When Crisis Hits, Changes Abound
The day started with a lockdown. It ended with one student deceased, two in custody, and countless broken hearts.
During a call on Monday we were asked to reflect on how we've leveraged change over the past year. Our discussion on the impact of crisis response with regard to the pandemic took on new meaning midweek as I worked with a district navigating a crisis that we {unfortunately} often prepare for, but never expect to experience. There are so many heartbreaking details to the situation and countless questions, but I'm focusing on sharing the lessons that are coming from an otherwise devastating day.
While the circumstances of the day will never be forgotten, it is the response of the adults and students in those moments and day after that will bring hope to an otherwise awful day. Their immediate action, reflection, and ability to engage in conversations about how to move forward were among the few ways they demonstrated crisis-driven change.
We can look for best practices and trends, but true change is leveraged when an entire team proves that they are ready, willing, and able to step up regardless of what is in front of them. This is the moment the effectiveness of team development shines, even if they are otherwise stuck in the difficulties that come with the storming stage.
The team development stages are a cycle that ebbs and flows with projects, needs, new team members, etc. But in a moment of crisis there is a major impact that comes with the awareness that your team can come together regardless of what stage they were in. It doesn’t go without recognizing that yes, the crises are often unrelated to a project the team may be working through. {dare I say the overused but appropriate word; unprecedented.} Yet it can create a new line of communication and connection that was unforeseen and likely would have otherwise been overlooked.
The key is to not let these changes and call to action fade. That is one unfortunate reality. As the adrenaline wanes and exhaustion hits, people find it easier to fall back to old methods than continue working toward this new opportunity. The question is often asked, “was it a moment of clarity or was it an impulsive desire?” I would argue that it’s likely a bit of both, so why wouldn’t we at least work toward this new, shared vision. If it brings hope and purpose in an otherwise chaotic time, then maybe we need to embrace it for as long as we can.
As with any change there can and should be a review of the systemic successes/lapses and impact data. But sometimes a needed change doesn’t come from numbers. It comes from an experience that brings an awareness we otherwise would never find.
While myself and others are still processing the events, the “what more could we have done”, and helping adults and children find ways to feel the feelings while moving forward, we are also taking the time to appreciate one another. Not just emotionally. Coffee, stories, and sitting in silence can go a long way. Recognizing that people were hesitant to use the counseling services {maybe a lack of understanding of their own grief; maybe a lack of trust with someone unknown} trusted adults escorted small groups of friends to build a bridge to this support. Likewise, adults took over responsibilities of their colleagues so they too could get the support they needed {without that often unanswered but well intentioned statement of “let me know if I can help.” They just did it.}.
There is an appreciation for the variety of ways that people stepped up in those moments, hours, and evenings, took initiative on things they weren’t even asked to do, and vulnerability in conversation. While I wholeheartedly pray no one experiences this pain once let alone several times, I would be lying if I didn’t say it is something that will change you, hopefully for the good. There are going to be bad days. There are many empty eyes and hearts still walking the halls, but they too are thinking. They are recognizing the value of connection, strong leadership, and a shared mission.
This week has been a challenge like nothing I’ve experienced. Yet this week is ending full of appreciation, recognition, and encouragement. This week brings hope as we look to what can be done to keep a bright future in the eyes of all. A crisis can drive change and create alignment when you allow it to. It is going to be messy, but everything that is great is built out of growing pains that are too often not shared.
Don’t just talk about change. Make the change. Be part of the mission to make this life one that can bring opportunity and experiences regardless of the cards one has been dealt.
Stay well. Stay safe. Stay focused on your mission.
