about meetings

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Home : 2005 : April : 24

about meetings
By cr

Went through a baptism-by-fire this year concerning poorly managed grade level meetings. They haven't been safe places to share ideas. Kept turning into gripe sessions, opinionating sessions, and dominated by strong personalities
with long dark memories; these meetings haven't been safe to make suggestions or express ideas or have differences of opinions. I tend to shut down in situations like that. Suggestions and ideas are viewed with mistrust depending upon the source - namely me. Kind of gruesome to witness, and similar to what you described. I'm reminded of the meaning of "dysfunction" - that if one

member of a family cannot get their needs met within the family unit, that family is now dysfunctional. Seems like one member of your "family" does not have her needs met at grade level meetings. I empathize with her a bit, but it's a positive you posted to learn new perspectives.
Trust is a big issue in any meeting. Could someone have the courage to make a change happen and work on making the meetings safer for her to express herself? Sounds like she hasn't been listened to very well and goes to the principal because there's someone that will. Will someone in the grade level focus on listening and nurturing trust again? It's going to take some time and practice to make the healing.
It's taking a lot of gumption for this person to stay professional and involved with my eclectic grade level teachers. I believe this is the stuff that causes teachers to be lost to the profession - coworkers quick to criticize but slow to ask questions, listen, and support each other though differences, change, or hard times. Suggest all acknowledge their differences respectfully and gentle things down. See what happens when one person makes the change and practices the skill of listening, reassuring, and reaffirming. Let her know her opinions are valued. Meetings need to be a safe place to share ideas.