Have you ever wondered about *that* person, who no matter what, thinks the work is the best and amazing! The person is always quick to tell folks "quit grumbling" or "we must look for the best in everything?"
No matter what, the person is always positive- even when the situation does not call for a positive viewpoint. The person may be asking shady questions- like "Can I hand in lesson plans early" or " Is it ok if I don't use my classroom budget this year" or "I want to get in my classroom a week early to set it up" and you think "Wow, am I a grump?" NO YOU ARE NOT A GRUMP! The person you are thinking of may be experiencing TOXIC POSITIVITY. A very horrible process swept through America, especially in education, since 1982, Toxic positive people, no matter what, always looked and exuded false, and damaging positivity. Toxic positivity is the belief that no matter how dire or difficult a situation is, people should maintain a positive mindset. (Cherry, 2021) We see that in schools, as superintendents tell us "Be happy you even have a job" We see that when principals say "We are a family, we are a happy family" We see that when teachers say " A bright outlook will outshine a gloomy Gus" When people respond to a negative event, a difficult situation, or tell others to "choose happy" then that person is TOXIC! And with so many changes happening in education, the world, and our society, we have to feel our feelings. We must recognize our right to negative feelings, reactions, and "Wow, this isn't great" inner monologues. Think about this: We ask teachers to start their careers doing volunteer work so schools can limit their budgets. We ask teachers to volunteer to complete tasks, because the system doesn't have the resources. Teachers are considered unprofessional if they do not volunteer to sit on committees, lead events, or plan extras for students. Our schools do not supply teachers with adequate materials, or paid time to set up classrooms. Administrators, fearful that Boards of Education will dismiss them, will not truly ask for what is necessary to run a school. So let us see what we need: A teacher needs: a living wage to afford adequate housing with out an insane commute. A teacher needs: a living wage to pay back student loans, and afford graduate degrees if the state requires it. A teacher needs: funding to pay for testing to earn certification before they begin teaching. A teacher needs an adequate living wage to pay for food, fuel, heating, clothing, safe transportation and healthcare. To teach in their classes: A teacher needs adequate adult support in the form of co teachers, aides, assistants, custodial staff, librarians, health care workers, and support staff for bussing, cafeteria, and hall aides. A teacher needs a safe classroom- well lit, well ventilated, and temperature controlled. A teacher needs adequate technology, reading, writing, math, science, social studies, arts, and seating options for students. A teacher needs parents as partners. A teacher needs support from a mentor/ PLC, and administration. A teacher needs respect from community, politicians, and society. Teachers should not sacrifice their own comforts to ensure students have what they need. Teachers should not be forced to work days beyond contract to do institutional activities. Our military has many behind the front service people supporting our front line heroes. For every 1 front liner, 10 support exist. In the schools, every 10 teachers are supported by 1 behind the scenes person. If we had adequate support, and we were less "uber polite" we could tell Toxic Positive people, get professional help. Seriously. Toxic Positivity destroys staff culture and morale. It is disingenuous, disrespectful, and discourteous. Yes, the sun will come out tomorrow as Little Orphan Annie said, but today we are in the midst of a massive thunderstorm. So acknowledge the storm, stay protected, and help people find the rays without being over the top! CTJ Solutions LLC Principal Casey Thomas Jakubowski, PhD has relocated, August 20th 2022 to the DELMARVA peninsula city of Salisbury MD. He is continuing his practice, and will be focusing on educational clients.
Today's tech rich environment isn't good.
Our youngest generation is losing important skills and self regulation because of the, as Nicholas Carr says, the internet has really changed our brains. Further more our older adults are losing the ability as they have been required to save log ins and passwords for so many significant issues. Jobs have been lost and not replaced, especially in the areas of customer service. and wait times chew up significant time that is lost to waiting.... for no one. Tech was supposed to be a life saver, but has become a dredge on our society. We are anxious, companies demand us plugged in even on non contract hours, and when we are sick or on vacation. IT IS TOO MUCH! Star Trek made the BORG famous for "resistance is futile." Instead, resist, unplug, demand less tech and more real life. Do your best, at every job you do!
In my life, and my experiences at work, I have held one major point my parents taught me: try your best at what you do, no matter what! While we face a structural system that has resulted in problems across the world, we often forget that details are really critical in doing a job well done. I have experienced so many instances where the "do more with less" directives from multi million/ billion dollar companies in private industry, and the severe underfunding of public institutions have resulted in far too many people trying to do to much with far too little support. At every turn of my schooling, training, and experience, as an Eagle Scout, as a member of Alpha Phi Omega, and work, I have always try to do my best. Yet I am finding way to often I am overwhelmed. I find that others are way overwhelmed. We are overwhelmed because our society wants the cheapest, shortest, and fastest path to a product or service. We can not pay attention to details unless we have clear space in our minds and our health, and the freedom to focus. What is being demanded of us, in our society service industry, governmental services, and in places where the demand is on the worker to meet everyone's needs/wants/ desires without adequate support is un doable. We need decision makers, policy makers, and many others to realize that our systems are starved for resources, and we need to invest! Like our economic rivals, following World War II, we must invest in education! We must invest in healthcare. We must uncomplicate systems. That will be the process to improve customer service, and improve people's belief and faith in systems and structures which have decreased since the 1970s. We also need people to care about each other, with the basis of as a society, we value each member. No more tax breaks for the wealthy companies who refuse to invest local. No more quarterly profits as the be all and end all. We must have long term investment, and infrastructure, not dependent on philanthropy, but systematic investment, care and compassion. If YOU feel over whelmed, please, invest in yourself, get help, and think if you need a change. Businesses care about a bottom line, not the process behind the numbers. I however care about you, because you are a human, and as the Humanists said, you are worthy because you are a human! |
AuthorOver 20 years experience in consulting for improvement. Lean and Six Sigma Certified. PhD in Leadership Archives
November 2022
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