Had Enough

Colleagues,

MVP: Unsupported people go elsewhere

Tayla was frustrated yet again and this was the final straw. It always felt like she was being undermined. She tried to hold her students to high standards. She tempered her no-nonsense approach with a healthy dose of care for her students. She desperately wanted the best for them and one of the ways she did this was to hold them to high expectations.
 
These expectations sometimes put her in conflict with parents, or even other teachers. Even though her principal was quick to say “I support you”, Tayla often felt less than supported. This was especially true when she was asked to “reconsider” a decision she had made thoughtfully.
 
After Thursday’s meeting with a disgruntled parent and her principal, Tayla felt undermined. Again.
 
On Friday, she turned in her resignation, and her principal was a loss for words.
 
Today’s intention: Ever felt unsupported? Did the person you wanted support from realize how you felt? Reflect on any recent conflicts – who might have felt supported? Or not?

The stories this week are about schools, but the lessons apply to all leaders. Two weeks ago, I spoke with three teachers who are leaving the profession. While each daily message will stand on its own, there is an underlying theme which I will pull together on Friday.


Cheers!

​Frederick