As I reflect on this year and how it started with a running start in a new grade with new team members, I must admit I had the most challenging of all starts to any school year I have ever had. I feared my lunches would only add to the stress. I was wrong. My lunches are building a friendship with my two team members. I was relieved to find that they don't want to meet to vent or complain. They really want to be a positive source of support or escape from the challenges we can each relate to. I am so glad I agreed to the lunches. I knew I wanted a strong team and I wanted to be part of an effective team. I can see we are well on our way to that. This may or may not have happened without the lunch dates, but for us it is a win win situation.
I entered the school year understanding that I needed to be willing and understanding. The best things happen when you open yourself to the possibilities that exist outside of your comfort zone. For me, the win is that I am building a relationship with my colleagues outside of PLC time but still within my needs, and for them the win is that they get the time off campus to build the friendship they are seeking outside of the parameters of work. It is a valuable skill to seek the middle way. In order for all to win, there must be a way that all benefit. It is there, we just need to know how to look for it.