Back in November 2019, I wrote a blog (http://cultureofcoaching.blogspot.com/) about energy “givers” and energy “drainers.” I think it resonated with teachers and instructional coaches and is something we need to give ourselves permission to address… work with the willing and recognize when change is needed.

The December 17 SmartBrief blog by Anese Cavanaugh addresses a similar topic- “energy vampires” who attack your heart, soul, and pocketbook.

Think about your meetings… how many of you agonize over creating agenda items, designing engaging activities, planning for the whole, differentiating for some, sharing the facilitation, and preparing for the new “naysayers” who offer complaints without really thinking about the goals of the meeting? We all do because we want our meetings to be well-received.

Instructional coaches can relieve that stress…coaches understand adult learning and as a result, they help to create an environment that is conducive for change, welcome all participants as learners, and present relevant and timely resources in a collaborative space. And, as coaches establish trusting relationships with colleagues and honor all voices, the positive vibes become contagious rather than the negative ones.

I do think there’s a balance that’s needed… how much venting do we allow before we realize the harmful effects of it?

Cavanaugh offers five pointers to help leaders successfully move the vampires from being “Debby Downers” to being “Debby Doers”:

1.      Be aware of negativity

2.      Shift the negativity

3.      Respond to the negativity but don’t succumb to it

4.      Stay healthy and focused

5.      Keep the goals front and center

How do you address the “negative Nellies” in your work?