Staff Charter

As a staff we would like to feel:

• Respected
• Appreciated
• Supported
• Calm
• Happy

In order to feel this way we will:

• give one another kudos before each meeting
• listen actively without planning our response
• ensure everyone has a voice and build on one another’s ideas
• be flexible, responsive and share the workload by asking how can I help
• ask for help openly utilizing the expertise of others in the building.
• communicate expectations clearly like clarifying when responses are needed on emails
• be considerate of other people’s time (asking “is this a good time…”)
• do kind things like finding ways to cheer up a colleague, give genuine smiles and high fives.
• find things to intentionally be thankful for each day
• keep work/life balance and take time to laugh and to make others laugh
• make intentional efforts to get to know others both in and outside your team
• walk slow and talk slow, urgency is not always needed
• know one another by name, strength and need including others outside of your team (i.e. Love Languages, NESW Traits, etc.) 
• take breaks when needed and get real air
• use positive talk more than negative talk with self and others

We will manage conflict and unwanted feelings by:

• limiting complaining and engage in courageous, productive problem solving
• assuming good intent when having challenging conversations
• taking three calming breaths or using other calming strategies in stressful situations
• keeping things in perspective and letting go of things we can’t change
• being aware of the tone we use when communicating with others
• considering the perspectives of others when discussing issues
• finding appropriate times to discuss issues with others
• going directly to person involved and discussing issues privately face-to-face, not through email
• taking time to reflect on our own behavior and responsibility
• naming the action and emotion, using I statements ("When this happened, I felt…")
• seeking help and mediation when necessary from a trusted peer or administrator