Wondering which leadership books help build strong, collaborative teams?
Looking to design a space for adult collaboration? Access this FREE guide, which includes a checklist to reference when creating your space -
https://bit.ly/spacechecklist
In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Lorna and Kurtis are joined by Crystal Atkinson, a veteran educator, administrator, and instructional coach, to discuss the "missing link" in team dynamics: Communication Styles.
Crystal explains that the secret to moving a team forward isn't just about the work—it’s about unpacking our own communication DNA to understand how we connect with others. We dive deep into why some colleagues feel "tricky" to work with and how you can adapt your approach to build a more vibrant, connected, and collaborative workspace.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why self-awareness is the foundation of any collaborative culture.- How to identify and bridge the gap between different communication styles.
- Strategies for connecting with "tricky" personalities to keep projects moving.
- The role of leadership in setting the tone for team communication.
- Practical tips for sustaining a vibrant and collaborative environment.
About Crystal Atkinson:
With over 20 years in public education and a decade of facilitating professional development for the Alberta Teachers Association, Crystal brings a wealth of experience in coaching educational leaders and fostering high-functioning teams.
Learn more about Crystal Atkinson at https://vibrantlyyou.mailchimpsites.com/
---------
Connect with Crystal Atkinson
Email: CrystalCoachingConsulting@outlook.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-atkinson-coach-consultant/
Podcast: Vibrant Leadership for Educational Leaders
Connect with Kurtis Hewson
Email: kurtis.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
X: @hewsonk27
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hewsonk27
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson
Connect with Lorna Hewson
Email: lorna.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
X: @LornaHewson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorna-hewson-713a59104
#Collaboration #EducationalLeadership #TeamBuilding #CommunicationStyles #InstructionalCoaching #JigsawLearning #ProfessionalDevelopment
---------
Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article
Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE
Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE three month trial
Become a JL Insider to receive access to newly added resources and video content, advance notice for sessions/workshops, discounts for learning events and resources, plus so much more!
Music: “Culture of Collaboration” has been composed, recorded, and produced by Trent Ferguson for Building a Culture of Collaboration.
Images: Visuals included in this video not generated under agreement with Jigsaw Learning Inc. have been carefully selected under Creative Commons for their permissions.
What is Building a Culture of Collaboration?
Are you an educational leader or administrator searching for actionable strategies to build effective teams? In the Building a Culture of Collaboration podcast, Jigsaw Learning co-founders Kurtis and Lorna Hewson provide simple, purposeful tips to help you tackle meeting frustration, disengagement, and unproductive teamwork. This is your essential resource for advancing school improvement and collective efficacy.
You will find practical ideas for mastering effective meetings, where you learn the structures, roles, and agendas required to ensure your team meetings (PLCs, staff, student support) are focused and drive action. You'll discover how to shift your organization's mindset from isolated practice to powerful, shared responsibility for ALL students—this is key to teamwork and collaboration. Finally, you'll gain the leadership strategies needed to intentionally build a robust and sustainable culture that maximizes collective capacity and student success. We also talk with thought leaders outside of education, to grow our understanding of effective collaboration and teamwork.
Subscribe today to master the art of intentional collaboration and take your leadership to the next level!