Stop trying to do the job alone

Stop trying to do the job alone

by Dean Stenehjem, Superintendent
Washington State School for the Blind

A few weeks before the COSB Institute, I got a voice mail from Phil Hatlen asking me if I would be a discussion leader for the following topic: I thought he said "Working in a Hospital Environment." I called him back and said I guess I could do this, but I really didn't know to much about it. I told him I felt like a duck out of water. I figured what the heck. My wife is a nurse, I can talk to her, I can do this! It wasn't until I received his faxed information, that I got the topic right—"Working in or Thriving in a Hostile Environment!"

I've worked in this type of environment a number of years ago, and I’m happy to say that we are now working in a very stimulating environment, which can also we very challenging.

The lead in for the discussion group was directed to "Environmental Factors" that can have an effect on working conditions. These environmental factors were broken down into: Internal Factors and External Factors. The internal factors we discussed were: philosophical issues, politics, attitudes, unions, employees, budgetary issues, and parents/students. The external factors discussed were: philosophical issues, politics, legislative issues, organizations, news media, nonfactual information, and educational community.

The above environmental factors are not a complete list but were a list to stimulate discussion. Many problems can revolve around each of these factors, but also many opportunities exist. Some are within our control, while others are not. How we deal with these factors, may determine whether we end up "Working in a Hostile Environment." Are we, or can we work as a team in reaching resolution to many of these issues? I'm not sure there is a correct answer, and hindsight is always 20/20. I do believe that as leaders of schools we must always try to bring stakeholders together on issues. It doesn't mean that everyone will always agree, but the different groups that form both internal and external environmental factors must feel confident that as a leader of a school we are willing to listen and respond to issues and concerns. We can't do the job alone.

I would like to leave you with a little humorous story that forms a good parable about the importance of working as a team and including various stakeholders from various environmental factors in working together and not trying to do the job alone. The name of this story is: Doing the Job Alone. A bricklayer had recently been injured on the job and had filed an insurance claim. The insurance company wrote to request more information on the circumstances and to clarify the cause of his injuries.

Dear Sir:

I am writing in response to your request for more information concerning block #11 on the insurance form which asked for "cause of injuries" wherein I put "trying to do the job alone." You said you needed more information so I trust the following will be sufficient.

I am a bricklayer by trade and on the date of injuries I was working alone laying brick around the top of a four-story building when I realized that I had about 500 pounds of brick left over. Rather than carry the bricks down by hand, I decided to put them into a barrel and lower them by a pulley which was fastened to the top of the building. I secured the end of the rope at ground level and went up to the top of the building and loaded the bricks into the barrel and swung the barrel out with the bricks in it. I then went down and untied the rope, holding it securely to ensure the slow descent of the barrel.

As you will note on block #6 of the insurance form, I weigh 165 pounds. Due to my shock at being jerked off the ground so swiftly, I lost my presence of mind and forgot to let go of the rope. Between the second and third floors I met the barrel coming down. This accounts for the bruises and lacerations on my upper body. Regaining my presence of mind, I held tightly to the rope and proceeded rapidly up the side of the building, not stopping until my right hand was jammed in the pulley. This accounts for the broken thumb.

Despite the pain, I retained my presence of mind and held tightly to the rope. At approximately the same time, however, the barrel of bricks hit the ground and the bottom fell out of the barrel. Devoid of the weight of the bricks, the barrel now weighed about 50 pounds. I again refer you to block #6 and my weight. As you would guess, I began a rapid descent. In the vicinity of the second floor I met the barrel coming up. This explains the injuries to my legs and lower body. Slowed only slightly, I continued my descent, landing on the pile of bricks. Fortunately, my back was only sprained, and the internal injuries were minimal.

I am sorry to report, however, that at this point, I finally lost my presence of mind and let go of the rope, and as you imagine, the empty barrel crashed down on me. I trust this answers your concern. Please know that I am finished "trying to do the job alone!"

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