DISAPPOINTMENT AND ANGER are two of the most debilitating emotions.
If not handled properly, they can ensure embarrassment, unprofessional conduct and scandalous behaviour. When these traits define leaders, indiscipline, threats and poor guidance are the obvious results.
These emotions may be wrapped in the cloak of politics resulting when an individual is unsuccessful in his or her attempt to gain the nomination of one political party or the other. Invariably he or she takes vengeful stances that lead subordinates down a bad path.
These emotions may be a spout from the professional river. The individual may have been denied a much sought after promotion. He may then allow anger to boil as he swipes at every and anyone who is seen to be in any way associated with the disappointing decision.
In each case the responses are manifest with threats, ultimatums and bullying behaviour. All of this simply confirms the reason for the failure as he is projected as an unprincipled leader who is incapable of keeping his foot out his mouth.
Once one is driven by these emotions, behaviour results in actions that show no respect for rules and regulations. The individual shouts from the mountain top with no appreciation of how his or her members stand to suffer. Rabid publicity grabbing is all that matters.
Sad reflection
While it is absolutely important for professionals to have the support of the collective, it must be partnered with quality. Hence, it is incumbent on professionals to ask the appropriate questions and follow the persons who demonstrate honesty, integrity and selflessness.
The recent spat between the Barbados Union of Teachers and the Ministry of Education, which has also been played out in somewhat personal terms against the minister, has been a sad reflection of what our professional leaders seem to set as priorities.
The display by the union’s president on national television in which he challenged and even threatened the officials about the docking of pay was shocking. I believe persons pay their taxes to remunerate teachers who instruct their children. Why should the taxes still be collected, the children not taught but teachers be paid? Nonsense!
The recent attempt to separate public officer and public employee (civil servant) shows intellectual laziness. My former colleagues in the profession and in the union should read the General Orders.
Indeed, after establishing definitions, it is clearly stated that all public officers and employees are required to familiarize themselves thoroughly with the General Orders. That is their responsibility and not that of the union.
It further goes on to state that “the provisions in these orders apply to all officers and employees”. The Memorandum of Understanding provides the single caveat for teachers. What are equally important are the provisions at Chapter three, Sections 3.2, 3.3.1 and 3.3.2.
“An officer or employee may not absent himself from duty during working hours without the permission of his head of department.” Why not hold meetings after school when children are not compromised?
It goes on: “An officer or employee who absents himself from duty without permission, except in illness or other unavoidable circumstances should render himself liable for disciplinary action” and “the pay of such persons (sic) may be proportionately abated for any part of a day or period of absence.
The ludicrous claim that teachers received permission from their principals is nothing else but an absolute untruth I, like all the colleagues to whom I spoke, was never even told who was going to those meetings. Teachers, know your rights!
Jeff Broomes is an experienced educator, principal and community organiser who also served as vice-president of the BCA and director of the WICB. Email: unclejeff2@hotmail.com