Three Steps to Shifting Negative School Culture

Earlier today, I had a conversation with a colleague while sitting in his office. He shared how challenging work had become due to a disconnect between himself and other colleagues. Despite being a high-energy, fun-filled, and inspiring individual, he felt out of place amidst the negative energy in our office. It was eye-opening to hear this from him, especially since many people across various sectors experience similar challenges daily. Whether in corporate offices, distribution centers, or sales floors, discrepancies in workplace culture are common. There's a pressing need for strategies to effectively address these issues.

During our talk, he paused and asked, "Kyle, how can I protect my energy and still perform well? I'm starting to dread coming here because of the people. What would you recommend?" Realizing you dread your workplace due to the surrounding negativity is disheartening and can ultimately impact your job performance.

Following our discussion, I outlined what I call "The Three Ps" to help minimize the negative pressure at work while staying positive:

• Protect

• Perform

• Prevail

Protect | Channel Your Energy

It's challenging to stay positive around negative colleagues, and even more difficult to maintain a positive outlook on your job, company, or organization when surrounded by constant negativity. I encountered a similar situation at a company I previously worked for. Despite only being there for four months, I was inundated with negativity at every level.

One crucial lesson I learned during that time was how to protect and channel my energy effectively. A powerful strategy is to be the last person to speak. This approach allows you to understand rather than judge. Often, we form judgments based on people’s words, body language, and actions without understanding the underlying reasons. Instead, ask questions to uncover the root causes of their words, the motivations behind their unwelcoming body language, and the reasons for their actions. By seeking to understand, you focus your energy on finding solutions that inspire and motivate, rather than emphasizing the negative. This process not only helps protect your energy but also enriches you with wisdom through a deeper understanding of different perspectives.

Perform | Lead by Example

Stephen Covey once said, "What you do has far greater impact than what you say." This echoes what my father often told me growing up: "It's not about what you say, son, it's about what you are doing that matters." This advice translates into leading by example. In your work setting, once you've protected your energy and focused it positively into your work, the next step is simply to perform. Avoid falling into the traps of negativity, such as gossip or behind-the-back conversations. Do your job well, despite any adverse climates, conversations, or company issues. Your performance will outshine the negative talk, and in time, people will begin to be inspired by how you work and will seek to learn your methods. This opens the door for you to share your techniques, cultivate new mindsets, and empower change. Remember, the essence of leadership is not just to tell people where to go, but to show them how to get there.

Prevail | Build Character

One of the most rewarding experiences in life is to see how your actions inspire others to make changes in their own lives. To prevail means to "be victorious or to prove to be more powerful than opposing forces." By learning to prevail in times of adversity at work, you build strong, positive character traits. With patient protection and channeling of your energy, you can overcome challenges, use your trials as testimonies, and transform your mistakes into monuments of success. By remaining patient and positive through uncomfortable pressures, you project yourself forward. The next time you face adversity in the workplace, instead of complaining about others' actions, ask yourself how you can protect your energy and lead by example to empower change and build positive character traits.

For teachers grappling with a negative school environment, transforming the culture may seem daunting, but it is possible through deliberate and consistent efforts. By embracing the three-step approach of Protect, Perform, and Prevail, you can begin to influence your surroundings positively.

Firstly, protect your energy by staying observant and responsive rather than reactive. This allows you to maintain your integrity and focus amidst negativity. Secondly, lead by example. Excellence in your duties sets a standard and demonstrates the effectiveness of positivity over negativity. Lastly, strive to prevail over adversities by building resilience and positive character traits. This not only enhances your personal growth but also inspires and uplifts those around you.

As you implement these steps, remember that change does not occur overnight. It requires patience, persistence, and a proactive mindset. By consistently applying these principles, you can help foster a more supportive and encouraging atmosphere for both yourself and your colleagues, ultimately leading to a transformative and positive school culture.