It's probably my fault that it accumulated this far. Going into a nursery for placement, and expecting to 'lead and support' staff straight away (just because that is what my course is preparing me for) as a student is pretty damn difficult... especially when past experience was from a setting that did things 'culturely differently' at a much faster pace with larger workloads.
Today, a staff member made a complaint that I was 'too spontaneous, and too focussed on my [project] work', and basically said that they couldn't keep up with my objectives, and that I was pulling to much weight as a 'student'. I got quite upset about this, and pretty much failed to deal with the situation as I was taught as part of the course. I understand her point of view though, I had stupidly unconsciously assumed that the nursery was ran similiar to the one I had worked in HK with it's constant changes, updates, adaptation, modification and evolution; effective management, leadership and teamwork; professionalism; fast pace; clear instruction and instant response; friendly, supportive, caring and sharing working environment, having the shared feeling that everyone is working as hard as each other... it'll be extremely hard to find such a workplace again.
In the previous term placement, I had already consulted with the proprietor that I had a strong feeling that I was pushing the staff too hard and too fast. I was reassured it was not the case. Now, a term later, it backfires. I was accused of becoming too involved, that modifying activities and responsibilities to fit me in, was disliked. Organising workshops for personal development was accepted unwillingly. Everything I organise and plan, has always been fitted around how the nursery is run, and has always been done with the staff, parent and children in mind. I can't see what I'm doing wrong.
The manager was great, and understood my intentions, but if I just take things slowly, and go around in a big circle, what will I achieve?
4 comments:
It's always better to seem too involved than not. It shows that your serious about your placement. Here and probably true of the UK, people seem to be more laid back when it comes to work. It's good that you've experienced to different settings, that of HK and UK. It's sometimes best to adapt to your surroundings to fit in. There's no right or wrong in this case. You're just not used to each others way of working. I think you both should compromise, like you take it down a notch and she/they step it up a notch. But of course, don't know would 'professionals' listen to students. They would have it in their mindset that their way is the way to work. But hope it all goes well for the remainder of your placement.
Thanks for your comment Shabby.
It's ... extremely laid-back in the nursery. I have adapted to the nursery, but if I work at their pace, I'd be scared that I won't get any work done to meet deadlines. I think the manager and owner have wanted to do something about it, but with fixed habits and routines for the last couple of years, it will be difficult, so they're actually in agreement with what I'm doing.
I'll just try to communicate a bit more, to inform and discuss more with what I'm doing.
True, you should communicate with them more because problems usually arise because of a lack of communication. Most relationships of any kind usually break down due to a lack of communication.
Mm yes, I'll do that. Thanks for your feedback!
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