SEAHO Report - Summer 2024 - 25

and develop a plan to achieve it, whether through further education, seeking mentorship, or taking on new
challenges.
We believe maintaining a sense of humility is key to building trust and fostering positive relationships with
your team. We encourage you to listen to your team's concerns and feedback with an open mind, and be
willing to admit when you don't have all the answers. As a new graduate student, you are bound to not know
all the answers. You should embrace growth and recognize that there is always room for improvement and
that every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. By finding your pathway to excellence while staying
humble and approachable, you can effectively navigate the transition from peer to supervisor.
Tips and Tricks
We know that embarking on the journey from being a colleague to a supervisor is both exciting and
challenging. It marks a significant transition in your career: one that requires navigating new dynamics
while maintaining positive relationships with those you once worked alongside. As you step into this role,
it's essential to approach the transition with thoughtfulness and intentionality. During our first two years as
Graduate Coordinators, we have encountered things that have worked for both of us. Here are some tips and
tricks that we have used that can help you navigate this transition smoothly and effectively:
Open Communication
We have found that fostering transparent dialogue with your team to address concerns and set clear
expectations from the start helps to provide a clear path to success. Schedule regular team meetings to
discuss goals, projects, and any challenges that may arise. Encourage an open-door policy where team
members feel comfortable approaching you with questions or feedback. We think effective communication
builds trust and helps to align everyone towards common objectives.
Encourage Collaboration
We encourage you to foster a culture of teamwork and cooperation. You should value input and ideas from
all team members. We think that creating opportunities for brainstorming sessions, group discussions,
and collaborative projects will bring diverse perspectives to the table. We also advise encouraging active
participation and ensure that everyone's voice is heard and respected. By embracing collaboration, you tap
into the collective wisdom and creativity of your team.
Provide Support
Throughout our transition we have determined that offering mentorship and development opportunities has
helped our teams excel in their roles. We think about taking the time to understand each team member's
strengths, weaknesses, and career aspirations. Provide constructive feedback and coaching to help them grow
professionally.
Stay Approachable
By maintaining humility and accessibility, you will build rapport and foster positive relationships with your
team. Try to be approachable and empathetic. We have found that taking the time to listen to your team
members' concerns and ideas has helped the overall team. Avoid adopting a hierarchical attitude that creates
barriers between you and your team. Instead, cultivate an environment where everyone feels valued and
supported.
Embrace Growth
Be ready to recognize that learning curves are natural and embrace opportunities for growth and
development. Be open to trying new approaches, learn from mistakes, and seek feedback from your team
and mentors. With this new transition, you have to be ready to make mistakes. We think the important part
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SEAHO Report - Summer 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of SEAHO Report - Summer 2024