Norms

For over 30 years international school leaders, teachers, and counselors have come together for PTC professional learning experiences. Each day of every program begins with a “pearl of wisdom,” a “nugget of knowledge,” or a “gem of inspiration” from one of the participants. We are delighted to offer our readers around the world these powerful stories, insights, and strategies, all dedicated to our shared mission of ever more and better learning for our children.  

In this Pearl, Pete explores how creating norms influences decision-making, collaboration, and conflict resolution and highlights the importance of understanding and shaping these norms to foster a positive and productive environment. He warns educators entering a new school against beginning contributions to discussions with “in my old school” because it sets up an instant disconnect to the context of the situation. He suggests three questions to help stay present and focused:

1. Do you know enough about the school and the context to make your suggestion valid and implementable?
2. Is your suggestion going to help us now here and address the original issue that was put forward?
3. Do you have the capacity and the intent to assist in seeing the suggestion through to its conclusion.

If the answer to all three is yes, he says to share your thoughts and ideas with the group. If not, hold them for a later time. He notes that it’s important to create norms that acknowledge experience while also considering the context we’re in now.

Professional positions cited were the ones held at the time of recording. The positions and schools of those quoted may have since changed.