The Art & Science of Creating a Sense of Capable

The Art and Science of Creating Havens (Capable)

We continue to look at how we go about creating Havens in the organizational frameworks within which we spend so much of out time daily. Once again, it can be thought of as simply our daily social lives, and contexts.

Both Dr. Stuart Shanker and Dr. Susan Hopkins believe that Organizations in which members feel: 1) Safe, 2) Balanced, 3) Rooted, 4) Capable, and 5) Trusted, are thought of as being Self-Reg© Havens.

In my article last month, I examined the sense of “community” or of feeling Rooted and what that means in helping people feel like they are a vital part of something bigger than themselves. My topic this month builds on that idea by seeing those around us as Capable.

It boils down to a mindset or a way of thinking. Some of you may believe you’re not good at art, or at math, and that you will never be good at them. THAT is a “fixed” or “deterministic” way of thinking. When we believe others are only able to do things that they are good at and nothing else, we are capping their potential with those beliefs. Striving to create a Self-Reg© Haven by seeing people as Capable involves a growth mindset. It recognizes everyone’s potential to improve, and the strive for Progress not Perfection.

This is not about Leadership and Power, as no one “owns” all the decisions. Everyone, within the organization is contributing in inter-dependent ways. The safe risk-taking behaviours we want students to use in schools are exhibited not just by the children, but the staff members, administration, and families in the school community. As we contribute, we learn from and with each other as a synergy develops and the sum of the parts is greater than the whole.

Growth and development are scaffolded within the organization whether it be between a teacher and child, teacher and teacher, parent and teacher, or student and student – any combination. Being Capable is viewed as ALWAYS being within reach.

The image of the puzzle pieces as representing Capable is appropriate because of the way the puzzle fits together and doesn’t create an entire picture until all are included.