At the start of this school year, I blogged about a great book by Robert Evans titled The Human Side of School Change. While I've made a huge amount of progress in my school, I think most would agree, that change is slow. Some people can be very resistant to trying new things. They feel that what they do works and don't understand the need to do things any differently. Sometimes, those of us who's job it is to convince people otherwise, face negativity. While we might understand it intellectually, it still can be hard to deal with.
Today I asked my network how they deal with negativity. They came up with some great ideas. I've pasted them below (in reverse chronological order). As always, I'm so impressed with the power of your collective intelligence. Thanks so much to everyone who shared their thoughts!
 | plennig @lizbdavis "end up like that" |   |
 | TeachaKidd @lizbdavis Understand that you can't manage others. Try to avoid them. Hard to do. | |
| | plennig @lizbdavis tell me about it - after last week's NYT article teachers are worried that by posting assignments online we'll "end up like ... ... | |
 | Dsalvucci @lizbdavis I counter w/sarcasm, which gets me in trouble, or silly questions/examples which confuses the negative people. | |
 | cmtvarok @lizbdavis humor sometimes works, "whoa, i wasn't expecting such a negative response. got anything good 2 say?" | |
 | CPence  @lizbdavis Keep telling myself...."Breathe...Breathe..." Human nature and my personality...it is difficult to let it roll off my back.SMILE | |
 | kwhobbes @lizbdavis I've been learning to take negativity directed at me as a way to improve myself. If they are just a - person, I stay away. | |
 | onlineteacher @lizbdavis Meditation is my primary, and forcing myself to wait a full 24 hours b4 actual response/reaction, except I fail sometimes | |
 | mountainlaneman @lizbdavis Thick skin. I go by the rule of 3rd's and know that there is a silent minority that doesn't appreciate my work. Continue goin ... ... | |
 | ArtGelwicks @lizbdavis Wiffle ball bat. | |
 | jswiatek @lizbdavis Liz...if you find the answer, please share!! :) This happens to me all of the time... | |
 | LParisi @lizbdavis Wish I knew. Please tell me what you find out. Right now, I just smile and walk away, seething of course. |
 | Scout7 @lizbdavis (in resp to neg colleagues) I just remember what my mom always told me -- They are just jealous of me. | |
 | bransonb @lizbdavis a friend once told me that "if I continue to have the same high expectations of others as I do for myself, I will always be d ... ... | |
 | mrichme @lizbdavis Make sure you check in with positive people and don't let the negativity take over your personality. Life is about balance. | |
 | McTeach @lizbdavis Wait...I don't think I'm making any sense. So very tired...hard to respond in 140 or less... | |
| | McTeach @lizbdavis Remember, negative people spew negativity. It's what's inside. Kind people spew kindness. You are kind and caring. We know that. | |
 | cnansen @lizbdavis some people won't like it or agree with it. Most don't know where we are going or why, until it becomes of value to them. | |
| | cnansen @lizbdavis I have been a district level technology director for 23 years. It's part of the job, I just shrug it off. No matter what you do.. | |
| | McTeach @lizbdavis I'd be happy to share! Where shall we start? | |
 | Petersonj @lizbdavis Chocolate sometimes, too!!! | |
| | Petersonj @lizbdavis AND find a good friend with which you can vent! (Thank you PenceC!! My good frieind!) And then move on! | |
| | Petersonj @lizbdavis If in your heart you know what you are doing is the right thing continue to do what you do! Stay positive..change takes 5-10 yrs | |
 | dianeh @lizbdavis Their negative attitudes are rarely meant as personal attacks. In many cases negativity comes from insecurity. Keep smiling! | |
 | colleenk @lizbdavis Just realize that the negativity comes from a lack of understanding on their part (or jealousy/unhappiness) - not your fault. | |
 | milobo @lizbdavis - Good Q! I struggle w/ that too- my advice-remember negativity often comes from fear- accept & acknowledge then grow from that | |
 | abdoss @lizbdavis Smile, but don't feed the neg. If you have to make an excuse to leave. Neg peers are not your fault, don't accept that feeling. | |
 | Tech_Teacher13 @lizbdavis Link didn't come thru here it is: http://www.scrapbook.com/po... | |
| | Tech_Teacher13 @lizbdavis To not take things personally I keep in mind that I can't be everything to all & I remember the starfish story: http://www.scrapb | |
 | cobannon @lizbdavis I'm alot like @LParisi in handling that. Don't do face-to-face well. Venting helps immensely! That and plotting. :) | |
 | saint_ethique @lizbdavis just assume they have a bad day and don't nesceserly mean to be mean ;) |
