Sometimes the people we find hardest to bring on the restorative journey can feel like a thorn in our side. Yet with patience, curiosity, and a focus on growth, those same people may be the very ones waiting for the right conditions to bloom.
What do we feel when people choose to not come on this restorative journey with us?
More than likely we think of a staff member or parent/carer who sees the world differently and challenges the thinking and processes.
What do you do?
Go in harder to convince them of your belief in working restoratively?
Continue to emphasise that this is just how we do business here?
Chances are you may have done both at one time or another.
I know I did when I was a principal in one of our Real Schools partner schools.
We have a choice to stand firm and convince , or be curious and gather the data and research that talks to the successes and wins in your school. Yes, I do acknowledge that sometimes it gets worse before it gets better!
Ask questions and focus on the process.
Create the conditions for others to bloom.
We work this way to reduce the intensity and frequency of unwanted behaviour.
We go looking for the wins every day and highlighting these with everyone in our path.
We reflect on the hard data telling us that:
- Our classrooms are safer and more supportive
- Our attendance is increasingly more regular
- Our suspensions are reducing
- Our students are more engaged in their learning.
And for those who are struggling to get on our restorative bus… talk to them frequently, provide opportunities to see it in action.
Look at them as someone ready to bloom rather than a thorn in your side.
So, who are you going to share the successes with?
Who do you wish to see bloom?
Warm regards,
