The Circle of Safety

I’ve been reading a lot lately (you can see my current list, including the ones I’m reading simultaneously, and the TBR pile next to my chair, below). Some of the thoughts I share with you here are from that reading, which is pertinent to all that we have been talking and thinking about lately around our schoolhouse.

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from Leaders Eat Last, by Simon Sinek:

“The ability of a group of people to do remarkable things hinges on how well those people pull together as a team. And that doesn’t happen in a vacuum.” (pg. 25)

“This feeling of belonging, of shared values and a deep sense of empathy, dramatically enhances trust, cooperation and problem-solving. United States Marines are better equipped to confront external dangers because they fear no danger from each other. They operate in a strong Circle of Safety.(pg. 24)

“When we believe that those inside our group, those inside the Circle, will look out for us, it creates an environment for the free exchange of information and effective communication.” (pg. 29)

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from Dare to Lead, by Brené Brown:

“Empathy is one of the linchpins of cultures built on connection and trust – it’s also an essential ingredient for teams who take risks and show up…” (pg. 136)

“It turns out that trust is in fact earned in the smallest of moments. It is earned not through

heroic deeds, or even highly visible actions, but through paying attention, listening, and gestures of genuine care and connection.” (pg. 32)

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How important are these concepts? How important is it that the ENTIRE ORGANIZATION, that EVERY. SINGLE. PERSON feels they are an integral part of the Circle of Safety?

I believe that, once we are in this place, we will see results like never before, in all areas of our organizations – academically as well as emotional, physical, and social well being.

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My Reading List

Current Reads

Leaders Eat Last – Simon Sinek

Dare to Lead – Brené Brown

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team – Patrick Lencioni

The Winners – Frederik Backman

TBR PILE

Fairy Tale – Stephen King

Rabbit, Run – John Updike

Life Giving Mentors – Tim Elmore

The Good High School – Sara Lawrence Lightfoot

Dead Time – Stephen White