Vulnerability before Trust

As I continue to read the book, "Culture Code" by Daniel Coyle, I always stop and think about what this book look means to us as a school, in my home, in our classrooms and our gyms.  This week, the topic was vulnerability.  I had a personal counselor tell me one time that I was going to have to be vulnerable and that my relationships would flourish if I was able to do that.  At the time, I really didn't understand what that meant and thought it was stupid!  I have come to realize that vulnerability is just letting my armor down and letting others see and feel my weaknesses.  When we do this, in our homes, classrooms, community organizations, we are able to build trusting and strong relationships with those around us.  

I wanted to share a few resources with you.  One is a quote from the book, "Culture Code" and the other is a YouTube video from Brene Brown.   Hope this extends your understanding and helps you strengthen your relationships with others! 

Dr. Jeff Polzer, professor of organizational behavior at Harvard, spent a chunk of his career examining vulnerability.   "People tend to think of vulnerability in a touchy-feely way, but that is not what is happening."  Its about sending a really clear signal that you have weaknesses, that you could use help.  And if that behavior becomes a model for others, then you can set the insecurities aside and get to work, start to trust each other and help each other.  If you never have that vulnerable moment, then people will try to cover up their weaknesses and your working space becomes a place where insecurities manifest themselves."  

Brene Brown, Author - "You cannot have empathy without vulnerability.  Vulnerability is the core of love, belonging, joy and empathy."    

Important Information: 

* Surprise and Delight:  Thursday, Larry Lautner is going to pick up Chicken Sandwiches for us for lunch for high school faculty and staff.  We will not have a meeting - just lunch to show our appreciation for your hard work this month!  

* Administrative Assistant Day:  This Wednesday we will be celebrating Administrative Assistant Day!  There is never a day long enough to really celebrate and honor Janet and Sheila and all they do for us.  Even when their days are hectic and stressful, they are always kind and greet everyone with a smile.  Thanks, ladies for all you do!!

* ILEARN Testing:   Teachers that will be proctoring the ILEARN test will have a meeting in the high school Library, Wednesday morning at 8:30 a.m.  Please bring your laptops.  We will show you how to access the test, talk about the schedule and your rosters.  It is an important meeting - please be there!  Attached is a most up-to-date copy of the schedule - there are a few changes.  TEST SCHEDULE  (If you teach any junior high, there is a very likely chance you will be testing students!!)  

* Trauma Informed Community:  On Tuesday, a team of administrators, representatives from Perry County Probation, Sheriff's Department, TCPD, United Way and Perry County Memorial Hospital will travel to Fishers, Indiana to learn about how the Fishers community pulls together to help decrease suicides, work with individuals who have experienced trauma and more.  Our goal is to keep learning as a community how we can better serve the families in our community.  We are looking forward to a great trip!

* Skills USA - Josh Craney's Construction class and Bo Gibson's Additive/Engineering Teams will be competing in the Skills USA Competitions this week.  They are all held virtually due to COVID.  This is a lot of work and great opportunities for our students.   Great job!

* Homecoming - This Wednesday, April 21st, will be Homecoming on the baseball field!  The crowing will begin at 4:45 p.m.   We will have dress-up days to celebrate this week. Teachers are welcome to wear jeans to help celebrate.   Days will be:  

Monday: Neon

Tuesday: Weather

Wednesday: Crazy Green

Thursday: Mismatch

Friday: Blackout