What does it mean to be a team? It can mean people working together towards a common goal, serving the families in your community. What does it mean to be a community? It can mean a feeling of fellowship with others that share a common interest, goal, or space. Fostering a sense of community is at the heart of everything we do. Here’s how community can manifest in your team and work:
Creating Space for Open Dialogue Prioritize making space for team members to express their thoughts and feelings. Use perspective-taking questions and encourage others to share their challenges. Foster an environment where assumptions are questioned and different perspectives are valued, just as you do in your work with families.
Supporting Mental Health Make use of the reflective supervision support available to you. Be there for each other and support your co-workers. Take a break together, go for a walk, grab a coffee.
Regular Check-Ins Regular check-ins with co-workers outside of formal meetings are crucial. Set aside even five minutes a week for these check-ins to help stay committed to each other’s well-being and foster a sense of connection.
Community Building Activities Make community building exercises an integral part of your meetings and gatherings. These activities remind us that we are human and help us stay connected on a personal level.
Promoting Transparency and Fairness Transparency and fairness are cornerstones of a community culture. By keeping conversations ongoing and open, you demonstrate your commitment to these values. Again, just like your work with families.
Fostering a Sense of Belonging A sense of belonging is cultivated through teamwork, collaboration, camaraderie, engagement, commitment, and productivity. These elements are the foundation of a strong team spirit.
Team Rituals and Communication Channels Establish team rituals and effective communication channels to ensure that everyone feels included and heard. These practices help maintain a cohesive and supportive team environment.
By integrating these community minded principles into our daily work and interactions, we create a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best. Consider what you can start or continue today, to uphold these values and make your team stronger together.