“I have seen in any great undertaking it is not enough for a person to depend simply on themself. Lean on others and invite them to lean on you.”  Chief Isna-la-wica, Teton Sioux

Distribute this document to all participants to explore prior to the following application activities

Key Activity

Create Positive Staff Culture Agreements (15-30 minutes in small group and 15-30 min in large group)

Example of Staff Culture Agreements

Video: Section 7 – Behavior Agreements

Wellness Practice

Strategy for Self-care – STRENGTH – Stress Resilience
In order to offer a non-anxious presence with our colleagues, students, and their families, we need to be able to recognize the times when we cannot! In other words, we need to be able to recognize when we need either a new perspective or a break. Often our bodies let us know. The first question we might ask ourselves is, what am I telling myself about this situation and what is another possible story? Here’s a fascinating TED Talk on making stress our friend (also referenced in Section 10).

And, sometimes we really just need a break! It is helpful to have a plan for what we can do and who can assist us in finding a way to take a break. Of course, all of this is successful only if we allow ourselves the vulnerability of needing a break and, if appropriate, asking for help.

Circle Agenda

Staff Circle Agenda, Section Seven

Core Content Visual to Display in Common Staff Areas

What Do You Want to Say About the Culture of Staff? – Use this Visual and Display in Staff Break Areas
Posting this visual in common staff areas will serve as a reminder of content covered to staff and perhaps serve as a future conversation started for deeper reflection among staff members.

Supplementary Activities/Handouts

Support Begins With Empathy! (10-15 min)

For Easy Printing

You can find all documents in this section included in this pdf for easy printing. 
The documents included are numbered individually, not as one document.

Links Specifically for Leadership

How to Avoid the Contagion Effect of Sharing Tough Stories between Colleagues
Read the information about low impact debriefing strategies and decide how to share with staff.

Leadership Considerations specific to Staff Culture – Youtube
We all want to work in a space where we feel safe, welcomed, and appreciated for our work. This leader talks about the importance of culture in the workplace and how that can build on our compassion for ourselves and others.

Additional Resources

Excellent blog with examples from schools working on improving staff culture.