Some situations are messy. The messiness is caused by a lack of clarity, differing perspectives, less support, little leadership and unclear objectives. There's a temptation to steer clear of messy situations, yet if we don't deal with these uncomfortable and unclear events, they typically get greater and more messy.
So what's a teacher to do?
In general, I think it's best to deal with messy situations in a straightforward way that deconstructs the situation. What's happening? What should be happening? How can we clean up the situation and make positive change?
Uncomfortable questions and information
Sometimes messy situations persist because people are afraid to look incompetent. They are worried that their weakness will show so they stay silent. Sometimes people are afraid of the response they'll receive too. They might think, "If I ask that question, express that need, or relay my feelings, others will get angry or upset--is it worth it?" Fear of response or worry about seeming incompetent can stymy situations in any environment. If a child in school is afraid to ask a question about their misunderstanding, the misunderstanding will continue. If an employee is afraid to request a supply or report a broken tool, the tool will remain broken and the supply need unmet. Therefore we have to reach beyond our fear and worry, to ask the needed questions, ask for what we need, and share the important information, and we have to do that with respect. For example, as we try to understand a recent issue with field trips, I can't understand a financial report that's been distributed--I don't know why the figures on one report don't match the figures on another report. It's likely that there's an accounting process I am unaware of related to the report I don't understand. So I have to reveal my lack of knowledge to better understand the situation and help to create a better process for field trips. It's humbling to do this, but I believe it's necessary.
Own your shortcomings
Some hold the belief that it's never good to show your shortcomings. These kinds of people rarely to never apologize or note that they have made an error or are unable to complete a task. Others freely share their mistakes and shortcomings. Most fall somewhere on the continuum. We see this in all aspects of our personal and professional lives. I think it's best to own your shortcomings with compassion and care--none of us know it all, and all of us have areas of strength and areas of challenge. The more we are upfront about that and help each other, the better we'll be able to deal with all situations including the messy ones.
Use respect
It is always right to be respectful. This may not be easy when you're upset, frustrated, or worried, but it's always the best aim and way to be. As noted in previous posts, the quote from the book, Getting to Yes, is ideal "Go hard on the problem, not the people."
Be Honest
Messiness can lead people to stretch the truth. It's best to be honest because less honesty leads to greater messiness. In most situations, people's aim is admirable and well-directed. Mistakes, errors, and messiness are best cured by honest investigation, conversation, and collaboration. Exaggeration and untruths typically inflame and confound situations instead. Precision helps in these situations too. When I think about this, I recognize that some of the best problem solvers in my midst are open minded, respectful, and precise.
Take situations great and small seriously
Sometimes a callous, carefree, or ridiculing nature can make fun of or make light situations great and small. No matter what the situation is, it's important to take it seriously--to treat situations that are important to people with a callous, ridiculing, or carefree nature only leads to greater messiness, confusion, and disrespect. I was reminded of this recently when a child had a child-like problem that was very serious to them. It was tempting to not take the situation seriously since from an adult view point it was such a small and seemingly silly situation, but to the child it was dramatic and troubling--a situation that required a serious attitude by all.
Messy situations are uncomfortable for all of us. In fact, when messy situations are not dealt with, they can become tremendously time consuming and harmful to a family, community, or professional culture. That's why it's important to deconstruct these situations and improve them with honesty, respect, a serious attitude, leadership, and collaboration in a step-by-step manner with an eye on betterment. We can do this. Onward.
