I’m thrilled to share my conversation with the incredible Chris Daicos. I first met Chris back in 2010 while completing my Master of Education at The University of Melbourne. She was my lecturer for Counselling Skills for Educators, and I will never forget those Thursday night sessions in the old graduate education building.
After a full day of teaching, I’d often find myself thinking, I can’t be bothered—but the moment Chris walked into the room, my energy would completely shift. I’d be on the edge of my seat, engaged and eager to learn because, for the first time at university, I was gaining practical skills that I could apply immediately.
The lessons I learned from Chris transformed my approach to teaching and leading, and I’m so grateful she’s here to share her insights with you today.
Who Is Chris Daicos?
Chris is a trained teacher and social worker with extensive experience in both the public and private sectors. She has worked across multiple universities and is deeply passionate about team effectiveness, collaboration, psychological safety, and leadership in education. Click here to read more.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- The Power of Teamwork – Discover practical strategies to foster collaboration and shared responsibility, reducing individual workload and stress.
- The Critical Forming Stage – Learn why the forming stage of a team is so important yet often overlooked, and how clarifying expectations early on can transform team dynamics.
- Effective Communication in Teams – Gain insights into addressing conflict constructively and creating a psychologically safe environment for open dialogue using positive psychology.
- School Leadership Insights – Explore how clarifying team purpose, aligning goals with school values, and leveraging individual strengths can drive innovation and enhance school culture.
- Conflict as a Driver of Innovation – Understand how conflict, when managed well, can be a catalyst for creative problem-solving and growth within teams.
Why This Conversation Matters
Team effectiveness is essential in any school setting, yet many educators struggle with common pitfalls such as poor communication, lack of accountability, and resistance to change. In this episode, Chris shares her expertise on overcoming these challenges and creating a more supportive and productive school environment.
If you’re a teacher, educator, or school leader looking to enhance teamwork and wellbeing in your school, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to gain practical strategies that will help you build stronger teams, manage challenges effectively, and create a positive impact in your school community.
I hope you enjoy my conversation with Chris Daicos as much as I did!
You can quote us on that…
“Form teams before you start doing the work. It’s worth the investment.”
Chris Daicos
“Conflict isn’t a bad thing in teams; it’s a sign of discourse, difference, and innovation.”
Chris Daicos
Contact
Chris Daicos – Website | LinkedIn
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Hi, I'm Meg!
B.Phys Ed, M. Ed (Student Wellbeing), CIPP
I’m a teacher with experience working in primary and secondary schools across Australia, and a specialist in the field of wellbeing education and coaching. I founded Open Mind Education in 2013 with a vision of sharing practical, enriching wellbeing education with staff, parents, and broader school communities.
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