The story in a comedy I watched last night was all about the fear factor and how sometimes that fear factor leaves people silent in the face of problematic issues.
This is an important factor in schools and any other organization. When does the fear keep people from asking important questions, analyzing important issues, solving problems, and doing good work? In shame and blame cultures that lack transparency, the fear factor may trump good growth. If people are afraid to ask questions, analyze problems, or seek help, problems may persist and grow.
If we create cultures of fear in classrooms, we will stymie good learning as well. If children are afraid to make mistakes, ask questions, or work with a teacher, then they won't develop as well as they can. How do we create organizations that foster growth rather than fear? What can we do?
First, it's important to keep the mission of the work up front. For example the mission of schools is continued positive growth and development. Mistakes are a vital part of this learning process, and how we deal with mistakes and problems matter.
Next, we need to assess our actions that may stymie progress or create fear. Do we reply to questions with interest or do we respond with exasperation? Do we make time for good analysis or do we rush problem solving. Do we create routines and schedule that prioritize the most important aspects of learning and teaching or do our schedules and routines stymie the best of what we can do with children to promote optimal learning and teaching?
And, we have to see each problem as an opportunity to do better and improve our work towards the organizational mission--a problem should signal an opportunity for betterment rather than a chance to shame and blame others.
When educators are actively learning and developing, we find ourselves in the midst of the learning process. This gives us a first hand view with regard to betterment processes, work, and effort. Onward.
