another’s perspective, don’t make assumptions, and give others the benefit of the doubt.
  
  
• Focus on the BIG picture - Too often in crisis, transition, or change, we get caught up in how it directly impacts the individual. Reminding yourself of your goal will intuitively move others and you forward collectively, as a team, and lead towards achieving it all.
  
  
• Seize the unexpected - Expect that there will always be unexpected outcomes in every process; we cannot prepare for every inevitable circumstance. Remind each other that missed deadlines or unexpected outcomes are necessary for growth as a community or unforeseen advantages.
  
  
• There is depth of growth to be had in the “silver linings” - Look closely for every silver lining. It is there, and if you cannot see it, find those in your group who can.
  
  
• Don’t forget to cheer - Especially for those directly working on the project or challenge.  Positive reinforcement is necessary to continue motivated and sincere enthusiasm, so don’t forget to pat each other on the back and sing your praises. We do it for our students; why do we forget to give it to ourselves?
  
  
• Being present for each other and celebrating the steps in the process - Be in the moments together, celebrate every moment along the journey, and remember that the glory in life is not always found at the end, in the result, or in what has been achieved, BUT along the way!

Special Reflective Note: We, as an entire community, are committed to nurturing and building upon these traits every day. As a leadership team, they are primary missions and often take precedence over other areas of need. In any given moment within our roles as leaders, it is easier to move swiftly through and give in to the urgency of what is required of our attention and time. Still, I, for one, am ardently grateful for the effort and dedication we have given to addressing and nurturing the collective bonds and cultural health of our school. It has served us, as we have too often needed to “tap into the well of positive and authentic fluency.” In reflection, as I glance around at our most recent campus changes and pass community members extending warmth, genuine kindness, and helpful assistance, I say congratulations to all; we have passed yet another of school life’s tests with flying colors!!!!