Had a long conversation one evening with a very special
friend--my daughter. Topic? How do you turn around a school which has dropping
achievement, slipping discipline, and, well, generally needs help? My adamant
response is all of two words: staff morale. Not test scores; not longer hours;
not thousands of new textbooks or cutting edge technology equipment; not
analytics or a long line of heavy-handed administrators. Simply staff morale.
The most talented team of workers, whether in education or any other
profession, will work to the point of exhaustion for a cause (no matter how
small) if they feel appreciated and supported. I have been around for a lot of
years and it has been proven over and over again. A sinking situation can turn
when the significant stakeholders feel empowered and supported. It isn't a
quick fix and it can't be a one-time hit. Depending on how long the morale has
been sinking, it may take an equally long time to shift the tide. But I say
with 100% conviction, it can shift. And it can't be self-serving or superficial
or showy....just sincere and directed and persistent.
I can read data,
interpret data, add or subtract lessons or responsibilities or commitments, but
the tortoise is the key. Huh? Hear me: slow and steady, committed no matter the
obstacles, and once morale improves, all the other programs or initiatives or
additions will slide into place and begin to make a difference. Feel free to
ask if you want to know more.
It also works the other way around. Declining morale can cause things to get so much worse. Appreciate your staff!
ReplyDeleteOur local school has always been an "A" school. A new principal came in a few years ago and treated the teachers horribly. Scores went down and teachers started leaving. They have a new principal as of this year and everything is moving upwards again. Such a big difference even one person can make for so many children!
Positive staff morale makes everything so much better. Schools or companies who see in-house motivational strategies as frivolous are missing out on the single most influential tool for success. Thanks for stopping by!
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