When I was at school, I would often be sent to the head of year for a reprimand. These interactions would go something like this:
Mr. P: "Why are you here? Again."
Me: "I don't know. Again."
Mr. P: "Ms. L told me *the rule I broke like having the wrong uniform, or emailing my homework instead of writing it in my book, or my book was wet from the rain...* happened."
Me: "Correct. Can you explain why that means I have to be here? I have course work to do."
Mr. P: *exasperated* "No. It's ok. Let's go to the library and if anyone asks you're in detention."
Me: "But I'm going to the library anyway, and I shouldn't be in detention."
Mr. P: "Just. Be quiet."
On hindsight, I can see my teachers were trying to get me to be less sloppy, and more professional. At the time, the rules felt stupid and contributed nothing to my learning (and I argued my point eloquently), and I failed to see the nuances of what the rules were for. I still fail to see this sort of thing in adult life, but I've learned to pick my battles.
When I was at school, I would often be sent to the head of year for a reprimand. These interactions would go something like this:
Mr. P: "Why are you here? Again."
Me: "I don't know. Again."
Mr. P: "Ms. L told me *the rule I broke like having the wrong uniform, or emailing my homework instead of writing it in my book, or my book was wet from the rain...* happened."
Me: "Correct. Can you explain why that means I have to be here? I have course work to do."
Mr. P: *exasperated* "No. It's ok. Let's go to the library and if anyone asks you're in detention."
Me: "But I'm going to the library anyway, and I shouldn't be in detention."
Mr. P: "Just. Be quiet."
On hindsight, I can see my teachers were trying to get me to be less sloppy, and more professional. At the time, the rules felt stupid and contributed nothing to my learning (and I argued my point eloquently), and I failed to see the nuances of what the rules were for. I still fail to see this sort of thing in adult life, but I've learned to pick my battles.
I’ve often believed true creativity hinges on humility, but never thought of empathy playing a role. Thanks for the reframe.