Influencing World Language Departments / Grade Level Clusters M argaret Peterson, California Foreign Language Project Multilingual Ed, San Francisco Unified School District

A department is a small group. Three or more people who share a common task, interact face-to-face, and influence one another Fujishin, 2001

A department is part of a system. We are all connected to one another in ways both large and small. To deny this is to turn your back on one of life’s greatest truths. Karl Menninger

DYADS 1. 1.No interruptions 2. 2.Equal time to speak 3. 3.Double confidentiality 4. 4.No negative comments about colleagues

Dimensions of a group

Group Dimensions Task DimensionSocial Dimension

Stages of group development Performing

allowing groups to progress through the stages of developme nt is the most important characteristic

ORGANIZATIONAL TRUST For every thousand people hacking at the leaves of evil, there is one striking at the roots. Henry David Thoreau

ORGANIZATIONAL TRUST Low trust creates: Hidden agendas Politics Interpersonal conflicts Interdepartmental rivalries Win-lose thinking Defensive & protective communication Low trust slows everything – every decision, every communication, every relationship.

ORGANIZATIONAL TRUST The ability to establish, grow, extend, and restore trust truly is the key leadership competency of the new global economy.

Myths about Conflict 1. 1.Avoid conflict at all costs 2. 2.Conflict is someone else’s fault 3. 3.All conflict can be resolved Reality – conflict is necessary Don’t blame – explore instead Agree to disagree

Advantages of Conflict Expanded awareness Improved participation Increased productivity Greater cohesiveness Developed maturity

Consensus Building Beliefs / Issues Put it on the table Share opinions Listen actively Find the other’s strengths Look for common ground Take a break / continue

Consensus Building Interpersonal Self check in 3 rd person check Decide what you want Check in with that person State your boundary using an “I statement”

What did you just hear that resonated with you?

Review of the key elements affecting Department Dynamics We work better when we work together Different people have different styles of working Groups naturally develop in stages

Review of the key elements affecting Department Dynamics Trust is the essential ingredient to progress in stages Conflict results in growth Consensus allows us to build relationships and trust

Scenarios: How do you deal with these situations? You use the target language consistently in your class. Your colleague does not. Consequently, your students have unequal preparation for the next level. They are considering adding a new language in your school. A colleague is very afraid that she/he will lose students to the new courses. Counselors place students in inappropriate levels and remove them from your classes for no apparent reason.

What are group norms? Choose one of the following: Draw a picture of a dysfunctional group. Write a haiku about how a perfect team interacts Write 10 adjectives that describe a “nightmare meeting” Choose a short song and re-write the lyrics to tell about a strong, cohesive team of teachers--your department?

Why do we need Group Norms?

Group Norms Read through the following list containing examples of group norms. In pairs, edit the list as you see fit. Be prepared to share out your edits.

1.We will respect each other’s ideas. 2.We will be critical of ideas and not people. 3.We will share the blame if group decisions go wrong or if plans are ineffective. 4.We will share the recognition and rewards if group decisions are right or plans work well. 5.We will encourage each other to take part in planning and decision making. 6.We will offer support and assistance to each other. 7.We will listen to each other. 8.We will be willing to discuss our feelings openly and honestly.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead