Dymetrius Ware is currently an WBB Assistant at Schoolcraft College in Livonia, Mich. Coach Ware has over 39 years of coaching experience. Dymetrius received his bachelor’s degree from Siena Heights University, Adrian, Mich. Coach Ware holds two master’s Degrees. A Master of Art from Dept of Education, in Sport Administration in 2002 from Wayne State University Detroit, Mi. Ware earned his second M.A. from his alma mater, Siena Heights University, Adrian, Mich, in 2005 with a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from the School of Business. In 2005 Dymetrius Started a small Consulting firm WareIs Athletic Consulting. An educational consulting firm with a focus on Athletics in Education. Over the last 19 years coach has advised Athletic Directors, Principles, School Superintendents, as well as High School Coaches, Collegiate Coaches, And Parents looking for direction in their child recruitment process. Dymetrius spent five years with the University of Michigan-Dearborn Athletic Department. Coach Ware became the Head Coach for the Women’s program 2013 where he served for three seasons. Coach has worked under legendary Coaches. Head Coach Len Reed in the 1996-97 season at Oakland Community College.
In a recent interview with K12 Digest, Dymetrius Ware discussed his experience with educational consulting. He shared his views on team-building strategies, effective communication, and many more.
How can effective team-building strategies contribute to the success of educational consulting initiatives?
In my view, the most important factor is effective leadership. A leader’s ability to motivate, encourage, and provide a clear set of achievable goals and objectives is crucial. Transparency within the group, among team members, and with collaborators is also essential.
As an educational consultant, what are the key aspects to consider when building and managing teams in educational institutions?
It’s important to foster a wide diversity of ideas and thoughts that allow for open and honest discussion. Everyone’s thoughts, suggestions, and opinions should be listened to and respected. Additionally, providing a diverse range of expertise and skill sets is crucial.
What role does effective communication play in team building and educational consulting?
I place a high value on communication within my team and staff. Effective communication involves open dialogue about our culture, and team goals, and transparency regarding our approaches and methods. It’s important to communicate issues and topics effectively, embracing diverse opinions and thoughts on how to solve problems and conflicts positively. While we may not always agree on the conclusion, we can agree on the process, ensuring it is open and respectful, which will lead to long-term success.
What are some successful team-building activities or exercises that have proven to enhance productivity and engagement in educational consulting teams?
My favorite activity is a field trip to a site or place where teams can share common interests, such as a baseball game. These outings provide a backdrop for team members and partners to get to know each other, share stories about families and hobbies, and discuss how to solve problems within the team dynamic. Other team-building activities include going out to dinner or playing games like “I Never Had.” Anything that allows team members to be open about themselves to their partners, stakeholders, and clients is beneficial.
How to identify and leverage the strengths of team members to optimize team performance in educational consulting projects?
Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of each team member is key. Assessing each member’s talents allows team leaders to bring the right people together to produce the best outcomes for any project. The talent of one partner may strengthen the weakness of another. Allowing for mistakes must be part of any culture where growth and learning take place. Regularly assessing the team or the client’s performance allows leaders to provide constructive feedback, leading to positive outcomes in many consulting projects.
What are some common pitfalls or obstacles that teams may face in educational consulting, and how to navigate them to ensure project success?
This is a tough question to answer easily. There are many challenges in today’s world of consulting, especially in education. The biggest issue, in my opinion, is how you view today’s landscape. You must dive deep into the needs of your clients and the goals of the project. Consulting requires having all the data, understanding past and current trends, and being an expert in recognizing current trends in business, politics, and society. The best way to avoid many pitfalls and unforeseen challenges is to conduct an intensive SWOT analysis of your firm. A SWOT analysis can help you avoid pitfalls and obstacles by identifying issues and concerns before they arise.
What are your thoughts on the role of leadership in team building for educational consulting, and how to inspire and motivate team members towards a common goal?
As a coach, I’ve learned that leadership is about serving others and providing the necessary resources to be effective and successful. Leaders, especially in consulting, should express the “why” behind their actions. Why are we doing this? Why are we passionate about it? What is the ultimate result of our efforts? The “why” and “how” should inspire and motivate our teams and stakeholders to set common goals. The children are always a guiding light, yet there are times when the focus is on the institution itself. Which may require tough decisions, such as laying off staff or removing costly projects. It’s important for leadership to know and express the “why” should motivate the team.
How to measure the effectiveness of team-building efforts in educational consulting?
Clear objectives and continuous feedback from clients and partners are essential. We must focus on data and feedback, whether positive or negative, to provide current measurable outcomes that show a direct correlation from the beginning to the conclusion of a project. One example is project monitoring and controlling, which involves continuously sharing information and applying changes when needed. This is stage 4 of 5 in any project management process. Continuous learning, mastering skill sets, and keeping up with growing trends are also important.
How to adapt team-building strategies to meet the unique needs and dynamics of different educational institutions or organizations?
The most important answer to this question is one I gave earlier in the interview: staying ahead of trends and challenges within the consulting community and the educational environment. These are influenced by factors such as the economy, cultural changes in society, and political influences like budgets and educational reforms. The goal should always be to prioritize the needs of students, teachers, and administrators. A diverse team with a variety of skills and expertise can address various aspects of these challenges in education and consulting.
Looking ahead, what trends or developments do you foresee in team-building practices within the realm of educational consulting?
Great question! The biggest question is how fast AI will dictate or dominate both industries. Another critical issue is the debate on where public funds should be allocated. Should private schools continue to receive more resources from public school systems? Can we keep up with daily changes in technology from a funding perspective? What will be the impact on our teachers, and can we continue to provide them with the tools and resources needed to educate today’s students? The entire education system is facing major challenges, from athletics, food services, special needs, transportation, and technology. Consultants will play a large role in helping institutions prepare for these changes.