I remember vividly the adults in my community who inspired me to give back to others.
That is what teaching is about. The passion. The commitment. The joy. The stories.
As educators, we have a unique opportunity to share our empowering stories with students and communities, and elevate this profession. We must lead the charge and change the dialogue surrounding conversations about this profession.
I will make this year about bringing classrooms into communities, and communities into classrooms–creating moments–and starting a national conversation about how we can all be better for kids. Everyone has something to contribute, but we cannot do it alone.
In his writing, Bornstein asks: “How can health systems be made safer when success means changing the attitudes and habits of health care professionals at a time when many are overwhelmed and deeply frustrated by all of the demands being made on them? What does it take to get them to urgently embrace new ways of working?”
One key factor for successful change is engaging front line clinicians in peer learning communities. This works best when it is collaborative and storytelling is at its core. Stories reveal small details in the work experience that can make a huge difference in the outcomes. By giving peers the opportunity to coach one another, their unique success stories become concrete solutions which, in turn, get integrated into new or existing systems. Empowering people to create their own improvements to the system will, in the long run, inspire them to welcome change.
Ric Elias, Atul Gawande, Ed Gavagan: Stories about finding meaning in caregiving, healing and facing death.
The healthcare culture must support these changes, and story is the catalyst for transformation. The human brain is wired for story. Cognitive studies have proven that telling and listening to stories enhances learning, memory and understanding. These are essential in building relationships and trust which is crucial for patient safety.
What does trust in healthcare look like? Nurses feel comfortable correcting doctors without fear of reprisal. Patients and family members are engaged in care to alert staff members when they see potential problems. Above all, doctors are more comfortable talking about change.
I would like to dedicate this podcast to my BFFF (best furry feline friend) Buddy, a short-haired tabby. Yesterday, my partner Curt and I said goodbye to Buddy who gave us eleven years of his life. Truly the best gift we will forever cherish. If you have a pet or have had one, I’m sure you will understand me saying that we rely on our pets to teach us about unconditional love and generosity. If we let them, they can bring out the best in us as human beings.
Being with Buddy as he drew his last breath changed me. Now I look at my life in a slightly different way. LISTEN to two storytellers calling for a more heroic narrative for death which, if we let it, can become a more positive thread that transforms our lives.
