The bravery and support of ‘Cover and Move’
Picture a war movie action scene…
I bet one of two things is happening.
You’re visualising a team or individual advancing towards a target, or you’re visualising a team or individual gravitating towards safety.
Either way, both scenarios have a goal; executed with purpose.
Now, zoom out on that ‘goal’.
I bet that goal is part of a broader ‘strategic mission’.
I bet there’s apprehension, anticipation, tension, excitement, and fear.
I bet there’s also an underlying driver of moral purpose.
I bet there’s even a reluctance to move, because the outcome is uncertain.
But… They go anyway.
‘Cover and Move’ is a fundamental and strategic military tactic.
It provides relative safety, in the face of the unknown.
It affords relational security, knowing others have your back.
It propels collective effort, creating the opportunity to move.
Teamwork, unity, progress.
I’d never suggest effective implementation of Restorative Practice parallels with the significance of life-and-death decisions made on a battlefield. I’ll respectfully contend, however, that both scenarios share decision-making opportunities that have life-altering endings.
Contemporary practice commands courage.
Moving together requires committed teamwork.
Stepping into the unknown involves psychological safety.
How well does your school know it’s broader strategic mission?
How well does each member of the team know what’s expected from them and of others?
Does your school have the conditions of cover firmly established for team members to move safely in unison?
My Term 2 Encouragement:
What’s the hill you’d rather run down, than die on?
How can the tactic of ‘Cover and Move’ be your ally to execute on this?
Yours in bravery and support.
