August 2022 – Happy Schools

Checking in on a Colleague – RUOK? (Part 2)

August 25, 2022

In Part 1 we looked at the signs to look for that might indicate that someone may need some extra support. Simple steps to talk to a colleague who’s not OK. Getting ready to ask 1 Be ready – Are you in a good headspace? Are you willing to genuinely listen? Can you give as much time as needed? 2 Be prepared – Remember that you won’t have all the answers (which is OK). Listening is one of the most important things you can do. If someone is talking about personal struggles this can be difficult and they might get emotional, embarrassed or upset. 3 Pick your moment – Have you chosen somewhere that is relatively private and…

Checking in on a Colleague – RUOK? (Part 1)

August 25, 2022

Stevef

Resilience

What are the signs someone might need some extra support? Over a fortnight, have you noticed two or more of the below? Changes in their physical appearance? Look more tired than usual Seem “flat” or drained of energy Have had a pattern of illness or being constantly run down Are complaining of physical health issues such as headaches/migraines Are eating much more or much less than usual Are drinking more alcohol than usual Seem more fidgety and nervous than usual Changes in mood? Seem more irritable, snappy or fly off the handle when they normally wouldn’t Appear more anxious and worried about everything i.e. work and personal life React more emotionally than the situation warrants Are quick to anger Appear…

Efficient or Effective – Part 2

August 18, 2022

Stevef

Activities

In Part One we identified that many people confuse the issues of efficiency and effectiveness. As a result, people often fail to identify the true causes of their productivity problems and fail to solve them. We simplified the difference to… Efficient – Doing things right Effective – Doing the right things It is a difference of HOW you are doing things versus WHAT things you are doing. Effectiveness is about completing tasks which matter – tasks which make a difference to you, your families and your school. As Henry David Thoreau wrote, “It is not enough to be busy. So are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about?” Effectiveness is an issue of quality of tasks. Not…

Efficient or Effective – Part 1

August 11, 2022

Stevef

Activities

“I want to be more efficient and effective!” is a statement often heard in schools. Yet many people aren’t clear on the difference between being more efficient and being more effective. They are not interchangeable words and represent completely separate goals. Efforts to improve “productivity” in the workplace often lead to confusion as to whether they need more efficiency or more effectiveness. As a result, nothing much changes. Understanding the two concepts and correctly identifying which you need to focus on, is critical. The easiest way to differentiate between the two concepts is… Efficient – Doing things right Effective – Doing the right things This simple definition cuts to the heart of the matter – efficient is about HOW you…

5 Fast Mood Boosters

August 4, 2022

Stevef

Engagement

Life in schools is always busy and operates at a hectic pace. There are deadlines to meet and quiet periods are almost non-existent. It’s common to experience short periods of feeling over-whelmed and mildly depressed. The following tips are from Dr Timothy Sharp of the Happiness Institute and author of “100 Ways to Happiness: A Guide For Busy People”. Get Moving The benefits of exercise are widely known but often over-looked when we are busy. Even a 10 minute brisk walk changes the scenery and can relax the mind. Whilst we are least likely to do this when we are busy, that is the time we need it most. Look at it as a ten minute investment, not ten minutes…