The document discusses strategies for effective communication and cooperation between staff members. It emphasizes the importance of regular staff meetings to allow open communication, provide updates and make decisions together. Key aspects of successful staff meetings include preparing an agenda, sharing ideas freely, asking questions, listening to others, and clarifying responsibilities. Effective communication more broadly involves empathy, sharing information to build positive relationships, and working as a cooperative team to improve workplace practices.

1. Work co-operatively
and communicate with
others about work
matters Recap Week 9 10/09/2013

2. Communication styles
When we think about communication
styles the 3 most common we refer to
include:
Passive
Assertive
Aggressive

3. WORKING TOGETHER
Week 10 17/9/2013

4. Assessment Task 2 –
The follow up report
due today Week 10
(17/9/013). Remember
cover sheets.

5. Strategies staff use to communicate
effectively with one another
Staff meetings
Regular opportunities for staff to attend staff
and team meetings will support staff to
develop and maintain a strong team work
relationship
Staff communicate effectively by actively
listening to colleagues and striving to
understand their colleagues perspectives.

6. Staff meetings
The way staff relate to each other will influence
the atmosphere created in the service
Staff meetings:
Allow staff to have input into decisions being
made
Act as a means of receiving and discussing
information
Provide an avenue to air grievances, and
discuss any concerns

7. You can help make the meetings more
successful by doing the following:
Preparing for a meeting beforehand by
thinking about what you would like to
discuss, what you would like to achieve,
and how you’ll approach the rest of the
team.
If there is an agenda outlined
beforehand, familiarise yourself with
the topics to be discussed.
Sharing your ideas freely with your
team in a logical genuine way.

8. Asking questions when you don’t
understand other’s suggestions and
discussions
Listening carefully to what others have
to say and clarifying anything that you’re
unsure of

9. Trying to encourage those who are quiet
to participate.
Clarifying who is responsible for the
outcomes of the meeting and
summarising any future tasks which you
understand are your responsibility

10. Communication strategies
An important element of effective team
work is the ability of staff to empathise
with and support their colleagues. This
assists staff to appreciate each other’s
feelings, views, needs and interests and
respect the knowledge and skills that
each staff member brings to work

11. By communicating well staff can share
the information that is needed to
establish and maintain positive
relationships with each other.
Effective communication enables staff
to operate as a team to reflect upon,
plan for and improve practice within
the workplace

12. Working Cooperatively
Working cooperatively requires team
members to complete their individual
responsibilities and duties, but to also
use their initiative and assist and
support the other team members within
the workplace

13. These behaviours are highly regarded within
community services organisations and
demonstrate an individual’s ability to be an
effective team member
Behaviours that promote cooperation in the
work place include:
Effective and ethical communication with team
members.
Ensuring decisions and practices are fair and
equitable.
Discussing issues and concerns openly.

14. TODAYS SESSION YOU WILL BE
WORKING TOGETHER AS A WHOLE
GROUP TO BOTH ORGANISE AND
CONDUCT A STAFF MEETING

15. In a staff meeting the same rules apply as per last week...
Demonstrating an ability to listen appropriately to
the opinions and suggestions of others;
Communicating clearly, concisely and with a focus on
the issue (task);
Using questions to clarify instructions or
responsibilities;
Displaying a helpful and courteous manner at all
times;
Using effective conflict resolution skills.

16. BEFORE YOU COMMENCE ...
Remember -
• Code of conduct;
• The ability to pick on non-verbal
cues of your peers;
• To work positively and together
as a team;
• Actively listen to each other;
• Respect each others efforts.

17. HOW DO WE ORGANISE THIS?
WHAT ROLES DO WE PLAY?
WHAT TOPICS DO WE CHOOSE?

18. HOW DO WE ORGANISE THIS?
Group 1
1. Plan an agenda. This can be typed up and
sent as an email that I will print out.
2. Think of the roles that need to be played –
director, teachers/room leaders, early
childhood educators, office staff (minute
taker), cook etc.
WHAT ROLES DO WE PLAY?

19. WHAT TOPICS DO WE CHOOSE?
Group 2
Think of some topics that would be relevant to
discuss i.e.
1. A child with behavioural problems;
2. A parent who becomes upset if her child is not attended to when she
leaves;
3. Staff ensuring that all work is completed if on late shift (what do you
need to refer to here)?
4. Fathers day – how are we going to celebrate this? Etc etc
Remember you will also need to make a list of any possible previous issues
raised at the last meeting.

20. Lillypilly Children's Centre Staff Meeting
*Date of meeting
* Facilitator – who is running it?
* Attendees – who is present
* Start Time of Meeting
* Venue
Its body will mainly consist of:
* Issues raised from the previous meeting.
* Agenda
* Apologies
* Closing time of meeting.

21. UPON COMPLETING THE MEETING
Did it go well?
Did all the issues get raised?
Was the communication (both
verbal and non-verbal) professional
and in keeping with what we have
learnt in class?