TM4T Stress Armoury 26 - Taking Responsibility

Now we have our little arguments here at TM4T, with little tantrums, and one of the topics which causes most debate is this: TM4T is NOT a management handbook.

Our resources are not aimed at the leadership team (life's too short); they are aimed at the chalkface teacher... and that makes some of our advice kind of tricky.  Why?  Because, stress in the workplace (what we call WISE) is overwhelmingly a management issue, and - in our humble opinion - one of the reasons that UK schools are so stressful is simple management incompetence.

That, however, does not absolve the rest of us from blame. The leadership are not solely responsible for the smooth-running of the school; we all have a part to play.  We believe that it actually reduces the stress experienced by the individual teacher, if they can help to reduce the stress which is suffered by their colleagues. It makes the individual feel more in control, more positive, and more active in the struggle with stress.

So, how can you help?  Well there are a whole host of stress-causers in school, and unless you are virtue personified, it is likely that you are contributing to at least one of them. Read the list; look deep into yourself; and ask 'am I - little old me - causing stress?'

Causes of Petit-Stress in UK Schools

Lack of basic communication about recent, current or imminent events

Unnecessary form filling

Reluctance to share resources, or make colleagues' lives easier

Local customs, inconsistent standards, secrecy (doing things in a way different to published policy)

Personality conflicts and long-running professional disagreements

Unfair distribution of work; trivial slacking; difference in treatment

Messiness in public spaces; infringement of what-is-seen-as-personal spaces

Lack of respect for other teachers' belongings, resources, facilities

Lack of involvement in minor decision-making

Ineffective meetings (including corridor meetings)

Over-emphasis of status or privilege

Lack of basic social skills or omitting social conventions.

Lack of professional trust

Disparagement or scorn