Listen to this episode to learn about how you can find or create systems of support so that you can access the power of community.
Show Notes:
Episode summary:
Did you know that there is an invisible system of support that is available to all of us? Life is challenging, and we need all the support we can get. How can you become connected to this kind of system or even help to create it? In today’s episode, we’re talking about the power of community.
Author and happiness researcher Shawn Achor says, “True happiness and success can’t be pursued alone. We need the support of others, those who “get it” and keep us inspired, help us think in new ways and collectively make each other better.”
We want you to find and acess the power of community. You deserve to be surrounded by others who life you up and make you better.
In this episode:
Topic 1: The (Sometimes Unseen) Immense Power of Community
- The tree story- how intertwined tree roots make forests and individual tress stronger
- Why we use a tree in our logo and other materials
- What positive community in schools looks like
Topic 2: How to identify a struggling school community
- What are signs that a school is NOT working as a community?
Topic 3: Ways to strengthen your school or personal support system
- In the book Culture Code, NY Times Best Selling author Daniel Coyle suggests three characteristics of highly successful groups: Build Safety, Share Vulnerability, and Establish Purpose.
- Example: what does safety, vulnerability, and purpose look like at school?
- Example: what does safety, vulnerability, and purpose look like at home?
Quote
“Ecologists tell us that a tree planted in a clearing of an old forest will grow more successfully than one planted in an open field. The reason, it seems, is that the roots of the forest tree are able to follow the intricate pathways created by former trees and thus embed themselves more deeply. Indeed, over time, the roots of many trees may actually graft themselves to one another, creating an interdependent mat of life hidden beneath the earth. This literally enables the stronger trees to share resources with the weaker so the whole forest becomes healthier.
Similarly, human beings thrive best when we grow in the presence of those who have gone before. Our roots may not follow every available pathway, but we are able to become more fully ourselves because of the presence of others. “I am who I am because we are,” goes the saying, and mentors are a vital part of the invisible mat of our lives.”
Louis J. Zachary (2000). The Mentor’s Guide: Facilitating Effective Learning Relationships, (pg xiii)
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Big Potential: How Transforming the Pursuit of Success Raises Our Achievement, Happiness, and Well Being by Shawn Achor
Culture Code: The Secret of Highly Successful Groups, Daniel Coyle
The Mentor’s Guide: Facilitating Effective Learning Relationships, Louis J. Zachary
Related episodes and blog posts:
Don’t Be the Colleague that Others Want to Avoid
Use Your Team to help You Thrive
How to Strengthen Your Inner Teacher Warrior
How Well Does Your Team Function?
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Are you a teacher struggling to balance your best work with your best life?
If you are dedicated and caring but often overwhelmed and exhausted, join us at Inspired Together Teachers. We’ll give you inspiration, strategies and tips that help you navigate life’s challenges as a stronger, more confident, and more joy filled person, both in and out of the classroom.
Inspired Together Teachers will give you practical tools to experience more of what matters most in your life.
Co-hosts Paula Schmidt and Michele Vosberg are award winning educators with the experience and skills to help teachers thrive in life and work. They’ve taught at all levels, worked with thousands of teachers, and conducted workshops around the world. They are also the authors of the #1 best-selling book The Inspired Teachers Journal: A Weekly Guide to Becoming Your Best Self.
Paula and Michele would love to have you to join them on their quest to live an inspired life.
