This week I had the honor of being published in the December edition of Principal Magazine. This article, titled College Readiness For All: What’s the Alternative? , can be found on the NAESP website under the “Speaking Out” section. I’d be honored if you would give it a read.
Prescription #4: Know the difference between REASONS and EXCUSES. It’s important that we recognize the challenges that exist in education. The key however is to understand that there is a difference between reasons and excuses. Reasons such as the fact that students live in poverty or speak a second language, share why a challenge exists in the first place. Excuses on the other hand are made when defeat is accepted and hope is lost. The best schools in our country take plenty of time identifying reasons for
poor success, but spend even more time finding solutions so that those same reasons
do not turn into excuses.
As we go forward on a mission to be openly optimistic, know this: If you are waiting for
100% of your colleagues to “get onboard” you will be waiting forever. Why? Because
schools, companies, and organizations rarely have every single person operating on the
same page. However the reason that a select few choose to be negative surprisingly has
little to do with the organization itself and everything to do with them as individuals. The
fact is that negative colleagues are not onboard in life, much less on board with the
mission of any one school. While this is frustrating and unjust, what is worse is when
Closet Optimists allow for the minority opinions of negative educators to drown out the
proactive energy of those who want to do right by kids. When schools are guided by the
negative force of a few individuals it is never an indictment of their ability to drive the
agenda. More so, it is an indictment on the reluctance from Closet Optimists to come out
of hiding and collectively assemble. When Closet Optimists allow their outward attitude
to reflect their inward spirit, amazing results tend to follow.
Prescription #3: Protect your “non-negotiable north”. “If you do what’s right, you can’t go wrong”. Many years ago, these words helped drive the way that I would make decisions as a principal and in turn became my “non-negotiable north”. Truth be told, there were times where my right seemed to be everyone else’s wrong. However, during times where I was timid to take risks, my leadership compass always pointed me in the right direction and helped me resist the urge to stay quiet and avoid confrontation. A Closet Optimist’s lack of willingness to stand for what they believe in will almost always lead to the death of their “north”. Because of this, we must find opportunities to take risks, do what’s right for students, and never, ever, allow the majority (or perceived majority) stop us from taking a stand.
Prescription #2: Actively seek perspective. Far too often we as educators live in a “woe is me” cycle where we think our school, our class, and our job must be harder than anyone else’s. Because of this, it is important that we gain perspective by sharing the success stories of those who have generated far greater accomplishments in spite of far greater challenges. Seeking a great story to offer perspective to your colleagues? Start by watching the documentary Darius Goes West. This 90-minute film will offer perspective and motivate you to accept and confront your challenges head on. Take a look at the “vehicle” below.
Reading the four warning signs of a Closet Optimist often acts as a worrisome wake-up call for many. Please rest assured however as I have four separate prescriptions that will act as a cure. Please practice them often as an individual, but more importantly as a staff, and email me in the morning.
Prescription #1: Teach, model, and practice candor as a staff. One of the hardest things for educators to do is to be candid with one another. Because of this, we must explicitly teach each individual how to be candid with their views. When it comes to the academic success of students, it is our obligation to offer opinions publicly that challenge the status quo and ensure greater achievement for all.
can.dor (noun) the quality of being open and honest in expression; frankness
In my work with schools across the country I have engaged in conversations with hundreds of Closet Optimists. In speaking with them, almost without fail, each individual shares their deep desire to break free from the chains of negativity and move forward with a spirit of maverick leadership that we at TurnAround Schools actively promote. In an effort to support a cure for this all too common malady, I have identified four symptoms to be aware of as you pursue change for yourself and/or those around you.
Symptom #1: Closet Optimists tend to share positive opinions with individuals, but act incredibly meek while in groups.
Symptom #2: Closet Optimists never forget the moment when a “naysayer” stripped them of their will to fight and therefore are reluctant to take risks in sharing their personal perspectives on a variety of topics.
Symptom #3: Closet Optimists often dream of what it would be like to be a part of a staff that exemplifies a positive spirit. Because of this, they tend to be educators who are always in pursuit of greener pastures.
Symptom #4: Sadly, Closet Optimists are likely to turn into “naysayers” over time due to a lack of exercising their once positive attitudes.
Do these symptoms sound familiar? Do you know a Closet Optimist? Are you a Closet Optimist? Visit our blog in the coming days as I offer four prescriptions for this educational illness.
Why is it that in an institution that preaches the importance of teamwork to children (public education) so many of our educators make the decision to act with blatant independence? I would contend that it’s not because we have a school system filled with loners, but more so because we have a school system filled with people who feel alone. This, coupled with the sometimes strong negative voices of a very small percentage of a staff, creates a silent group of educators that I call the “Closet Optimists”.
So, what makes up a Closet Optimist and how do you know if you are one who falls into this overpopulated group of educators? Watch the attached video to find out more.