March 16, 2026

Building Vibrant Teams: The Power of Personal Communication Styles with Crystal Atkinson - Ep 72

Building Vibrant Teams: The Power of Personal Communication Styles with Crystal Atkinson - Ep 72
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Wondering which leadership books help build strong, collaborative teams?

We’ve got you covered!  Download the list! - https://bit.ly/102reads


Looking to design a space for adult collaboration?  Access this FREE guide, which includes a checklist to reference when creating your space - https://bit.ly/spacechecklist


In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Lorna and Kurtis are joined by Crystal Atkinson, a veteran educator, administrator, and instructional coach, to discuss the "missing link" in team dynamics: Communication Styles.


Crystal explains that the secret to moving a team forward isn't just about the work—it’s about unpacking our own communication DNA to understand how we connect with others. We dive deep into why some colleagues feel "tricky" to work with and how you can adapt your approach to build a more vibrant, connected, and collaborative workspace.


In this episode, you’ll learn:


  • Why self-awareness is the foundation of any collaborative culture.
  • How to identify and bridge the gap between different communication styles.
  • Strategies for connecting with "tricky" personalities to keep projects moving.
  • The role of leadership in setting the tone for team communication.
  • Practical tips for sustaining a vibrant and collaborative environment.


About Crystal Atkinson: 


With over 20 years in public education and a decade of facilitating professional development for the Alberta Teachers Association, Crystal brings a wealth of experience in coaching educational leaders and fostering high-functioning teams.

Learn more about Crystal Atkinson at https://vibrantlyyou.mailchimpsites.com/


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Connect with Crystal Atkinson

Email: CrystalCoachingConsulting@outlook.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-atkinson-coach-consultant/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/csatkinson

Podcast: Vibrant Leadership for Educational Leaders


Connect with Kurtis Hewson 

Email: kurtis.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca 

X: @hewsonk27

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hewsonk27 

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson 


Connect with Lorna Hewson 

Email: lorna.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca 

X: @LornaHewson 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorna-hewson-713a59104


#Collaboration #EducationalLeadership #TeamBuilding #CommunicationStyles #InstructionalCoaching #JigsawLearning #ProfessionalDevelopment

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Learn more about Collaborative Response https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tbgetTdAiA&t=0s 


Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article 

https://bit.ly/CR-overview 


Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE 

https://bit.ly/CR-intro - if interested in ordering the book, use the code JLPodcast10 to receive 10% off!


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Join the Facebook Group “The Collaborative Leader”, to engage in further conversations and resource sharing with others dedicated to ensuring effective teams and collaborative structures - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecollaborativeleader


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Music: “Culture of Collaboration” has been composed, recorded, and produced by Trent Ferguson for Building a Culture of Collaboration.


Images: Visuals included in this video not generated under agreement with Jigsaw Learning Inc. have been carefully selected under Creative Commons for their permissions.