Good evening, and welcome to the kickoff of our Adversity series! We are so thrilled to have Todd Whitaker joining us tonight to talk about that darn monkey that gets on our backs! I am one of your moderators this evening. Welcome to all! @ToddWhitaker#EduAR
Samuel, teaching 3rd in St. Louis but will be moving this summer to become Principal at First Lutheran School in Fort Smith. Excited to begin to connect with #EduAR
A1) Authentic discourse that is grounded by our ethics, morals, and professionalism to create strong collaborative teams that enhance learning for ALL students. #EduAr
#eduAR Sometimes people need an invitation to jump in an help with a project. It never hurts to ask nicely. Maybe it'll build a new friendship or give you a chance to learn more about a colleague in your school you never see.
A1: One step at a time, invite them into your world of passion and purpose. Delegate when you can; ask them to help. When we ditch our ugly monkeys, we'll have more time and attention for the important things. Resist carrying their monkeys for them. #eduAR
A1: I tend to work hard but sometimes get overwhelmed when I have taken on too much. Our profession consumes us, and although we love what we are doing, we all need a break. I think of a tug of war between home and school. I want to be in the middle. #eduar
A1: That is FOREVER the issue in school! You face it as a student, you face it in the professional role of teacher. I finally just decided I'd do it all myself!! It is lonelier but I sure get a lot more done! (Hi from Oregon!) #EduAr
In reply to
@bethhill2829, @nortnik, @Lindsey_Bohler, @ToddWhitaker
#eduar A1: a) Make better hires. b) Find out what the less-working people are passionate about and give them responsibility and expectations in that area. c) stop judging quality of teaching by how much/hard people work....judge by results. Efficiency is not a crime.
A1: That is FOREVER the issue in school! You face it as a student, you face it in the professional role of teacher. I finally just decided I'd do it all myself!! It is lonelier but I sure get a lot more done! (Hi from Oregon!) #EduAr
In reply to
@bethhill2829, @nortnik, @Lindsey_Bohler, @ToddWhitaker
Hey #eduar! Courtney, here, from Van Buren, AR. I’m a high school Spanish teacher. A1) sometimes we have to be vulnerable and admit to our closest colleagues that we need help!
A1: that can be tough. When I first started, HR hired and just placed Ts in our buildings. We finally get to interview and hire for our own buildings. So, we live and breath the positivity and our reputation is known. #eduAR
A1: Then we need to find the passions of those “under-performers” and tap that potential. I have to believe most people will rise to the occasion if they’re motivated. #EduAR
A1: Leaders could help delegate tasks then hold people accountable. It’s amazing how principals being present in classrooms makes the hard workers feel noticed/valued and makes the other teachers work a little harder. #EduAR
A1: Is getting rid of those that do not contribute an option? No ok I think mentorships or trying to help those less willing to join the community could be a solution.
#eduar
A1: provide pressure and support to those who shirk. Deciphering whether it is the will or the skill that is lacking is critical. We can build skill... if there is no will, opportunities exist outside of education... we need to help them find them. #EduAR
A1: As a leader I have to be aware of overworking some and under working others. It's a balancing act for sure. Sometimes , I find myself thinking , "how can I ensure that this person has their share of the work for this process, product or event." Share the load! #eduar
A1 find their passions and try to give them roles that fit them, engage them rather than being mad or upset about it, we all have our points of interest #eduAR
A1: welll.. I think you have to make certain that recognition/treats match the work. A sweeping thank you doesn't cut it & over thanking for a participant while skipping the behind the scenes get tricky. It's a balance. #eduar
A1: As a leader I have to be aware of overworking some and under working others. It's a balancing act for sure. Sometimes , I find myself thinking , "how can I ensure that this person has their share of the work for this process, product or event." Share the load! #eduar
#eduar Nobody should be penalized because of the perception of "not working hard." Ss or Ts. Are they getting results? If so, praise them.....and learn from them.
A1: Our goal should never be about comparing effort among staff/colleagues and seeking balance. The goal should be to ensure that we do all that we can elicit the greatest effort possible from everyone around us. #EduAr#JoyfulLeaders
I can relate to that. I think I'm starting to find interested others, though, and really excited about the potential for bigger impact as a team #eduAR
In reply to
@2014ORTOY, @bethhill2829, @nortnik, @Lindsey_Bohler, @ToddWhitaker
Hey, Mickey from Springdale, AR here!
A1: A lot of times the work balance is off because the accontability for everyone to do their part isn’t there. If people don’t understand the importance of their role, they don’t put out the effort. #EduAR
Honestly #EduAR I have a core group of really hard workers that I've been able to team up with a couple of times (NNSTOY Social Justice Book List) and by doing little bits of their projects I've been able to do some teamwork.
In reply to
@MissWhitaker294, @bethhill2829, @nortnik, @Lindsey_Bohler, @ToddWhitaker
Positivity is contagious! I can't imagine saying no to a person who genuinely needed some help and was very kind about asking for it. People are good in general- maybe just need an opportunity to serve #eduAR
A1: Leaders could help delegate tasks then hold people accountable. It’s amazing how principals being present in classrooms makes the hard workers feel noticed/valued and makes the other teachers work a little harder. #EduAR
A1 You can’t force someone to work harder in the teaching world! You’re either called, and driven to work hard, or you’re just showing up for work and taking up space! It’s up to leaders to inspire passion or help those lacking energy to find a new purpose! #EduAR
A2: It is so important to recognize and celebrate people for their contributions on any level. People want to know their hard work is valued and appreciated. #eduAR
One thing I do is offer to help out groups with really specific things I'm good at. Instead of being in half a dozen group discussions, they just call me when they are at the "get it done" phase. That has helped me be a better group worker!
#EDuAR
I can relate to that. I think I'm starting to find interested others, though, and really excited about the potential for bigger impact as a team #eduAR
In reply to
@2014ORTOY, @bethhill2829, @nortnik, @Lindsey_Bohler, @ToddWhitaker
A2: EVERYONE needs to feel valued for what they DO bring. When that happens, I suspect envy and jealousy decrease substantially. Make sure everyone on your team knows how important their role is and how thankful you are for their contribution. (Make 'em ALL the T's pet!) #Eduar
A1 Open and honest accountability for ALL. It takes difficult conversations to hold the low performers accountable! Provide resources to@improve. If that doesn’t work then evaluate them out. #EduAR
Provide opportunities for all Ts to have a voice. Value all voices in the room. Make a point to ask different Ts to model and share with each other. #EduAR
A2: I have shared this with collegues this year (THANK YOU @bethhill2829)and think this mindset helps curb this. Fires have to burn and light should shine. BUT The light WILL go out if it is stifled for the sake of others. #Eduar
In reply to
@bethhill2829, @Lindsey_Bohler, @nortnik, @ToddWhitaker, @bethhill2829
A2: Yes, this is a problem. To some degree I think we have to ignore perceptions and keep encouraging their exceptional work. If they get blowback because of it...we’ll, that’s bullying, and we need to address it. #EduAR
A2 Thats a good one, I’d say celebrate everyone’s successes and if someone is lagging, focus on their successes even more… may not be the best answer, but that’s what I’d do… #eduAR
A2: I think teachers at a school should work together. It takes a village to raise a child. We should not undermine the best performers and instead ask them how they are doing things in hopes of getting better. We are all a work in progress. #eduar
A2: I have shared this with collegues this year (THANK YOU @bethhill2829)and think this mindset helps curb this. Fires have to burn and light should shine. BUT The light WILL go out if it is stifled for the sake of others. #Eduar
In reply to
@bethhill2829, @Lindsey_Bohler, @nortnik, @ToddWhitaker, @bethhill2829
It’s so important to publically treat everyone as equals (just like you would do in the classroom with students). Specific praise could be done privately. It’s almost more meaningful that way. #EduAR
I did a study of participants at Twitter Math Camp. The commonality was generally having a self-identified "niche" of some sort. There's power in that #eduAR
A2: I don't think that hard workers need protection. Their work ethic and passion speak for itself. It's probably time better spent to coach up those who feel jealous and threatened instead of inspired by the great things happening around them. #eduAR
A2 Leaders should be unapologetic about highlighting and supporting strong teachers and best practices. Praise them, encourage them, and when bullies get fired up, stand up for them and make sure they know how appreciated they are. #EduAR
A2: Committed Ts often raise their hands first when something needs to be done. School leaders should encourage to give those Ts permission not to feel they have to always volunteer. #eduAR
A2: As a student teacher, I, at times, feel like I do not have a voice due to being young. I want to change that perception. All teachers have a lot to offer (novice and experienced). I do not agree with undermining someone else's passion. #eduar
A2: It’s critical with respect to culture & ultimately student achievement for us to model the idea of a team - one where everyone has gift/strengths that make each other better. Promoting camaraderie, instead of competition/comparison, among staff is always the answer. #EduAR
A2 Leaders should be unapologetic about highlighting and supporting strong teachers and best practices. Praise them, encourage them, and when bullies get fired up, stand up for them and make sure they know how appreciated they are. #EduAR
A2: Everyone does something great... we have an obligation to find the "something" that is unique to everyone... and value it (and let them know). #eduAR
A2: That's a hard question. As a leader I have to pull out the leadership skills/traits in as many folks as I can. Sometimes, it is as simple as asking the wallflower to share a successful strategy they have used in the classroom recently. Find the genius in everyone! #eduar
A2 Leaders should be unapologetic about highlighting and supporting strong teachers and best practices. Praise them, encourage them, and when bullies get fired up, stand up for them and make sure they know how appreciated they are. #EduAR
A way to volunteer without others seeing, then admin can choose someone who might fill that role first, not the first person who always will say yes #EduAR
Taking time to write and send a little note card is valued by most- I save them because I know someone took the time to share something heartfelt and personal- feel good file! #eduar
I truly needed this chat today. It is so important to work hard and make others feel valued. Being told "I appreciate you" can mean so much even though they are simple words to say. #eduar
I have been so lucky to be recognized for my work in educations-but the truth is, it is almost like they hand you the award with one hand and glue a larget on your back with the other hand! #EduAR
In reply to
@bethhill2829, @Lindsey_Bohler, @nortnik, @ToddWhitaker
A2: Praise public, correct private. If we are praising the same Ts, then we may be missing the work of others. Put Ts in the best position to see success. #eduar
A2) I am not comfortable about shrinking my light because of the viewpoints of others. On many occasions we have lost the opportunity to pursue our greatness due to the fear of being labeled by others. #EduAr
I truly needed this chat today. It is so important to work hard and make others feel valued. Being told "I appreciate you" can mean so much even though they are simple words to say. #eduar
A2) I am not here to judge or to worry about those that are being judged. I am here to help other’s achieve their goals and be the best version of themselves. #EduAr
A3: Heaven knows I try to avoid that blanket monkey like the plaque! Address who needs to be addressed. Not everyone needed that email that said get your crap together! #eduar
A2: Our principal ends each meeting with the same question...is there something I need to do to help make your job better...he’s retiring this year...gonna miss that! #EduAR
A3: Directing a message to all when it’s only meant for a few. If you have a specific issue, address it with those individuals directly. As the adage goes, praise publicly and criticize privately. #EduAR
A3: Heaven knows I try to avoid that blanket monkey like the plaque! Address who needs to be addressed. Not everyone needed that email that said get your crap together! #eduar
A3: Is that like taking recess away from the whole class in order to punish the misbehavior of a few? I'd say that it probably isn't a promising practice. If we're going to maximize our success and efficacy, we better act with intention. #eduAR
A3: Thanks to Todd for giving us the first half of the answer. It’s a terrible idea because the people that don’t need the message internalize that they’re doing something wrong, and those that need it don’t think it applies to them. #EduAR
#eduar A3: Telling your Ts that "you're all good Ts" without ever visiting classrooms or telling any of them exactly what makes them good or special. It's inauthentic.
I'm also thinking sometimes when ppl compare instead of just doing their best, they might not be happy until they feel they have outdone everyone on all fronts #EduAr
A3: Blanket monkeys suck the air and life out of people! However, if you feel like one has been thrown I hope that a teacher feels s/he can face it and ask for direction before wearing it. #eduAR
A3: We have to be careful not to send broad messages to large groups that really only apply to a small number of people. Pinpointing the source/root of challenges, keeping ourselves in check mentally/emotionally & embracing difficult conversations can help. #EduAR
A3) I’m also thinking of the blanket monkey with positive intent— remembering so many efforts to implement something new without first building buy-in. It fails so hard every time. #EduAR
I used to show up at every staff meeting with a bunch of worksheets /curriculum to share. One of the supervisors sneered at me and said, "Stop it, you make everyone else look bad." (I put them on @TpTdotcom & given away over 40,000 pieces of curriculum in 2 years!)
#EduAr
A3 Please no “blanket monkeys”! If you have a problem with me, come to me. If you are upset with someone else, go to them. Don’t make us all feel like we just got a spanking for something we didn’t do. The culture suffers so much! #EduAR
A3 It seems that the people that most need the message don't get it unless it is direct...the people who didn't need the reminder will become uptight about things that didn't matter in the first place. #eduAR
A3: It doesn’t recognize that team members have different strengths, which in turn leads to the one that does have that strength doing all of the work. #EduAR
Yes. I once received advice from a mentor that I won't forget. He said, "This problem is tough, but make sure the person who is causing it, is the person who feels the most uncomfortable." #EduAR
A4: An inherent trust of leadership. Good people also believe the best about others. So if the leader is telling all of us, the leader must see it in all of us and must be right. It's a cyclical problem. #eduar
A4: Beacuse good people know right from wrong & care about outcomes. We try to “save” everyone. In reality, I continue to learn to work through, “not my monkey!!!” 🙉 #EduAR
A4: Tupicallybin the name of “non-confrontation” and “flying under the radar”. I call this status quo. Non-violent communication process (NVC) is a highly effective courageous conversation protocol for shifting the monkey! #eduar
A4: Good people are always empathetic and want to do well for the good of the team. They want to improve, which makes it hard to not take things personal. #eduAR
A2: Our principal ends each meeting with the same question...is there something I need to do to help make your job better...he’s retiring this year...gonna miss that! #EduAR
I like to make sure everyone knows about this free resource: @NNSTOY Social Justice Book List-- 200 books by grade level--https://t.co/DypbolmzMo#EduAr
A4: Good people reflect (sometimes to the point of excess) and are always looking to improve. Therefore the monkey makes them thing there’s something they could do to get better. Marginal performers, on the other hand... #EduAR
Because they care! They’re fixers and they want to do what is right, always. However, taking that on is a killer. Good people need to learn how to flip the situation and give a little of that monkey back (even if it’s just a hand). #eduAR
A4) “Bad” apples always think they are above or exempt from the expectations. Hard workers are innately humble, and want the machine to run smoothly, so they want to fix any issue immediately. #eduar
A1: Don’t “reward” the hardest workers with more tasks or remove tasks from those who don’t work as hard. It is important to have high expectations for all employees but also important to hold people accountable to their responsibilities. #eduAR
A4 We take on the monkey because we thrive on being awesome for kids! On the flip side, the root of inappropriate actions is often fear and a lack of confidence. #EduAR
A1: Don’t “reward” the hardest workers with more tasks or remove tasks from those who don’t work as hard. It is important to have high expectations for all employees but also important to hold people accountable to their responsibilities. #eduAR
A4) #Professionalism is often confused with being nice. There is a difference. When we are nice it can often make us shy away from conflict and wait for the #leader to deal with the issue or we take on the mindset that someone has to complete the task so I will. #EduAr
A4: One of the qualities that “good” people have is giving away credit and assuming responsibility for things that they may not have full control over. #EduAR
A4: As educators, especially school administrators we always feel like we have to fix things or have the answers. Transparency helps; folks don't feel like they have to be perfect. I start many convos with , "Listen, I don't have any answers just a lot of questions." #eduar
A4: Great teachers don't want to see kids get less than they deserve because of mediocre or ineffective teachers, so they will sometimes take the monkey and carry the weight. #EduAR
Oh THIS makes me think REALLY hard about that next courageous conversation I need to have. Thank you, Todd, for this food for thought, to strengthen my character muscles. #eduAR
I've had an interesting week where my classroom circumstances let the monkey off my back. I'm so much more productive, in school and at home.
I do wish I felt like I had control of the monkey instead of the monkey having control of me... #eduAR
Empower yourself and empower others. Demonstrate how to not accept the monkey fully so other people in your school feel safe doing the same thing. #eduAR
A4: do believe that some that we see as “ineffective” are in a world where everything goes 2 fast and they r drowning whether they are new Ts or disorganized. Will always be a problem. #EduAR
I've had an interesting week where my classroom circumstances let the monkey off my back. I'm so much more productive, in school and at home.
I do wish I felt like I had control of the monkey instead of the monkey having control of me... #eduAR
A5: We always have a choice. Every day with every interaction. We do NOT need to take those ugly monkeys, much less carry them. Just say NO! It's a complete sentence! Don't let THIS happen to you OR your culture. #eduAR
When we take on the monkey we run the risk of becoming stressed and burned out. I think the productive conflict would be a better alternative. We need to recharge and keep our bucket filled too. #EduAr
A4: Any team is only as strong as it’s weakest member. It’s a good teammate/leader’s responsibility to bring out the best in everyone on a team always. #EduAR
A5 Every system has monkeys disguised as good ideas. Clear vision, mission, objectives give the team a measuring stick that allows monkeys on the ride or not. #eduar
A5) Look for the capacity for leadership in others, and build those up who have it. Form a coalition of the willing with other hard working professionals. Don’t let the turkeys drag you down! #eduar
The good news is a fixed mindset isn’t always permanent. It takes patience to tap into what can motivate them to grow, and gently nudge them along. #EduAr
A5: We all have a hand in the culture created within our schools. With every action, word, and look we can impact the culture. MODEL everything! #EduARhttps://t.co/ZyaEl8KjE4
Give them “jobs” that are minimally invasive to culture. Make them feel important, although knowing in your heart their jobs are not significant to culture. Honestly job duties vs. career duties. #EduAR
You are either on the bus or you are not. Energy vampires are not allowed. The eduhero @ToddWhitaker once said that the culture of any organization is shaped by the worst behavior that the leader is willing to tolerate. #eduAR#truth
A5: rethink your own mind-set. Instead of walking into a directive, listen and ask questions to ‘understand’ - address the non-negotiable, respectfully, and build long-term solutions - for kids. Stop sacrificing adult comfort for needs of kids. Step. Up. Lead, or Move. #EduAR
Recently I responded, "That's not true" and noticed the direction of the conversation changed quickly. Tone improved. I may try that again soon. #eduAR
A5: Co-dependency will kill school culture! It's is of the upmost importance that you stamp it out ASAP because our students don't have time to lose while we adults figure out how the heck to "adult" . #eduar
A2: We should acknowledge the contribution to learning/growth and focus less on the praising the person. Balancing the praise between the object & the person is important. Ensure all feel supported to go out on a limb for improvement. There is room for all to be awesome. #eduAR
A5: Despite and intricate challenges, we have to maintain an overall undying commitment to encouragement, positivity and hope always. It’s contagious and will trickle everywhere. #EduAR#JoyfulLeaders
A5: Despite any intricate challenges, we have to maintain an overall undying commitment to encouragement, positivity and hope always. It’s contagious and will trickle everywhere. #EduAR#JoyfulLeaders
A2.. Clearly defined expectations. Those performing do get praised. But those who are not performing need support. If you have a culture that is collaborative and supporting then it shouldn’t be an issue. #EduAR
A5) Remember, the reason most people are negative or critical is because they are experiencing a loss in the change process. The fear creates with loss stops many of us in our tracks. You can choose to join and be critical or positive and see opportunity. #EduAr
A6: Be honest & speak from the heart when having crucial conversations. It’s not about the person, it’s about the actions. Be specific #EduARhttps://t.co/ZlAbtawqfa
I swear, @MWhitakerGood is the master of this. She tells me to tell the truth, but tell it kindly. Amazing how being honest about your feelings (even if the other person responds rudely) shakes that monkey off you just a little bit. #eduAR
A6: I can't be the only one who's hearing Shock The Monkey in my head tonight, right? Catch it off guard and put it under that blanket with the person who tried to hand it off to you in the first place. https://t.co/w8jJzpXkEM#eduAR
A5: As leaders, it is important that we empower monkey givers and help them move on a positive path. You want to create buy-in and help people move forward for the good of the team. #eduAR
I think it’s not as much craving as it’s easier. And, a lot of time what’s been developed systematically is mostly working ok. However, reflecting, refining and growing is necessary... for so many reasons. ‘Ok’ is not acceptable. Only have 140 here. 😁 #EduAR
A6: Be honest & speak from the heart when having crucial conversations. It’s not about the person, it’s about the actions. Be specific #EduARhttps://t.co/ZlAbtawqfa
I swear, @MWhitakerGood is the master of this. She tells me to tell the truth, but tell it kindly. Amazing how being honest about your feelings (even if the other person responds rudely) shakes that monkey off you just a little bit. #eduAR
A3: Blanket monkey=making a broad critique that really applies to a few. Those who were doing the right thing feel frustrated to hear negative comments, and those who needed the correction either didn’t understand the message was meant for them or hid in anonymity. #eduAR
A6: I’m going to have to say what @ToddWhitaker and @bethhill2829 just said about the tough conversations: make sure it is difficult for the right person! #eduAR So powerful!
Our adversity series continues through the first week of April! Next week we welcome @RebeccaCoda and @RickJetter to discuss Escaping the School Leader's Dunk Tank. Set that alarm! #SLDunkTank#EduAR
A4: Because good people want to do what is right, what is best no matter what. They don’t see a mess & leave it for others to clean but start reaching for napkins to help. #eduAR
My dad always always says to confront issues but care-front people. It helps when those courageous convos are looming and needed for us to move forward, to grow. #eduAR
In reply to
@LaneWalker2, @JulieMytych, @ToddWhitaker, @bethhill2829
A huge thank you to @ToddWhitaker for chatting with us tonight, and for his contributions to our profession! Thank you all for joining us, and we hope to see you many more Thursdays! #EduAR
