CEED Fall Retreat 2024 Recap
Last week, the Center on the Ecology of Early Development (CEED) held a wonderful two-day, center-wide Retreat in Boston, MA, bringing together team members from across the U.S. Since many members work remotely, this annual in-person gathering is such a special time for the members of the center to meet face-to-face, catch up, and foster deeper connections.
This year, Boston University’s Organization Development & Learning helped facilitate a session on the Clifton Strengths Assessment. Research Fellow, Sheniqua Jeffrey, coordinated the session, among the CEED Events Committee. This session was a fantastic opportunity to understand the members of CEED’s individual strengths and learn how to leverage them for more effective teamwork and research collaboration.
The Clifton Strengths Assessment explored 34 unique strengths within four key domains: Relationship Building, Execution, Influencing, and Strategic Thinking. Each member shared how they have and will use their top 5 strengths to achieve success, why these strengths matter, and how they contribute to teamwork. Through this, CEED members shared personal stories and learned how everyone navigates success using their strengths.
To build personal connections and relationships, a "Joy Buddy" activity was integrated throughout the two days. Each team member was assigned a buddy and prepared small gifts of love and care to surprise their match throughout the retreat.
Additionally, there were meaningful conversations about some of the challenges at CEED, exploring ways to address them using the newfound strengths and create more growth together as a team. It was amazing to see how each person’s unique contributions make a real difference in the work at CEED. Everyone brings something essential to the table, and it’s the diversity that makes the center so special.
At the end of the Retreat, Research Fellow, Destiny Ho guided the team through a gratitude meditation and activity. The team crafted paper flowers, with each petal representing something they are grateful for in their lives. It was beautiful to see that everyone has their own aesthetics and how they created their gratitude flower.
It is so clear how meaningful the work the CEED team accomplishes; the team is awe inspiring, no matter in-person or remote. A huge thank you to Boston University, our funding partners, and the Events Committees within CEED—especially our Research Scientist, Dede Addy, for leading the Events Committee that made this Retreat possible and brought us all together. It was a pleasure to be brought together and cheers to next year’s retreat!
Written by: Ron Thuc