When I wrote “Forward, Together,” it was not only about dealing with adversity, but also about ensuring we focus on building our community up before they need it. Because eventually, they will need it.
In fact, I discussed this in the final chapter, titled “Every school is a community school.”
“That was my hope in writing this book. That schools won’t be the center of their communities but will become the communities we all hope to have. We often talk about living in a global community, and although that carries some truth,
what you do locally can inspire people both locally and globally.”
In the last couple of years, I have been obsessed with the idea of community. This is not because I have lost focus on innovation, but because innovation doesn’t happen without building a culture of support that encourages risk-taking.
If you push me, I need to know you have my back.
When you are focused on something, you often see it.
For example, you buy a red car, feel like you rarely see them, and all of a sudden, you see a red car everywhere.
But sometimes, when you are focused on something, good or bad, you don’t just find it. It finds you.
Yet I realize how long I have always focused on community.
For example, the guiding question of “The Innovator’s Mindset” is “How do we move from pockets of innovation to a culture of innovation?”
“Forward, Together” is not a different direction. It is a bookend to “The Innovator’s Mindset.” To do incredible things for and with students, building and maintaining community is crucial.
And as much as we talk about the possibilities for students, the culture starts with adults.
Not only have I seen experiences where staff doesn’t feel supported, but in fact they have been outright bullied. Not by people outside of school (although that happens), but by colleagues.
Messages I get from educators in summer are often heartbreaking. Adults who are focused on helping kids move on from places where the obstacle feels like the adults, in and out of the building. Sometimes, they hold themselves back in the classroom because they feel ostracized for striving to be more.
Too often, people would rather pull you down to their level than lift themselves up to yours.
So let’s talk about the opposite.
This summer, I saw experiences created by staff and adversity faced by communities where people were not focused on being a “global citizen” but knew how important it was to focus on the people in their school, city, or town. It is pretty hard to change the world unless you are supported where you live. I was never inspired by the adversity these communities faced; I was inspired by how staff came together when obstacles arose.
No matter how good things are, you will face adversity as a community.
That is why you want to build others up early rather than way too late.
Just this past week, I was in Huntington Beach, and the way one staff member cheered for their team (let’s go, Ocean View High School!) gave me a huge boost of energy to keep going with my talk.
That passion reminded me of running races.
People often come there to support their own family and friends, but while they are waiting for them, they lift the strangers who pass by. That is what a great community does: they not only take care of each other but also inspire others to do the same.
Here is another example.
I was in Lawton, Oklahoma, at the beginning of August, and I knew nobody there. I walked into this school community that is brand new to me, and the first person to come up to me is a new staff member who, in the crowd, finds me and asks, “I am new to this district; do you know how to get to the gym?”
Talk about bad luck! Literally, the one person who probably knew the least out of over 1000 people!
But then I was greeted by so many incredible people, as was this new teacher. They didn’t just make me feel welcome; I watched them welcome new people while also embracing those they had known for years. This is a typical experience in so many communities, and I love seeing it in schools.
What stood out to me was a specific moment that started the day. The superintendent took the mic and said, “To begin the day, Tony will be singing the national anthem.”
I was about five feet from someone who yelled, “YES!” excitedly.
Immediately, I knew the whole room was in for a treat.
And wow, Tony (you will see him in a bit) took that mic and goosebumps. Literally, brought to tears.
The best national anthem rendition I have ever seen was Whitney Houston at the Super Bowl, and now a close second is Tony at Lawton Public Schools in Oklahoma. Depending on my mood, Tony could be number one.
Incredible.
And as much as I loved his singing, it was the “Yes!” that really struck a chord for me. That gave me all the feels.
And that group of staff didn’t just do that for Tony.
They did it for others.
They did it for me.
And EVERYONE did better because of this group of staff who cheered on everyone in a way that not only lifted those they were cheering, but also everyone else around.
You see, a strong community cheers each other on before people need it.
And our feelings are contagious.
Do you remember when people were obsessed with “Toxic Positivity?” It was a thing you could not stop hearing about, and if we are being honest, it was typically from some pretty grumpy people.
Do I believe “Toxic Positivity” is a thing? Sure.
Here is an example.
Let’s say my house is burning down, and I am sitting in the middle of it, and I say, “Ooh! It is nice and warm in here!” That is toxic positivity.
If my house was burning down, do you know what I would do? Find a way to stop the fire.
Positive people don’t ignore the problem; they find the solution.
But the “toxic positivity” movement was a way to shut people up, no matter their focus. I was never interested in participating. I kept my distance from that mentality. As did others. But it affected many.
One time in particular, I remember a teacher I know posting online something to the effect of, “I hope people don’t get bothered by this, but I have been having a really great year.” He was so worried that his enjoying his year would offend someone. Is that the culture we want to create?
The cheers of that group from Lawton and Ocean View (Huntington Beach) were not because everything was easy. The cheers came because things get hard, and it is easier to deal with when you know someone has your back.
Whether you are positive or negative, it spreads. What do you hope goes viral?
Lift the people you work with before they need to be elevated. They might not need it now, but they will benefit eventually.
And the way I am going to lift you is by sharing Tony singing below. Not only did he give me chills with his gifts, but the chills came from the staff cheering him on before he sang that first note.
We need more of that.
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