This morning, I had an epiphany that affirmed something we all know, but fall short on sometimes -- you just can’t express appreciation enough… and the power of expressing appreciation is beyond measure.
This school year is off to a tremendous start. I am feeling so positively about things that I get giddy when I talk about it. Teachers have told me that they are feeling very supported and that many of the changes people had reservations about are turning out to be great. And in my opinion, the primary reason that the many changes we have rolled out this year in the Upper School have gone smoothly is that our faculty and staff have been working on, thinking about, debating and implementing these changes to ensure that we create the best possible experience for our students. They care deeply for kids and dedicate themselves to cultivating the best in each one.
What does this have to do with appreciation?
The frenzy of launching a school year has been all-consuming for me over the past five weeks. Challenges are there, yes… Problem solving and supporting people when difficulties arise are big parts of my job. But do I allow myself to get distracted? And at what cost?
Most days, I think I do a pretty good job of making people feel appreciated. Or do I? Am I as consistent as I want to be in making people know how much I admire and respect their work? Do I take for granted or fail to mention things that are going well? The unfortunate answer is, yes; sometimes I do fall short of my goals in this area. This is particularly true for my work with faculty and staff. I count on them to do a great job and they do. Most of the time, it is as simple and that.
As one of our program directors and I spoke this morning, it hit me that I want to be more proactive in expressing how much I appreciate each individual on our outstanding Upper School team. Some employees do not interact with me very much because I am not actively mentoring their faculty -- they have outstanding leadership and are functioning very well. But that doesn't mean I can't take the time to express to them that I notice the great job they do here at Darlington!
I see the need for positivity as so simple and obvious. But if I am honest, I have to ask, "How many times have I walked right by someone who is doing a great job with something, only to ask the person sitting next to him (or her) about a problem that I am trying to investigate or solve?" So often I get caught up in the scramble of the day that I fail to do what, if you asked me, I would say is most important -- praise outstanding work and express my sincere appreciation for our faculty and staff.
When people feel valued, they are happier, more productive, tenacious and resilient. It is the armor that protects us from life’s nay-sayers and, even worse, self doubt. When people express appreciation, they, too, benefit from the feeling of lifting others up. We have all seen the power of our positivity in the eyes of another. And we have all felt the comfort and reassurance of someone who cheered us on. Positivity is universally effective in fostering a better today and a better tomorrow. The expression of gratitude is powerful at the individual level, and immeasurably so when a group commits to it.
Poets, philosophers, scholars, religious leaders and prophets have affirmed the importance of thankfulness. Lets all commit to the investment of positivity and expressions of gratitude in our community. Let’s commit to each other that we will do a better job of expressing appreciation for the little (and big) things that, so often, go unspoken. Parents, students, faculty and staff can all benefit from expressing appreciation. This is a simple yet tremendously powerful tool. Let’s all take a little time to reflect, slow down and express gratitude.
Yes, there will be challenges. Conflicts are bound to happen. Limits will be tested and problems will need solving. Bad news will have to be delivered and received. But I can’t help but think that if I am mindful in expressing gratitude in the frenetic hum of the school day, I will be more positive and effective when the going gets rough.
And so, I would like to start with a fun day for students, faculty and staff. Next Friday, Sept. 14, will be "Dress Like A Teacher Day" at the Upper School. Costumes may mimic teachers, staff members or heads of house.
Here are the rules:
We will have a pep rally on Friday afternoon in The Cove. Then, that evening, please join us for the Pigskin Picnic! See you there!
