A few years ago, some friends and I were out for a large group ride through the hills of Tennessee. We were all clad in the most awesome of riding outfits. Brightly colored and skin tight, we rolled out looking like slightly over-weight Tour de France rejects. With moderate speed, we hit the road. This was my network. They were my brothers and sisters. This was my tribe and we were on the move!
We moved as a well-oiled machine. Each would tuck behind the other as we moved down the road. We would take turns as the leader of the pack. The person in the front is always responsible for setting the pace of the group and taking a beating from the wind. This method has been used by cyclists for years and is referred to as drafting. Because the leader is breaking the wind (not THAT way!), the others in the group have a chance to rest before it is their turn to take the lead. The end result is an overall faster ride because of your work as a group.
As our pack moved towards a stop light, another group of bikers pulled beside us. They were dressed a bit differently. Black leather, scuffed boots, burly beards, and chain wallets were their trademark look. Yes, we were sitting side by side with a group of bikers on motorcycles. I feel that they were impressed with the glamor of our neon outfits because not a word was spoken. We looked each other over and gave a nod. Both groups quietly judging the other and making mental jokes about the Village People. Then the light turned green and both groups rolled out. To this day, I wish I had taken a moment to ask one of them if they shave their legs to be more aerodynamic. I mean everyone does! Right?
As they pulled away, I noticed something strange. They rode in a similar manner as we did on our bikes. One would lead and the others would fall in order behind. There was no discussion or planning. It occurred naturally. Every rider understood what was needed for the group to ride safely together. This group was a lot like mine, just not as cool.
It is funny how these groups form. The people I ride with weekly are from different walks of life and different parts of the world. We each have very different personalities that enhance our groups’ dynamics and makes things interesting. We look different. We speak languages and dialects (they love southern draw and euphemisms). Each one of us plays a role in the group. There is the “loveable optimist” who is always having the time of his life no matter how bad the conditions are that day. The “group cheerleader” who is always supporting everyone in the group in some way at weekly rides or on race day. The “cyborg” that works out like a beast and pushes us to be better (Honestly, we are a little afraid of her!). The “godfather of racing” who keeps us on track and will call you out when you are slacking. I guess I am the “fat redneck madman” of the group. Together, we have made our own tribe.
This tribe is not one of blood but a tribe based on common goals and a shared interest.
I have rode with countless people over the years. There are races with thousands of riders on the course and you will see these groups naturally form. Strangers will fall into a pattern and work together. I have bonded with complete strangers on courses that were 100+ miles without speaking a word. I usually find them after the race, introduce myself, and congratulate them. On that day, we were part of our own tribe.
Our schools have a tribe within them also. They are made up of the teachers, students, parents, bus drivers, and several others. As leaders, you won’t be able to as easily “choose” your tribe. You may have a group of teachers that have been tenured since Roosevelt was in office and aren’t going anywhere. You may have that student that has been at your school so long his beard is as long as his discipline record. There is always a parent who has 38 kids and will still have a child in kindergarten when you retire. This is the way of schools. The fact remains that you must build this group into the tribe you need.
There are three steps to building your TRIBE in your school.
1. Choose wisely!
You will get the chance to choose some of your staff as time goes on. This is where you, as the leader, have a chance to build your tribe the way you envision it. Before you hire, think about what you really want and need out of a new staff member. Just because someone has the shiniest resume doesn’t mean they are going to be a good fit to your group. A highly effective teacher can be a cancer to your morale if they don’t fit into the group. I always think about my school’s culture first when hiring. I have found my gut response is usually the right one. Every time I have hired someone that I didn’t feel would be successful in my gut, it ends in disaster.
2. Focus on your common goal!
You would think this would be an easy one. The correct answer is kids, right? Yes and no depending on who you ask. Most teachers got into education to help children learn. Parents want their children to be successful. The problem is that members of the group get caught up in their own stress and outside pressures, they lose sight of that simple goal. You, as the leader, must help keep the focus of the group on student success. Test scores come and go. Let your tribes passion be all about healthy, happy, and successful kids.
3. Establish expectation and practice
I began this blog with a story about my cycling tribe seamlessly working together. The reality is this didn’t happen overnight. My first year riding with a group was terrifying and dangerous to others in the group. I was riding with only myself in mind. I would pass others and brake erratically. I won’t go into my misunderstanding of the “snot rocket” protocol while riding. Needless to say, I was a mess until someone smartened me up to what was expected in the group.
The same goes for your school’s tribe. You can’t just expect everyone to “know” what is expected of them. You must be explicit. Tell the person point blank what you want or need for them to be successful in the tribe. Practice these expectations. The more people practice, the more seamless the day becomes. I have teachers in my building that know what I’m thinking when I think it. They know me and my reactions. I know them also. We don’t have to talk about it we understand each other. This came for years together and “practicing” the groups expectations.
As time passes, you will have several tribes in your life. The stronger the tribe, the more successful all of you will be at meeting groups goals. As a leader, focus on becoming the member of the tribe that breaks through the wind and prepares the rest of the group to take the lead. Become the one that sets the pace for the group. Learn to love and trust your tribe, as I do. No man stands alone in this world. Not in sports. Not in education. Not in life.
Next week: The Dangers of Data!!
Till then…
Stay Sharp
Dr.S