Assume Positive Intent by Becky FitzPatrick https://padlet.com/beckyfitz/urqp2903e4u7 Made with charisma en-us 2017-09-01 22:05:41 UTC 2026-01-12 01:32:03 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Lightdecrease.png edavis42 https://padlet.com/beckyfitz/urqp2903e4u7/wish/184361603 This article made me realize that when frustrated I often "vent" to someone. Maybe instead of venting I need to take those 10 deep breaths we tell our students to use and refocus myself. I could write down my thoughts and frustrations and return to the person I was talking with. I could re-enter the conversation with positive intent knowing we are all working towards the same goal - "What is best for kids?"]]> 2017-09-02 16:05:03 UTC https://padlet.com/beckyfitz/urqp2903e4u7/wish/184361603 This is hard sometimes because I want to talk with the first person I see or to my teammates but I get why I need to wait to talk to the person I was originally talking with. beckyfitz https://padlet.com/beckyfitz/urqp2903e4u7/wish/184373231 2017-09-02 21:09:46 UTC https://padlet.com/beckyfitz/urqp2903e4u7/wish/184373231 nabrown https://padlet.com/beckyfitz/urqp2903e4u7/wish/184553403 This article reminded me that getting angry doesn't help solve anything. It's best to stay calm and realize that we may be misunderstanding a comment or failing to realize the intentions of the speaker. A solution can be reached! :)]]> 2017-09-04 15:58:43 UTC https://padlet.com/beckyfitz/urqp2903e4u7/wish/184553403 https://padlet.com/beckyfitz/urqp2903e4u7/wish/184555530 It's all too easy to assume that I know the attitudes and intentions that drive someone else's statements toward me.  If they are unclear or I don't absolutely know that my assumptions are true, then assuming positive intent can greatly help stabilize the conversation.  It will also help prevent me from allowing my assumptions to negatively impact my mood and self-esteem.]]> 2017-09-04 16:22:45 UTC https://padlet.com/beckyfitz/urqp2903e4u7/wish/184555530 I try to be careful with my words but also hope people know me well enough to know that I want to do my job well and don’t want to hurt anyone by what I say or do. This phrase helps remind me that I should assume the same about others. https://padlet.com/beckyfitz/urqp2903e4u7/wish/184580146 2017-09-04 21:21:23 UTC https://padlet.com/beckyfitz/urqp2903e4u7/wish/184580146 Trust issues https://padlet.com/beckyfitz/urqp2903e4u7/wish/184960746 Assuming positive intent works when there is a foundation of trust between people. Trust can be built through assertive communication. I wonder if our staff were to have an open, respectful, transparent, non-judgmental, discussion about the way things work around our building, if that would improve the trust/assumption of positive intent amongst us. However, this would mean that each member of the discussion would have to be open to listening with ears wide open and be authentic with their own thoughts. It would mean that there is no fear of retribution. It would mean that we are gathering to problem-solve and shift thinking, rather than place blame/judgment. It would be a conversation recognizing that we are all evolving and learning--not holding on to old standards/grudges. And it would also mean that we all agree to take into account others' needs besides solely our own. Lastly, it means we all acknowledge that we need to change....

]]> 2017-09-05 23:55:44 UTC https://padlet.com/beckyfitz/urqp2903e4u7/wish/184960746 Assuming positive intent is so important, but hard to do when there is question out there that all staff members are being held to the same accountability. I think another roadblock to the positive intent mindset being practiced is the question: Are we as educators committed to really doing what's best for kids. Its hard to admit, but for all of us in some way or at different times we hide behind the ideas of: https://padlet.com/beckyfitz/urqp2903e4u7/wish/186094051 -This the way it's always been done...
-This different way/new idea is just a "fad" ...
-I don't think it's going to work or its not the "right" way to ______(fill in the blank)
I see the above ideas as just ways to hide behind the reality that some of us just want to do what works for us, what we are comfortable with or what we believe, REGARDLESS if whatever that is--- is best for kids/best practice. Because of these kind of mindsets here and there it's hard to have a growth mindset and/or assume positive intent. Didn't mean to rant, but it is something that is frustrating when you want to grow, want to take risks and want to collaborate.
]]> 2017-09-09 16:35:36 UTC https://padlet.com/beckyfitz/urqp2903e4u7/wish/186094051