David Maxfield suggests these approaches to educators for reducing stress and improving outcomes:
- Don’t wait until you’re angry. Handle crucial issues as they come up instead of waiting until they are too much to handle.
- Ask the humanizing question. Ask yourself, “Why would a reasonable, rational, decent person do that?” Assume best intentions. See others as people with flaws instead of villains.
- Start with safety. Begin important conversations by finding common ground. Be respectful.
- Eliminate excuses. Voice concerns. Improving the school is everyone’s duty. Don’t fall back on “it’s not my job.”
- Seek out dialogue, not monologue. Don’t approach a conversation as an opportunity to speak your mind and hope the other person listens. Approach a conversation as an opportunity to share your views and hear others’ perspectives.
Author: David Maxfield
