New Opportunity: update!
So I did it-I took the leap and I accepted the offer to take on a project. To be honest, I was terrified. I didn’t want the job, or to work with the people involved on the project, or deal with the drama that came of this project...but I did it anyway...It took 35 hours of my life on paper, but after the fallout from the other people involved, it was more like 40 hours. I think I got a little more gray hair as a result, and I got pushback from people who refused to ackknowledge that the project provided was positive. BUT, I learned to delegate. I leaned not to take things personal. I learned to follow my gut and be thorough. And I also learned that I am more than capable, I know what I’m doing and I need to trust in myself more.
This was a tough project and my involvement was the result of having to remove people from certain tasks and put me in as a replacement. Needless to say, the vibe was already a tad bit negative. However, I did a very thorough job and made sure to do my best. I also prepped myself mentally to let the chips fall as they may and not take any feedback personally. I tried to look at everything with neutral eyes and tried to keep the project goals in mind at all times.
After a month of reviewing my project, a few changes were requested and they were absolutely valid. However, there were also a few suggestions that were blatant attempts to undermine my work. At this point I realized what a blessing/curse this project was. My admin was able to see through the requests and handled it accordingly, however it really upset me that we even had to deal with that situation. It made me think about working with other people and I asked myself “do I lift others up? Do I acknowledge others success?” And I realized that my answer to this was “yes”, but also “...but you can do better.”
These are the types of situations that make it difficult to work with colleagues. I know my school can’t be the only place where there is a struggle to get along. I don’t understand why grade level teams can’t collaborate and come together. Sometimes I feel like it’s a contest to see who is better then someone else. And I don’t know how to fix that other then by modeling. (It’s the teacher in me 😉.)
With that being said, my new project is to try and build up my colleagues- even the ones who I have had struggled with this year. At the end of the day, we (me) must maintain professionalism and keep the student’s best interest in mind.
SO, the other highlight of this project was my ability to put myself out there. I showed my admin that I’m willing to take on the work. It resulted in a fantastic invitation to attend an out-of-town training this summer, as well as a potential new position in the future. It’s all about making connections and staying positive!
As I mentioned earlier in the year, my goal this year was to stay positive. Having that frame of mind really helped me through this project as well as through a few developments earlier in the year. I’m glad I took the leap and did something that completely freaked me out because it has opened a lot of doors and I’m excited to see where the year goes.
