Be slow to criticise
As a former footballer, I remember the feeling of not being selected for the starting 11. It seemed to come at least once a season regardless of the team I was signed with. On these occasions, I often felt a strong urge to criticise the efforts and performance of my 'teammates' who were playing 'my' position. Was it jealousy? Was it insecurity? Whatever it was I resisted it as much as possible and kicked myself in retrospect whenever I let a snarky or negative comment slip.
Thankfully, those feelings from my late teens were shed during my 20's and haven’t crept into my professional or social life. These reflections on my relationship with criticism have been triggered by my more recent experiences of using social media for professional purposes. The readiness and ease with which people spray criticism, challenge and condemnation at others on Twitter, Facebook and even Linkedin is staggering. I have recently sat back and observed some fairly innocuous and innocent posts be ripped to shreds with 'righteous' vitriol.
Over the last decade, I have met so many selfless, empathetic and genuine colleagues in schools across the country. With this in mind, I am even more surprised when such action is taken by education professionals. Those who work directly with children or who work for their benefit are often renowned for their care, patience and support for others.
Yet on social media, a disappointing minority are all too quick to throw shade (publicly criticise or express contempt) for failing to convey their point in a way that perfectly articulates their thoughts, intentions and justifications whilst ensuring that every fractional soupçon of possible offence is eliminated.
Why don't we treat the children we work with this way?
What could the impact be if we didn't treat fellow professionals this way?
@edutwitter (in particular) we must do better!
There is too often a culture of shooting people down when their views and ideas fall outside the boundaries of our personal values and norm. Instead of leaning forward to jump down someones thought, could we lean back, pause, reflect and ask some questions? Engaging and being engaged in respectful dialogue is the best way to learn, grow and be challenged to think differently. After all, 'there's no point having a mind unless you are willing to change it.'
In your forthcoming social media activity, you can either expend energy on criticism and negativity, re-positioning people as villains in your mind (like benched and frustrated footballer) or you can make a better choice.
What will you do?
Make your commitment or share your experiences in the comment section below.