Team Building: The “Adjourning” Process

For three years, I worked very closely with a group of eight people. We were known as the “clean-up crew” and also known as “jack of all trades”. We got all the difficult accounts and patient issues but we worked so well as a group. Our supervisor recruited each one of us individually and even strategically paired us in cubicles. We exceeded goals that the department set for us and we learned so much from our leader.

I obtained my Bachelor’s degree while working on this team. I was in my mid-twenties so I was looking to establish myself and grow within the company. About six months after receiving my degree I received a promotion within the company that required me to work at a different location. It was so hard to leave the group. I had worked for that department for seven years. The eight people that I worked closely with were like family. We all had each others’ personal phone numbers. In that time we experienced weddings, children being born, one of the members beat cancer,and so much more.

We celebrated me leaving by going to dinner were I received heart felt congrats and well wishes. Although it was hard to leave, I had to take this opportunity.I think me leaving was encouraging to others. A few of them we back to school and transferred other departments. I imagine once I complete my Masters degree and I begin my transition into a new field I will have bittersweet feelings. I miss my colleagues however I look forward to forming new relationships. I think the adjourning process is good for learning and growth.