Timeout for Leadership-your one-minute leadership idea

Tip Sheet #54

Who is your Eeyore?

 Last week I spoke of the importance of eliminating all kinds of “moping” in your school.  The article generated some good feedback.  I found a character that best personifies this moping quality. Today, I want to talk about that “lovable” character Eeyore and what he will bring to your school.  There is really very little lovable about that guy.  Who are the Eeyores on your staff?  Perhaps a better question might be, are you that Eeyore?

I hope that you remember Eeyore from all of the Winnie the Pooh tales.  Eeyore is that downtrodden donkey who continually looks at life through the lens of doom and gloom.  We started talking about body language last week.  Just take a look at Eeyore.  He communicates volumes without ever saying a word.  Even his smile is sad.

Wikipedia describes Eeyore as pessimistic, gloomy, depressed, negative, dismal, cynical and sarcastic.  After reading that list I can close my eyes and see many of my former colleagues.  I recognize that there are times that we all may feel like Eeyore, but I am really concerned for those that it is not just a transitory feeling but their defining character.  You know the exact person that I am talking about.  The person that greets you at the door on a beautiful sunny day and tells you about the impending storm on the horizon.

Every school culture must deal with an Eeyore or two.  Their presence is inevitable in any organization.  But what happens when your school is overrun by Eeyores?    When Eeyores dominate your school, your school is a mess and you will have little or no hope of ever getting to the positive school culture that we have talked about many times on these pages. And I assure you, that Eeyore’s personality is quite contagious.

You have also heard expressions and conversations from your staff that contain comments like some of Eeyore’s.  Namely:

• When asked if he liked his new tail, he responds by saying, “Wish I could say yes, but I can’t.”
• When asked about the good morning he states that, “If it is a good morning, which I doubt.”
• After a dialogue with Christopher Robin, Eeyore says, Thanks for noticin’ me.”

And it is perhaps in that last quote that his pearl of wisdom shines through.  For you see, Eeyore also is described as being very insightful and loyal.  He stays true to his team and if one listens to him he can be quite wise.

I challenge you to take some of Eeyore’s advice today and start by “noticin” somebody.  Start by “noticing” your favorite Eeyore.  It could be the start of something big.