How to Respectfully Challenge a Colleague

There will be times, in our workplaces, where the need arises to question or challenge what we see. It may be questioning why something is on the program, or asking if the environment is really working the way that it is. Sometimes it may be challenging practice or attitudes that we find concerning or confronting. Some of us may find this easy - happy to be up-front, get the issue out on the table, while for others - it can be really difficult.

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Why would we challenge a colleague?

As educators, we have a professional responsibility to ensure that children and families are provided with high quality, appropriate, safe, and compliant early education and care. There may be many reasons that we find ourselves needing to speak up. Some examples are:

• Overhearing a comment that shows a bias or judgment of a child or family based on their race, gender, abilities, lifestyle etc.
• Observing developmentally inappropriate experiences, programs or expectations
• Observing practice that is not compliant with the regulations

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What does it mean to "challenge" someone?

First of all, this isn't about criticising our colleagues, this is about what's best for children, families and the service as a whole. This is about our professional responsibility. The word "challenge" can sound a little confrontational, but it doesn't need to be. Essentially what we are aiming to do is to question, to debate, to engage in a professional conversation about the merits or appropriateness of specific practice.

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So, how do we do it in a respectful way?

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As noted earlier, it isn't always easy to challenge a colleague. Perhaps they have worked at the service longer than you, or are in a position of higher authority than you, or perhaps you have very different personality types?

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We've put together three simple strategies for respectfully challenging a colleague:

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1. Know your stuff. If you are going to challenge practice, it may not be enough to simply have a feeling or belief that something should be done in a different way. It can be incredibly helpful to know and understand what the regulations say about the practice, or what is outlined in the Early Years Learning Framework, or what research might be suggesting. This is where Sprout can help. Our Learn and Grow feature supports educators and services to become more knowledgeable and confident about all things compliance. You can also fall back on documents like the EYLF, as well as service policies and the philosophy.
2. Come from a place of curiosity. While it might be tempting to dive on in and say "this is wrong!" consider that we all have different experiences, understandings, backgrounds and ways of working. Slow down and be curious. "Tell me about how/why you do that." Take time to ask questions, and more importantly - to listen. Frame the "challenge" as an opportunity for connection and reflection.
3. Consider the time and place. You see an educator doing something in their practice that you believe contradicts service policy. Unless a child is in danger, this may not be the best time to discuss it - particularly when children, parents, or other educators are present. Later on, arrange a time and a quiet place to have a chat with your colleague about what you observed and what your concerns are.

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Remember

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We all like to be treated with kindness and respect.

Most of us find it hard to have our practices, or our knowledge challenged - have some empathy

Think about why you are challenging the practice. Who will it benefit? What outcome would you like to see?