noun. hopefulness and confidence about the future or the success of something.
Optimism is a mental attitude reflecting a belief or hope that the outcome of some specific endeavor, or outcomes in general, will be positive, favorable, and desirable.
I am optimistic about so many things right now. I am full of hope and positive energy that through this disruption we will create a shift.
When you Google Optimism lots of upbeat and uplifting motivational and inspirational quotes surface. The metaphors that resonate with me are the ones about growth:
We are not buried, we are planted.
We need ‘manure’, to grow roses.
I am optimistic that as a system we will stand up to the accountability measures that have exploded overnight. Terminal assessments, results reporting and league tables, Ofsted inspections and grading all seem so insignificant. Space has been created to consider a different way of monitoring, evaluating and reporting on how our schools and on how our children are performing.
If we can educate differently in a crisis, we can educate differently in equilibrium.
I am optimistic that as a workforce we are modelling that we can work remotely. Business cases as to why teachers cannot work part time and why leaders cannot function without being visibly in the building have disappeared. Timetables have been rewritten all night. Curriculum delivery has been reviewed and realigned to staff availability.
If we teach and lead flexibly in a crisis, we can teach and lead flexibly in equilibrium.
I am optimistic that as a sector we have become more collaborative and less competitive. The division and the disenfranchisement of so much of the system has caused walls to be built around each man-made island. We have the chance to tear those walls down and the opportunity to build bridges.
If we can co-exist in collaboration in a crisis, we can co-exist in collaboration in a crisis in equilibrium.
I am optimistic that as human beings we are making people-centred decisions. In many ways Mother Nature is reteaching us about humanity. She is shining a spotlight on the things that we have allowed to take over, to take priority, that seem less important to us now. We have people at the forefront of our collective endeavour.
If we can be people-centred in our decision-making in a crisis, we can be people-centred in our decision-making in equilibrium.
I am optimistic that our community values have been strengthened through these difficult times. The surge in gratitude and appreciation for our key workers, the number of people volunteering, the positivity and simplicity of initiatives such as #RainbowsOfHope shows our society at its best.
If we can be values-led in a crisis, we can be values-led in equilibrium.
I am hopeful and confident about the future success of our education system. I am optimistic that in this pause, that we will listen, that we will learn and that we will grow from this opportunity to recreate and to co-create the system that our children deserve.
Ethical_Leader 