The Yellow Lanterns

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In DC comics, there are a group of protectors across the universe called the Green Lanterns. They derive their power from rings that are powered by literal lanterns that are fueled by willpower (it's all very complicated). Suffice it to say that fine folks at DC came up with a lantern for all the colors of the rainbow. If you've been paying attention, you'll know that yellow is our focus here.

The Yellow Lanterns' rings are fueled by fear. That fear is useful to Sinestro and his Yellow Lanterns in their fictional battles, but fear provides very little to the development and growth of teaching staff. (Notice the segue!)

Leaders can develop a culture of collaboration and growth or a culture of fear and loathing. There is no middle ground. When teachers are given the opportunity to take chances and try new things without fear of admonishment from their admin, they will surprise themselves with what they can accomplish. For those teachers out there, your students will reach great heights because they are allowed to try to things and grow without fear of taking those chances.

Conversely, fear is a culture killer. Leaders who want their staff to fear the repercussions of stepping out of line will create a group of people who are scared to do anything that isn't already established. This results in stagnation because the people doing the work won't take steps to change and grow. As Mikhail Gorbachev told Harvard in December of 2007, "If you don't move forward, sooner or later you begin moving backward." 

It's time to shake that fear off, and get in the mindset that nothing should be scarier than the certain decline destined for those who are complacent or nervous to take a chance. So let's try some accountability: What are you nervous about? A lesson for your students? A job you'd like to apply for? Let me know in the comments about it, and then let me know how it went when you gave it a shot. I'm looking forward to hearing from you.