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- lifelessonsfrommem
- 1 hour ago
- 4 min read
For most of my teacher friends, it is the start of summer. I almost think that teachers love summer more than kids! We get a lot of flack from our non-teacher friends, saying we have an easy job because we get 10 weeks off in a year for summer. Some of my teacher friends get offended. Most of us veterans just nod our head and think to ourselves that these non-teacher friends would not last one day in a classroom.
However, I am sure most of us, whether teachers or not, think our jobs are hard, stressful, and draining. I think I would agree. Most jobs just suck! Oh, there are some good moments and that is why we do our job, but it would be an even better job if we only worked 4 days a week and always had a 3-day weekend. Who could possibly argue with that?
Ok, I’ll concede…everyone has a hard job. And what I hate the most is when other people make our jobs even harder! WTF! These idiots have their reasons, and I’m sure they are not good reasons, but they feel the need to exercise their right and make life harder for all of us. I hate stupid people.
So, what do we do with these losers (be it colleagues or bosses) that make our job harder? We have tried giving them the “evil eye”, the “shut the fuck up” look, and even the “you have nothing good to say” shaking of the head, but to no avail.
How about cue cards?
Cue cards that we could hold up during a meeting, a conversation, that conveys exactly what we are thinking, but in a non-confrontational way? Something is happening that is pointless and you can let that person know exactly how stupid they look. How freeing would that feel???
Here are some examples. This is mostly for teachers but I’m sure they are adaptable to other jobs. Since we have 10 weeks off for summer, we have plenty of time to make them…
Scenario #1
For that person who always makes meetings longer by asking stupid questions….hold up this card:
Raise your hand one more time and see what happens
OR
Shut your pie hole, Karen, before I shut it for you
Think about how many times you would have loved to hold up either of these cue cards during a long, boring meeting just because that ONE PERSON wants to feel important or seem important to that boss! I know all of my stress would be released:)
Scenario #2
How about those times when the meeting is not even necessary….which is just about every meeting? Here is a cue card (or two) you can hold up:
This meeting could have been an email
OR
If I don't see a donut in the next 5 minutes, I'm out of here
How dare you have a meaningless meeting without food!!!
Scenario #3
For those bosses who are not organized and asks you to do things last minute and immediately, here are some cue cards that you can hold up to their face or place on their desk (if you put it on their desk, have many of these cards because you will be using them a lot!!)
Lack of planning on your part does NOT create an emergency on mine
OR
That's an idea....
This last cue card I actually learned from my boss. She said anytime someone, especially higher-ups, give you a suggestion that you didn't ask for and you think that suggestion is the stupidest idea you ever heard, then just say "That's an idea..." and never follow through. It pleases the higher-ups that you "heard" their idea (even though you are never going to do it:)
Scenario #4
Finally, in almost all jobs, we get "evaluated" on job performance and we have to attend professional "workshops" to make us better at our jobs. On paper, these sound like good ideas but in reality, they are a total bust--especially in teaching. Why? Just look at these cue cards:
You are evaluating me? That great. When was the last time you were a classroom teacher?
My last evaluator was NEVER a classroom teacher. He worked as a social worker before he became my associate principal. I'm still trying to figure out what he knows about classroom management. And then he gave me suggestions!! My response....well, that's an idea....:)
OR
Thanks for workshop. How long were you a teacher? Oh, less than 5 years? Well, of course you are the expert!
Seriously, what in the world have you to teach me? I have underwear older than you!!
I know we can't actually use these cue cards, but I think it would be very theraputic to make them and keep them in our desk drawer. Then, when the occasion arises, think back to those cue cards. And when you are all alone in your office, pull out the cards and think which ones you would have used.
This is not an exhausted list of cards. Periodically, you will have to make more and keep your stash updated. What other ones can you think of? Email me and let me know. I'll update this blog with the new ones I learn.
For all my teacher friends, have a wonderful, stress free summer. Drinking is highly encouraged:)
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