Effective Relationships with Teams
Tips for Teamwork between DSPs and People Supported
Katrina Simons
Teamwork is an important component of any job or situation. When you are a person who needs direct support, it can feel awkward to think of teamwork as a piece of the direct support professional (DSP) job because people usually associate teamwork with scenarios that either involve more than two people; or situations that revolve around an outcome more exciting than getting a person to their job or out in the community. Often, people think of teamwork in terms of sports or pop culture. In reality, teamwork can play an important role in DSP work and the lives of the people DSPs support. I have had DSPs for almost 13 years. I’m sure if a professional consultant were to analyze my practices around teamwork implementation and enhancement, they would see many areas for improvement. However, I do have a few tricks I’d offer others on teams that include DSPs and people who receive support from DSPs.
I have had DSPs for almost 13 years … I have a few tricks I’d offer others on teams that include DSPs and people who receive support from DSPs.
Respect the privacy of all staff. This one seems like a no-brainer, but sometimes, when you are in the moment, it can be difficult to remember. However, it’s important that each member of your staff feels like a valued member of the team. Part of that involves making sure that the expectation of privacy is reciprocal.
Say, “Thank you” a lot. Before being a consumer of direct support, I was a camp counselor. It was the best job I’ve ever had. Sometimes, though, it felt isolating. Staff lived at the camp. One of the things that helped it feel less like that was when we would greet each other at the beginning of the day and say goodnight at the end. When staff arrive at my place, the first thing I say to them is “Thank you for coming.” The last thing I say before they leave is, “Thank you for your help.” This might not seem like teamwork, but I feel like everyone on a team deserves to feel appreciated, and that’s one of the ways that I do that.
Participate in all activities in some way. Teamwork is better when everyone does the “work” part of the teamwork. No one likes to ALWAYS do the hard or icky work. So, participating is a good way to help people feel like they are not the ONLY ones who always have to do the “unfun” stuff.
Distribute unpleasant tasks evenly if possible. Some tasks are time-sensitive, and whoever is there at the moment has to do them. But other tasks can be planned ahead of time. This way, you can make sure that the same person doesn’t have to do it every time. Examples might be vacuuming or washing bed sheets.
Consider carefully if your staff should have each other’s contact information. Everyone is different. But I have found that it’s easier to get the job done well if my staff DOES NOT have each other’s information. But for some people, it works much better if members can communicate directly with each other without going through another person. There is not one right way to do it. But it does deserve forethought. My personal experience is that it is easier to distribute unpleasant work evenly if I do not share that information.
Say it out loud when someone does well or a good job. This one is obvious but it’s hard to remember sometimes. I recognize it when someone is doing a good job, and I want to make sure that they know I recognize it. This can go a long way to helping people build pride in a job well done.
Teamwork is an essential element in direct support. Teamwork extends beyond the realms of sports and entertainment. It fosters a supportive and efficient environment for DSPs and the individuals they serve. By respecting privacy, expressing gratitude, participating in all activities, evenly distributing unpleasant tasks, and considering the best communication practices for your team, you can cultivate a sense of unity and appreciation among staff. Remember, a simple acknowledgment of a job well done can go a long way in reinforcing the importance of teamwork and maintaining a positive work atmosphere. Through these small yet significant efforts, the value of teamwork in DSP work becomes undeniably clear.