Change The Atmosphere – Be the Breath of Fresh Air!

The culture of a workplace has a huge impact on our happiness.
Right now, I am very fortunate.
I work with an incredible team.
We regularly laugh together and occasionally cry together but we constantly cheer each other on.

This has not always been the case.
I have had seasons in my career where the culture was “off”.
There has been divisions and cliques.
There has been allegations and legal investigations.
There has been violent outbursts and abusive words (not just from kids).

I have worked for strong bosses who could be judgemental and harsh.
I have worked for gentle bosses who allowed badly behaved students, parents and staff to run amok.
I have worked with disgruntled teachers who painted a dismal picture about the future of education.

Marinating in the misery of others is contagious.
Negativity breeds negativity and we all pull each other deeper into the hole.

But here’s the thing about a culture.
It’s always growing and changing.
And it’s built by people.

I am a person.

So…

Am I a complainer?
Or
Am I a problem solver?

Am I a whinger?
Or
Am I an encourager?

Am I an eye roller?
Or
Am I a smiler?

Am I easy to offend?
Or
Am I an extender of grace?

Am I harsh?
Or
Am I kind?

To be 100% honest, I have been all of the above.
I have also learnt that a huge chunk of my personal joy is the direct result of how I respond.
We always have a choice.

How to be a happy teacher… choose to be a breath of fresh air.

Thanks for reading along,
Jen 💙

IMPORTANT SIDE NOTE: I want to acknowledge that your specific situation might be incredibly challenging.
If you are in a toxic work environment, I encourage you to take whatever steps you need to take to protect yourself. Remember there are thousands of great schools out there.

ALSO:
If you want a few tips on how to start a tiny change for the better, read on. If you need some personal encouragement and support, click the “Contact Me” tab.

Little ways to be a part of the solution:

• Be kind. Say kind words. Smile at someone.
• Excuse yourself politely from the nasty conversation. Don’t get involved.
• Become a genius at changing the topic (weekend plans, sports teams, family stories, latest Netflix binge).
• Build relationships around common interests not common enemies.
• Get involved in the great things that are going on – lead the choir, support the dance group, start an art club, chess club, coding club, uno club, random acts of kindness club!
• Say politely what you need to say to the person you need to say it to, before you say it to anyone else.
• Golden rule number 1 – do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
• Golden rule number 2 – if you can’t say something nice, keep your mouth shut.
• Focus your time and energy on your kids and teaching them well, not on the drama.
• Go outdoors for a lesson or for lunch.
• Pull up a different chair in the staff meeting or at the staffroom table.
• Look after yourself, eat well, sleep well, walk, stretch, relax.
• Prioritise the things that bring you joy in your real life when you aren’t working.