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| UCSC Farm |
Being a Scrabble player comes in very handy sometimes, as it can be helpful (and revealing) to see all of the anagrams possible. In analyzing the concept of teamwork, I found the word "workmate." It's a mostly British term, according to Merriam-Webster, but I like the collegial and friendly spirit it evokes. I also found that the turnaround really helps me to deal with some of the resistance one might feel in approaching teamwork. By focusing on being a good workmate, and adopting the good habits and productive behavioral skills discussed by Dr. Ken Haycock and Enid Irwin, rearranging the word puts the emphasis squarely back on us to be accountable, responsible, and respectful. All contributions matter and are essential, and all participants are equal. And all workmates tackling the teamwork bring different strengths and perspectives.
I am an optimist, truly enjoy working with other people, and participating in rich and fruitful discussions. It is comforting to find that I am already more at ease in the online environment, and that success breeds success. And the wonderful opportunity before me in SLIS is to take stock of team situations I have participated in before, bring forward what worked, but also learn from what wasn't ideal, and begin again. There is always something to improve, and Dr. Haycock very clearly illustrated the common pitfalls and shared fears of approaching teamwork, especially in an online environment. The readiness assessment was a helpful checkpoint, and I was surprised and delighted to find that I am more ready than I thought, though I have so much to learn. The patient and compassionate practices of allowing myself the breathing room to address the fears and inertia will go far in making the program not only productive and useful but enjoyable as well. Getting to know other students in the program will be key to staying on track and feeling connected. We'll work in teams together, but as Enid Irwin pointed out, we are all now beginning the profession together as well, so we have a shared meta-goal, and yet another team anagram (Thanks Scrabble!).
Had such a great experience on the Ref Desk today…helping a student break through his frustration with and fear of library research. I struggled with the same thing as an undergrad, so I shared that, and it was a great connection. In the vulnerability, there was understanding. And then we got the work done. He didn't feel like library research was such an insurmountable barrier anymore, and my sharing helped him feel more comfortable asking for help. We shook hands at the good work done, in under an hour. A win-win. 
