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Our Philosophy: Understanding the Soul of MLAB
Our Philosophy: Understanding the Soul of MLAB
This article solves the potential disconnect from the core purpose of our work. It ensures that every action we take, from a therapy session to an administrative email, is aligned with our mission. It removes ambiguity and unites us under a single vision, answering the question: “Why do we do what we do, the way we do it?”
Steps to Living Our Philosophy
Step 1: Embrace Our Core Mission Our mission is to support child development and empower families by integrating their language, culture, and neurodiversity into a holistic plan. We don't just offer services; we build family capacity and foster community inclusion. Your first step is to be curious: learn, ask, research, and finally, internalize and own this mission.
Step 2: Understand the "Roots" Metaphor Imagine trying to transplant a plant. If you cut its roots, its chances of growing strong are diminished. The same is true for a person's language and culture.
Action: Always value and support a family's native language and culture. They are the roots that provide the strength for a new language and new skills to flourish faster and more robustly. Don't bombard with the new; integrate and nourish what already exists.
Step 3: Practice Interculturality, Not Just Multiculturality There is a fundamental difference:
Multiculturality: Is acknowledging and respecting differences.
Interculturality (Our Way): Is integrating others' values and views into our daily practice. We learn together, support each other, and enrich one another to create new and effective solutions.
Action: In every interaction, ask yourself: “What can I learn from this family's or colleague's perspective, and how can we integrate that to create a better plan together?”
Step 4: Adopt the Strengths-Based Neurodiversity Paradigm We operate from a paradigm that values diversity in ways of thinking, learning, and communicating. We do not focus on "deficiencies" ; we focus on each child's unique strengths and abilities.
Action: Identify and develop the strengths of each child and family. Remember the food metaphor: you cannot force a carrot to grow with the same techniques as a tomato. Every child needs their own "substrate" and time to fully develop. Your role is to find and provide the ideal conditions for their growth.
Our Team Culture: The Human Ecosystem of MLAB
Our Team Culture: The Human Ecosystem of MLAB
This document is your guide to navigating our team ecosystem. It resolves uncertainty by answering questions like: “How do we work together day-to-day? What is expected of me, and what can I expect from others?” It is the practical handbook for our culture, designed so that every team member feels safe, supported, and empowered.
1: Our Principles of Collaboration
1: Our Principles of Collaboration
These aren't just words; they are the active agreements that guide our every interaction.
Principle 1: Trust is Our Substrate. Trust is the foundation upon which everything at MLAB grows. It's the first condition we seek to create with families and the essential requirement among ourselves. Trust allows us to solve problems, take controlled risks, ask for help, and be creative.
How we cultivate it:
Dependability: We keep our word. We are responsible with our time, materials, and commitments.
Transparency: We communicate openly and honestly, especially when challenges arise, sharing information proactively.
Assuming Good Intent: We start from the belief that everyone here operates from a place of professionalism and commitment. When in doubt, we ask before judging.
Principle 2: Communication is Total. Inspired by the "Tongue-Traveller" story, we understand that true communication is more than words; it's a holistic practice.
How we practice it:
Active Listening: We seek first to understand, listening not only to words but also to non-verbal language and underlying emotions.
Conscious Observation: Before acting, we apply the "Wait, Observe, Listen" principle, both in sessions and in team meetings.
Clarity and Context: We strive to be clear and provide context, facilitating interaction between all roles.
Principle 3: We Are an Internal Intercultural Team. Our intercultural philosophy is also our internal operating model. Each team member brings a unique culture and worldview. We don't just respect that diversity; we integrate it to enrich each other.
How we live it:
Genuine Curiosity: We show a real interest in our colleagues' perspectives.
Co-creation: Plans are built collaboratively, merging the knowledge of everyone involved: clinicians, coaches, and the family itself.
Flexibility: We understand there is no single "correct" way of doing things and are open to adapting our methods.
2: The Flow of Our Day-to-Day
2: The Flow of Our Day-to-Day
This is where our principles become concrete actions.
Planning and Preparation: Success begins before the session. Be prepared by reviewing the plan, objectives, and necessary resources. Your Clinical Coordinator and Coach are your allies in this process.
Reporting and Notes: Our Collective Memory. Contact notes are a vital tool for collaboration and learning.
Note Structure:
Celebration: Describe a positive moment or a skill gained. Always start with a strength.
Challenge: Report any challenge objectively.
Strategy: What strategies did you use, and which ones worked well?
Platform: All notes are logged in our shared database at the end of the session day to ensure immediate visibility.
Time and Hour Management: We are custodians of the resources entrusted to us. It is your responsibility to keep an accurate record of assigned hours and not to exceed them.
3: Our Growth and Development
3: Our Growth and Development
Your growth is a priority.
Your Training Journey:
Step 0 - The Welcome: Your first days are focused on connection and absorbing our philosophy.
Step 1 - Guided Immersion: In the first few weeks, you will work with your Coach to apply principles in a safe environment.
Step 2 - Autonomous Growth: As you gain confidence, you will operate more independently and may even guide others.
Continuous Learning: We actively encourage all team members to seek development opportunities and share new ideas to enrich our collective practice.
4: News and Internal Communications
4: News and Internal Communications
A clear flow of information keeps the ecosystem healthy.
Official Channels: Important news and announcements will be communicated through designated channels to avoid confusion.
Celebrating Together: We have a dedicated space to share good news and the achievements of our families and team, celebrating the positive impact of our work.
Common Knowledge Library
Common Knowledge Library
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