Shifting from Reaction to Curiosity - Empowered Educator

 

During a recent walk at the park, I saw this bird giving everything it had, flapping its wings with determination but not getting anywhere. The wind was too strong, and the poor bird was stuck in an invisible battle. Then, with a slight shift, the bird changed direction, and whoosh! It shot off like a rocket and snatched its prey with precision!


Master of Response: Part 1

There are days when I find myself completely relating to that bird.

The role of a school leader is like navigating a turbulent windstorm!

You have a plan, but somehow, you keep finding yourself diverted. You’re on your way to a meeting, and suddenly, a teacher stops you in the hallway with a barrage of questions. You're having a heart-to-heart with a teacher about a parent's concern, and before you know it, they're in tears, asking for your advice. Even a quick bathroom break turns into an impromptu conference when another teacher catches you at the door. It’s like the terrain is constantly shifting, and you can't seem to achieve your plan.

These turbulent winds can sometimes make your day feel like a never-ending drama.

You are drawn into everyone’s schedule but yours! Think about movies; they cast us in one of three roles: the victim, who feels powerless and overwhelmed; the villain, who blames everyone else; and the hero, who thinks only they can save the day.

But here’s the kicker: nothing changes if we keep playing these roles! Everyone stays stuck in their role, and we keep battling the same old conflicts.

Consider this: a simple change in your response can make a monumental difference, just like the bird changing direction mid-flight. This change has the potential to not only lead to personal growth but also foster team development.

Imagine the possibilities that lie ahead: a future where your responses to challenges are not just reactions but strategic moves that propel you forward!


Reflection Questions:

  • What do you sound like (inside your head or out loud) when you are playing the victim role? Villain role? Hero role?

    • How does assuming this role affect your ability to address conflicts or challenges effectively?

  • What triggers you to adopt a particular role (victim, villain, hero)? Are there patterns or specific circumstances that tend to bring out these responses?

  • In what ways can you cultivate a mindset that allows for flexibility and adaptation, similar to a bird changing direction mid-flight?

“Response-ability is the ABILITY to choose our response to any circumstance or condition."

- Stephen R. Covey

Master of Response: Part 2

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's all too easy to find yourself trapped in the drama story of victim, villain or hero, where problems seem to recycle endlessly. However, while you can't control how others bring their issues to you, you can master your response to avoid being caught in the drama.

Consider this transformative approach: shift your focus from simple reaction to mindful creation. By approaching situations with curiosity, you invite your team to explore possibilities, sparking innovative thinking.

Let’s Reimagine Scenarios:

  • You're constantly interrupted by urgent requests, often caught in the hallway with no time to give your full attention. Instead of reacting hastily, acknowledge their needs and set a specific time for a more thoughtful discussion. This shows respect for their concerns and lets you address the issue with the clarity it deserves.
  • Picture a moment when a teacher is visibly upset and crying. It's tempting to step in as the hero and fix the problem immediately. Instead, ask questions to understand the root of their emotions. Work together to create a plan, fostering their problem-solving skills and emotional resilience.

When you embrace your creator mode, you can step back and see the bigger picture. This gives you the confidence to lead and guide your team toward the best solutions. You create a space where success is a team effort.

Your shift from reactive to creative thinking transforms how you handle daily challenges and inspires those around you to grow and thrive. By stepping back, you ignite a spark of creativity and resilience in your team, paving the way for their growth. 

 

Leader Call to Action:

  • Awareness

    • What steps can you take to empower yourself and others to move beyond fixed roles and embrace more constructive approaches to problem-solving?

    • Reflecting on the idea of shifting your focus, can you think of a situation where a small change in your response could have led to a different outcome?

  • Create Response

    • What are you responsible for? What do you need to let go of?
    • What can you learn to get a better understanding of this situation?

  • Curiosity

    • How do you envision these reflections shaping your future responses to challenges or conflicts?
    • What practices or habits can you develop to ensure you are more mindful of your reactions and the roles you assume in different situations?

 



“The middle is messy, but it's also where all the magic happens, all the tension that creates goodness and learning."

- Brene Brown