THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK!

PERSPECTIVE KEEPS YOUR MIND AND EMOTIONS ON TRACK!

Perspective allows us to control our thinking and emotions.
Something to think about:
1. Do you believe, "Perspective can balance your mind and your emotions?"
2. Why do you think it is important to understand the whole-school perspective?
3. Think of someone who always seems to have things in perspective. What might his or her secrets be?
4. Think of an example from your own professional experience that shows the importance of maintaining a positive perspective.

This week, I wish to ellaborate on this topic considering it is valuable information. I believe we all need to be reminded about keeping things in perspective. Without perspective, it's easy to have all the right answers to the wrong questions.

Perspective is the ability to see and understand people and situations when we don't have all of the information. Perspective is what gives us sanity, balance, and wisdom when we need it most - and when we need to be in control of our thinking and emotions. Perspective is what allows us to respond more intelligently and more professionally in any situation.

There are six keys to functioning professionally:
1. Whole-school perspective - Look at the big picture rather than the small picture. You and your class are only one part of the total school mission. Whatever you "do or don't do" individually or as a class can affect the whole school.
2. There are "two sides to every story". If and when you hear something that makes you angry, stop and realize that you have only heard one side. Go to the source for accurate information which will enable you to acquire the perspective to react professionally and intelligently in every situation.
3. Don't assume! It's always a mistake to assume and take action. Again, go to the source for accurate information and remember, a professional perspective may not come instantly. Think before speaking and reacting.
4. Use the perspective that "life is not always fair and people around you will make mistakes - sometimes very ill-advised and foolish mistakes. Perspective should remind you of this reality!
5. Perspective should advise you that it's always wise to cancel any urge to retaliate. Remember, two wrongs NEVER make a right.
6. Remember the perspective that "This, too, shall pass." Make every effort to bite your tongue and reveal your empathy and maturity in problem situations. Always try to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.