Sharing Good Practice
To that end , consider embracing the following STORM principles :
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– Stop and realize this storm is just one of many you will face . This storm will teach you lessons for the next , bigger storm , meaning you don ’ t need to fear the storm , but instead , learn from it . Take down the notes of what went well or not so well and then move on . Don ’ t live in the storm ’ s aftermath for too long , or you ’ ll forget your higher calling .
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– Take the time to carefully weigh all options , talking to multiple persons for insight and reflection . Unless your storm includes an immediate risk to life and limb , time is your best friend in a storm . Thoughtful and carefully researched solutions or protections are better than reckless responses .
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– Open your heart and mind to criticism . Hearing that we didn ’ t respond well or made less thoughtful decisions in a prior storm is deeply painful to our ego , but how can we grow if we don ’ t improve upon our weaknesses ? Remember , you build your capacity to deal with the crises the more you deal with crises , so accept that you were still learning , take a deep breath , and made stronger decisions .
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– Remember how scared , helpless , or hopeless you felt in your last storm , so that you understand why you need to respond to those impacted by the current crisis with compassion and patience . What doesn ’ t seem like a big deal to you may be the very thing that is keeping your staff or student awake at night . Even when you ’ re angry , frustrated , tired , and on the verge of walking away for good , thinking , “ I don ’ t need this in my life ,” you must be the leader who leads , and that includes exercising compassion when you don ’ t feel like it .
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– Make a purposeful effort to over-communicate , remaining verbally and emotionally transparent , except in cases where personnel or safety issues mean you can ’ t divulge information . Assure those impacted by this storm that you are weighing all
options and considering the inputs of people experienced in this field or with this matter . It is ok to not have all the answers , but don ’ t leave your people in the dark while you process and figure out how to deal with the aftermath of the storm . When you lack a solution , communicate that you ’ re working on it , and start talking to the experts who can help you reflect and act well .
Storms come in all shapes and sizes in our schools and homes . From students who are upset with how they ’ ve been assessed to teachers who feel their instruction was evaluated unfairly , or parents who worry their child is unsafe or disrespected in the school community , many triggers can initiate a storm .
Unfortunately , gossip , social media , and rumors can exacerbate the storms and lead to unrealistic impressions about what is true or about what REALLY happened . Earning a license or degree in leadership never really teaches you how to effectively deal with all of these storms , because there ’ s more to leadership than just the crisis of the day .
Never forget that much of your success in a storm will be based on experience . You learn by doing , and you grow every time you realize you ’ ve made a weak decision and / or failed to consider how your decisions might impact people . But that ’ s life , and you need to trust that you will get better at responding to storms as you face each one with determination , grit , and a strong support team around you . Don ’ t fear the storms . Instead , embrace them and encourage the lessons they teach about how to grow as a leader . Each storm will only serve to deepen your wisdom , insight , and compassion for those who face the next storm with you . Stay strong and remember these STORM principles to build overall leadership capacity and effectiveness . You ’ ve got this !
Dr . Lori Brown is a former teacher and administrator who currently works for Scholastic and serves as the President of Dawn Star Consulting LLC . She lives in the mountains of western North Carolina and enjoys researching and writing about leadership , safe schools , and effective practices .
Class Time Term 2 Jan - Mar 2022 09