"Leaders often make decisions based on their most negative and resistant employees. That is human nature. We worry about how the most cynical staff member will react or how the few “gripers” will talk about us or this new idea in the lounge. Being aware of their potential reactions is fine. However, making decisions with them in mind rather than our most positive and productive people is a big mistake. "
http://toddwhitaker.com/~toddwhitaker/cms/uploads/Motivating_Teachers_During_Difficult_Times.pdf
As we continue to have the conversations of how we can help the climate and culture in our building, I stumbled upon this article. Which got me thinking- "AMEN!"
This article along with a great conversation with local Eastern Iowa Educators just reminded me to MODEL. Model- expectations, instructional strategies, communication with parents, how to build relationships. All of this modeling of course benefits our precious students, but also our life-long learning staff members! The modeling needs to start at the top and work its way down so we can see that "buy-in" in worth the effort to making a change.
Now. Going back to the previously talked about "gripers" in Todd's article. If we truly sit and think about the impact we can make with staff who is willing to jump in and take a chance with the BCTLT, it far offsets those who aren't yet ready to dip their toes in the TLT waters. So who can we make the greatest impact with? That is the question to focus on. I have been trying to rack my brain to get the small percentage on board and excited about the opportunities when there, staring me in the face are people who see those opportunities and ready to go!
