“Get on the Train to Success Town!” (And Other Teamwork Sayings We Love to Hate)

Jfs Teamwork (1)

Confession time. I used to find teamwork… challenging. Not challenging in terms of the actual work – I could handle that. The real challenge? Interacting with, well, people. Some folks could really push my buttons, others could drain my energy with endless chatter and don’t even get me started on the cheesy teamwork slogans. You know the ones: “Get on the train to success town!” “There is no I in team!” “Surrender the ME for WE!” “Teamwork makes the dream work!”  (Okay, I’ll stop now.)  

Look, I get it. For some people, those phrases are genuinely inspiring. But for me? Not so much. And I’m willing to bet I’m not alone. While I’ve genuinely enjoyed collaborating with some colleagues, others… well, let’s just say we didn’t exactly “click.” And occasionally, there was one or two I could have happily “clocked” (though, of course, I never did). 

Sound familiar? If you’re nodding along, you’re in good company. Teamwork in schools is a unique beast. You’re not just working with your immediate colleagues but collaborating with teachers across departments, support staff, administrators, parents, students, and even the wider community. It’s a complex web of personalities, priorities, and perspectives. 

School life is already demanding. Teachers are juggling lesson plans, grading, student needs, parent communication, and a million other things. Support staff are managing everything from student enquiries to administrative tasks. School leaders are responsible for the overall vision and direction of the school. So, when teamwork feels difficult, it can be tempting to throw your hands up and say, “I’ll just do it myself.” 

But here’s the thing: effective teamwork is essential for a thriving school. It’s how we share knowledge, support each other, and ultimately create the best possible learning environment for the students. So, how do we make teamwork less “ugh” and more “yay”? 

 

Scenario 1: The Conflicting Priorities 

Imagine this: a teacher and a school business manager are collaborating on a school event. The teacher wants to focus on the educational aspects, while the business manager is concerned about budget constraints. Do you: 

  1. A) Get defensive and dig your heels in, insisting your perspective is correct.
  2. B) Listen to the other person’s concerns, acknowledge their validity, and try to find a compromise that meets both needs. You could brainstorm creative solutions that are both educational and budget-friendly.

Option B demonstrates respect and a willingness to collaborate. It can lead to a more successful event and strengthen the working relationship between the teacher and the business manager. 

 

Scenario 2: The Communication Breakdown 

A team is working on a new school policy, but communication has been poor. Team members feel unheard and frustrated. Do you: 

  1. A) Assume everyone else is deliberately trying to sabotage the project.
  2. B) Schedule a team meeting to openly discuss communication challenges and establish clear communication protocols. You could use collaborative tools or establish regular check-ins to keep everyone informed.

Option B addresses the root of the problem and fosters a more collaborative environment. It demonstrates leadership and a commitment to effective teamwork. 

 

Scenario 3: The “Free Rider” 

A team member consistently fails to contribute their fair share of the workload. Do you: 

  1. A) Complain to other team members behind their backs?
  2. B) Address the issue directly with the team member, offering support and guidance. Perhaps they are struggling with the task or have other commitments impacting their ability to contribute.

Option B, while potentially uncomfortable, is the most effective way to address the issue. It allows the team member to improve and prevents resentment from building. 

 

Building a Culture of Collaboration 

Effective teamwork isn’t just about avoiding conflict; it’s about building a culture of collaboration. It’s about fostering trust, respecting diverse perspectives, and celebrating successes together. It’s about recognising that everyone brings unique skills and talents to the table and that together, you can achieve more than you could alone. 

And yes, sometimes it even involves cheesy slogans. But maybe instead of “Get on the train to success town,” we could try something a little more… real. Like, “Let’s work together to create an amazing school for our students.”  Or even just, “Thanks for your help.”  Sometimes, the simplest gestures are the most powerful. 

 

JFS Training 

Want to build a stronger, more collaborative team at your school? Contact us today to learn more about our Professional Development programs for ALL school staff. We can help your team develop the skills and strategies they need to work together effectively and create a positive and supportive school environment.