In examining the relationships at school, I was actually quite suprised at what I came up with. I have a reciprocal relationship with my team. We have been together for five years (something that is quite unheard of in my school). We collaborate on units and help each other out. We each havea role in the team that leads to the greater good for our school and students. Every year, we add to our responsibilities and strengths and work on each others weaknesses. This past year I had a complementary relationship with a parent. Let's just say that it was going to be her way or the highway. Out of character, I took a submissive role to her demands. Surprisingly, it helped our relationship from my view as well. Even though I did not agree with her, by stepping back in the relationship, we were able to make it work. If it is possible, I would say I havea symmetrical relationship with myself. I am never happy with my scores at the end of the year, no matter how great they are. I always want to become better and take my kids farther. I am very competitive with last years results.
I believe that my team and I will only continue to grow. Since we have mutal respect for one another, there is not pressure to outdo someone else. All parties involved feel comfortable going to each other for help or concerns. The chances of a disconnect are very slim. I know the relationship with the parent will stay mutal, but next year we won't have direct meetings. The problem with dominant submissive relationships is that there is always someone vying to be on top. This is never healthy. Eventually, the person on bottom is going to want to be heard, and the relationship will fall apart, or disconnect. I am always going to be competitive with myself. It is just my nature. Hopefully it will lead to bigger and better things in my future.
