Seatbelt required!

Did I mention that running a business feels like driving through the Rockies at times? Well, it pretty much sums-up my week.
I had a couple of rough patches, slippery slopes and sharp turns, but I was able to get through with all my team and all my clients on board. The road ahead is smoother, but I suspect that there are still some bumps coming-up not too far.

One aspect of my job that I enjoy very much is the fact that I go in a school, teach my classes, and get to leave with a smile as soon as I'm done. I'm not part of the core team, not involved in the cultural drama or the political games of the place, and I LOVE it. I've had my fair share of corporate life in my previous career, and this sort of detachment is a real joy.

As an outsider, it's very interesting to work in many different schools. In most schools, one can feel the culture of the place fairly quickly. Well managed schools are mostly filled with happy adults and children, and there is a clear sense of mutual respect. The atmosphere is positive and the adults in the place are focused on the solutions - not the problems. But it's a fragile balance and a change of management style can destroy it within a few weeks.
Badly managed schools - very few schools around here thankfully - foster frustrations and reluctance to cooperate. This is reflected in the adults attitude towards the children, and the children's attitude towards the adults - and ultimately everyone in the place is resenting authority. It takes a strong leader and a very long time to turn that around.

This week reminded me that although I want to bring music education to as many children as I can, some schools are just best to stay away from... at least for awhile. I'm dealing with one of those right now, trying to navigate through with much diplomacy, and get out of there as gracefully as possible - and with my so far spotless reputation left undamaged. No fun, but excellent training in communication etiquette. Clear and confident but suave, very effective but never imposing, and all wrapped in a pleasant and friendly disposition. It does require occasional tongue biting... my own of course : )

Okay, moving forward with the glass half full! Time to tackle the growing pain.