by Dr. Dawj Sangster
I recently wrote an article on blended families in the "traditional" sense, as it relates to couples, marriage and children. However, the thought of a "blended family" can apply to many situations that some may not consider a "blended" arrangement. Below are other types of "blended families" that individuals can consider when forging relationships. The concept of blending can apply when it comes to work, church, school, business and many other areas.
Work:
For example, in a work setting, a company hires a person to do a job. On the first day of work, there is a blending that will take place from the time the person is introduced to the team/family. From the onset, there may have been one person that is more familiar with the new employee than anyone else. Once the person meets the team, there is another blending that will take place to determine if the person is a good fit. Things to consider are the team dynamics and the team development process, the individual and team values, and the psychological contract that is established with the company. Over time, there is communication, trust, honesty, integrity and respect for each other that help to shape how successful the team will become.
Church:
In a church setting, you have new members that join the church, but they have to find a place where they will blend with the existing church family. What church board will they join? And if they join it, how will the existing members feel about this new person that is coming into the family. Coming from a family of pastors, elders and evangelists, and having served in various ministries for many years, I can tell you that it can be challenging to integrate and blend in some church settings. When longtime bonds have been made with existing members, it isn't easy to allow a new family member inside of the inner core. It takes a long time before that level of trust is established, even if the other areas of communication, honesty, integrity and respect have been blended. Trust is the final piece that can take some time to establish, but with sincere efforts of all parties involved, it can be a successful blending.
School:
Many have experienced the dreaded middle-of-the-year transfer to a new school or classroom, when bonds have already been formed with existing groups. The whole blending process can be detrimental to many, and oftentimes can lead to bullying. Teachers have to be observant of various behaviors that may take place in the classroom, and report any undesirable behaviors. As a professor, it is important to integrate groups accordingly and ensure communication is taking place, to set expectations of group behavior inside of the classroom, and suggest model behavior for outside of the classroom. I will add that even adults can use a reminder of how important it is to blend properly in the classroom by communicating, trusting, being honest, and having integrity and respect for fellow classmates, outside of the normal group.
Business:
Many businesses establish relationships with certain businesses for products or services, and they are very happy with that blending. However, situations may arise where a new blending has to take place. As a business owner, take some time to understand the expectations from each individual involved and define business values; exhibit integrity; be trustworthy, and most of all exhibit respect for what the new person can bring to the business table that could help your business, as well as what you can do to help their business.
The examples I listed are not all inclusive, but are things you can consider when blending in other areas of your life.
Much Love and Respect,
Dr. Dawj
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Source: http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/six-brown-chicks/2011/06/blended-lives-a-different-spin-on-blended-families.html
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