In the past, work hierarchies valued obedience to bosses above all else. However, modern workplaces value diversity and teamwork over hierarchies. Effective teams are diverse, with members having different experiences, educations, genders, and professional backgrounds. This diversity of perspectives is valuable for teams to learn from each other.

1. In the old hierarchical model, the name of the game was “do
your job and please the boss.” Now it’s about working and
learning with people whose experience, education, gender and
professional affiliation all differ. So the age of teams is also
the age of diversity. (Seagul & Home, 1997, as quoted by
Edelman, 2004, p. 6)
Edelman, L. (2004). A relationship -based approach to early intervention. Resources and Connections, 3 (2).

2. Relationship
reflection
My Professional
Mentor: helps me
recognize
opportunities for
growth. Built on
trust, the
relationship can
handle difficult
conversations.

3. Relationship
reflection
I have provoked her
to grow as a
professional. Our
relationship has
developed my skills
as a mentor. I have
had to learn to
support others goals
and encourage their
best work. Now she is
a true leader.

4. Relationship
reflection
Full of positive
energy, this
relationship keeps
me energized.

5. Relationship
reflection
An inspiration:
brings a global
perspective as a
political refugee to
my understanding of
children and
families.

6. Relationship
reflection
Always professional
and great role model.
We agree to disagree
and know that
together our
perspective has more
clarity. Lets me know
when my biases are
effecting my
practice. The
relationship is direct,
honest and
supportive—
authentic.

7. Relationship
reflection
Always bringing new
knowledge and a
unique well-thought
understanding of
working with
families. Has
provoked a passion
around nutrition in
my work with
children.

8. Relationship
reflection
Provides a view of
community and
family relationships
that help us
understand military
families . Shares a
deep understanding
of children impacted
by foster care system

9. Relationship
reflection
Keeps me aware of a
younger generation’s
needs and challenges
my communication
skills. The
relationship teaches
me and allows me to
teach.

10. Relationship
reflection
Causes me to
problem-solve how
to encourage her to
take risks and grow
professionally.

11. Relationship
reflection
Shares her love for
technology. Her
courage to continue
her BA pushed me to
pursue my MS.

12. Relationship
reflection
Supports my
professional growth,
acts as a critical
friend and helps me
see how I am
perceived by others.
A wise leader.

13. Relationship
reflection
I am learning and
growing with
colleagues that
enrich my life with
the culture of China
and Ukraine. We
recognize the
passion that is
similar and celebrate
the differences.

14. Relationship
reflection
Each day overcomes
physical challenge to
bring her best to
children-keeps me
thankful.

15. Relationship
REflection
Celebrate
achievements.
Collectively, we have
a greater ability to
meet the needs of
children and
families.

16. Relationship
reflection
A colleague with
whom I shared so
much in common, a
listening ear. The
other shares a
culture and language
with the families we
served and
enlightens my
practice.

17. Relationship
REflection
There should be
more men in this
reflection; it has
been inspiring to
work with this
professional, to
support his career
growth and
experience the value
he brings to the
children.