September 12

Today was very interesting. The simulations at the end of the day were somewhat stressful. It would be easy to see how emotions could become carried away in negotiations where one's livelihood depends on the outcomes. Ours was only a silly simulation about having "the power" to actually pick who would survive going to a new island. I chose not to pick the army medic with nightmares and post traumatic shock syndrome and wow - !! Thanks Chad for going along the second pick through - I caved with a neutral decision!! Even though the simulation was ridiculous decision making, issues can become emotional. I can see some of the people in my district who are emotional and passionate about their union and have to respect that with their personalities. I have a tendency to be more easy going and have a hard time understanding that passion! It was actually fun being the one to stand against the group! Negotiation is something that we probably all need experience with as superintendents. I now wish I would have been more involved on our negotiations this past spring and summer. The administrative team was not included - only our business manager. The process of working through problems and solving the issues is a much better way to make progress.