I’m not awesome at using computers. Is it helpful for me to spend hours trying to be ‘good’ at computers? It could be, but I can probably guess that I would be frustrated at least 80% of the time. I would have some serious self-doubt and self-loathing going on and I would be feeling down…
Top 5 Reasons Why Some People I Work With Are So Difficult
Whenever I speak in workplaces about difficult managers and co-workers, there is always one question that always comes up… ‘How do we get rid of them?‘ But I think a more important question to ask is, ‘Why are they so difficult?’ If you have the belief that the answer to that question is that they…
Attributes of Gr8 Teams
Schools are complex places and teamwork is vital. Staff in schools are members of many teams. These include teaching teams, year level teams, faculty teams, special needs teams, front office teams, curriculum teams, project teams, leadership teams as well as work teams. Teams have the potential to be powerful problem solving groups. However, working in…
Be an “Independent” Team Player
Independence is defined as freedom from dependence; exemption from reliance on, or control by others; being in charge or direction of one’s own affairs without interference. Sounds great doesn’t it? Liberating even? You know the saying belted out by every motivational coach, “There is no I in Team”. Well I don’t agree, in fact I…
Be Connected
“A worthy building cannot be erected on a weak foundation” I recently read this quote and it made me think about the importance of taking the time and effort to connect with people. Whether you want to build a relationship with a child, a parent, a colleague, a partner or a friend, building the foundations…
The Toxic Staffroom by Brendan Zischke
What I am about to discuss here occurs in many staffrooms that I have worked in. You have been at work a few hours and it is time to head to the staffroom for lunch. Let us say that it is Monday morning and everyone wishes it was Friday. I have been here a few…
Why are relationships so important? By Ken Warren
Relationships serve our survival: There is no doubt that human beings are social animals. Our ability to support and provide for each other has ensured our survival as a species. In families that function well, they protect and help children become the best they can be and provide and support for each other. Even at…
Developing a Growth Mindset by Luke McKenna
Dear Teachers Your students do have natural talent, abilities and intelligence in some areas but that’s not the end of the story. These things are not fixed traits. Some may have a gift for story writing, art, maths or sport, but it needs to be grown. Some may not be good at science, history or…
7 Types of Difficult People
One of the challenges of working in schools is that we work with people. Each of us has people who we find difficult to deal with, whether they are fellow staff members or parents. Often they frustrate or annoy us! By identifying what makes their behaviour challenging, we can implement strategies to assist us in…
4 Key Components of Effective Teams
Teamwork is essential in schools. Each year more is expected of schools. It is essential that staff in schools work together to co-operate and share their skills and expertise to ensure that the best possible decisions are made and programs provided. Good teamwork is essential yet many staff feel frustrated when relying on others and…