The adjourning stage


            
            O'Hair et al. (2018) define adjourning as the stage of group development in which members reflect on their accomplishments and failures and determine whether the group will disassemble or take on another project. Some groups choose to celebrate their achievements with a final get-together or a termination ritual. Members may also opt to maintain friendships even if they will no longer be working together (O'Hair et al., 2018).

One group that was difficult to leave was the group of Early Head Start teachers I worked with a year and two months ago. We were a united group of seven teachers who got along very well; we worked as a team, we supported each other, we celebrated our birthdays, in short, it was like an extended family. I went through the adjourning process when I resigned to move to the United States. At the moment, due to the Covid, we could not hold a farewell party, but we did meet in the center and take photos to have memories, and they said many positive and beautiful words to me. We have remained in contact despite the time and distance, and in August, they called me by video call and sang happy birthday to me. It was a very emotional surprise for me. They were excellent co-workers, and I have a lot of love and appreciation for them. When I return to Puerto Rico on vacation, I pass through the center and visit them as a surprise, and we catch up. As Abudi (2010) states, it is likely that any group that reached Stage 4: Performing will keep in touch with each other as they have become a very close-knit group, and there will be sadness at separating and moving on to other projects independently.

I imagine adjourning from my group of colleagues of the master's degree by participating in our graduation ceremony. The master's degree has been a great experience where I have met amazing colleagues and early childhood professionals. We have shared so many experiences, support, and knowledge that have helped and motivated us to continue learning throughout the journey. I hope we can meet in person at the graduation ceremony and continue communicating with each other throughout time. Maintaining positive relationships with other early childhood professionals will help us expand our support network and continue to share experiences that will help in our work as educators. Adjourning is an essential part of teamwork because it provides the team the opportunity to say good-bye to each other and wish each other luck as they pursue their next endeavor (Abudi, 2010). Also, it is a stage where everyone can feel proud of their accomplishments and helps to give closure and celebrate a period of great experiences and learning.

References

Abudi, G. (2010). The five stages of team development: A case study.  http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/the-five-stages-of-team-development-a-case-study.html

O'Hair, D., Wiemann, M., Mullin, D. I., & Teven, J. (2018). Real communication: An introduction (4th. ed). New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.

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