Tasha Santistevan: Leading Teams Out of Conflict and Into Collaboration

Child Care Rockstar Radio

Kris welcomes Tasha Santistevan, the Executive Director at Child Time Inc. and a coach for the Child Care Success Academy. Tasha shares her journey from a high school summer job in childcare to her current leadership roles. She discusses her passion for empowering directors and leaders in the childcare industry, offering insights on conflict resolution, collaborative leadership, and the importance of work-life balance. Tasha provides a unique perspective both as an active executive director and coach on the challenges and rewards of leadership in early childhood education, emphasizing the value of continuous learning, servant leadership, and creating a positive workplace culture.

Key Takeaways:

[5:57] Tasha introduces herself and her background in early childhood education.

[10:29] The transition from being a manager to becoming a leader and director, and what she loves about the role.

[12:28] The distinction between manager and leader.

[13:58] Tasha’s personal life and balancing multiple roles.

[14:25] More about Tasha’s very busy family life!

[18:07] Strategies for staying organized and maintaining work-life balance.

[21:51] The importance of not taking on others’ problems as your own.

[23:37] Approaches to resolving conflicts between team members.

[25:59] Conflict can just be a better opportunity for us to be better and learn from one another.

[29:56] The evolution of leadership styles and the importance of empathy.

[30:42] Tapping into confident empathy.

[31:45] The need for servant leadership in the current workforce.

[32:20] Tasha’s definition of a childcare rockstar.

[34:13] The importance of bringing fun back into childcare after the pandemic.

[35:00] Tasha’s goals and aspirations for the future.

[38:11] Life is short — buy the Cadillac!

[42:01] The value of continuous learning and personal development in leadership.

Quotes:

• “Once you find that sweet spot of being a leader, that job becomes exponentially more rewarding and less challenging.” — Tasha [11:04]

• “Conflict is really if we stop looking at it as like this bad thing, that it’s an argument, but looking at it we just have different desires and drives and this.” — Tasha [24:37]

• “I believe we just don’t fully understand in the industry, the stress that directors feel and what they go through. So I love being a coach because I love to provide that safe space where they can come to us.” — Tasha [27:54]

• “That tribe aspect is everything in this business, and it's not something that is easy to find.” — Tasha [28:15]

• “I can be a great support to somebody, but I cannot let their problems be my problems.” — Tasha [29:45]

• “It’s perfect that we’re evolving within the leadership industry into this mode because this is what’s going to save this industry.” — Tasha [32:17]

• “As a rock star, you are somebody that empowers your team to reach their full potential.” — Tasha [32:53]

• “We have to have fun because fun is what’s going to get us through the hard times.” — Tasha [32:58]

• “This is childcare guys! If it’s not fun, what are we doing?” — Kris [35:08]

• “Just commit to learning how to be a good leader. Because if you do that, everything else falls into place.” — Tasha [39:10]

Sponsored By:

ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Kris Murray

The Child Care Success Company

The Child Care Success Academy

The Child Care Success Summit

Grow Your Center

Childcare Education Institute: use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal

Child Time Inc.

Jon Gordon

Maxwell Leadership

Hal Elrod

Seth Godin