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