At the same time, there are others in the group who also want to do well. They aren't running, but they are doing what is expected of them. They still want to move forward, they may not have the energy and drive to do so. Says Mr. Clark, these are the Joggers.
Still others are only walking. The walkers are doing little to get the bus to its destination.
Let's consider what Mr. Clark has to say about validating Joggers and Motivating Walkers in this section of the book:
JoggersWe are very thankful for the Joggers in our school. They keep a steady pace and do their share to keep things moving. In the big picture, Joggers aren't really hurting anything. They are steady and dependable; they do their jobs and have some amount of success. They tend to be fairly punctual and conscientious about following the rules. Joggers really do try to keep up...and for that reason they are valuable to an organization. I try to be at least a Jogger. I want to go beyond the minimum. I want to do my part in pushing the bus. However, there are times when I must rest. Maybe it's a natural cycle - that we take turns running, jogging, and walking, relying on one another to take care of us when we're down. Sometimes it seems like Joggers absorb the energy around them, speeding up when surrounded by Runners and slowing down when surrounded by Walkers. In other words, Joggers need validation. What others think around them and about them affects their performance and drive. I don't like to think that I am influenced by peer pressure, but we all are. We want to be accepted, so we might tend to act in ways that are less than attractive to get along with whatever groups we are in. At the same time, compliments go a long way in keeping up our pace. I must admit, I enjoy a well-worded compliment from a student, parent, peer, or boss. | WalkersI have noticed that Walkers tend to be very focused on themselves. When I have caught myself walking, I have also discovered that I also become quite self-centered. This comes in the sense that I regret when someone else gets recognition I think I deserve. I completely understand what Clark says about incentives for those of us who might be walking. According to the book, he refuses to lift up people who don't deserve it only to deter people who do. Well, I make it quite clear at RCA that it is my intent to treat everyone fairly, but I am certainly not going to treat everyone equally. Clark's opinion here is not reflected in the way we pay and recognize teachers today. Pay raises are given for hanging out for another year, rather than for working hard. Everyone with the same experience gets the same pay, whether a Runner or a Walker in the school. |