R.A.K. - Random Acts of Kindness: Staff Morale Boosters

Practicing R.A.K., Random Acts of Kindness, can make a huge difference in your work environment.  

If you could listen to conversations of teachers or read private discussions teachers have in forums and Facebook groups, you would see a common topic - stress and the work environment.

While we cannot always control the expectations placed upon us or the other stressors in our work life, there are things we can do to make the climate more positive.

Have you read Malcom Gladwell's book, The Tipping Point? He gives examples of how trends and changes have happened because of contagious behavior - much like a virus spreads in a classroom.  When the change occurs it is called "The Tipping Point".  

Click to find out more about Malcom Gladwell's The Tipping Point.

Small changes can have a big effect.  It takes one or two people to start the ball rolling.  If you want your climate to change, you can be the one who starts this.  

In the top picture is Bath & Body Works soap.  At one of my schools, a little angel left a bottle of Bath & Body Works soap by the faculty's restroom sink.  It was interesting to see how many people commented at lunch how nice to was to have that little luxury.  Sure enough!  When the soap was almost out, another angel replaced it.  Soon, other angels were leaving bottles of soap in the restroom.  All it took was one person to get the ball rolling.

One of my former principals organized a drawer of goodies like the one in the picture above and the first picture.  The first picture shows what was sitting on top of the drawers., which included hand lotion, tissues, and air freshner.   Each drawer had helpful goodies when you are having one of the "YOU'VE--GOT--TO--BE--KIDDING--ME" Days.  Have you ever had one of those days?  It seems like the stars are lined up against you. 

• You are putting your baby in the carseat when he or she spits up all over you.
• You step in a huge slush puddle and now are walking in soaking wet shoes and socks.
• You were in such a rush to get out of the house on time that you forgot to put on deodorant.
• To put a cherry on top of your morning, you cut your finger.  

When this happens, you can dig around these magical drawers to get a few goodies to make your day a little better.

In order for this system to work, members need to keep it stocked. At a minimum, staff members should replace what they use.  If you have new ideas and ways to support the staff, add those to the drawers.  

Have you read the book, Five Love Languages?  "Speaking" in a colleagues love language is a wonderful way to show support.  Notes and little gifts like the ones in the pictures don't take a lot of time or effort and can really boost someone's day.

You can get a free copy of the morale booster happy note. Click here for the free happy note.

I have more ideas for creating a happy school.

Sources to make my blog post graphics can be found HERE.
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