Raise your hand if you’ve got an #ObserveMe sign up but haven’t had as many visitors as you’d like? You’re not alone. Others like Michelle Labuski have had similar results.
Yes, I did #ObserveMe but no one came in all year. Very disappointing
— Mrs. Michelle Labusk (@MrsLabuski) August 14, 2017
Let’s take a step back and think about what having an #ObserveMe sign must look like to others. To give us perspective, watch this three-minute video below.
I’m sure that quite a few of us would see someone dancing like that at a concert and think, “Hell no! There’s no way I’m going to do that!” Similarly, quite a few teachers who see an #ObserveMe sign at their school think, “Hell no! There’s no way I’m going to do that!”
So, what can we learn from the video of Dancing Guy? One thing we can learn is that it’s more important to get your first follower than it is to simply be the first person with a sign. Finding that person helps bring you legitimacy. Once you have that first follower, you are much more likely to get others to join you because you can demonstrate that it’s been done and that it worked.
Realize that finding that first follower will take effort. You’re going to need to do some publicity so that people understand why you’re doing it and what your goals are. Be sure to check out the “No One Is Coming To #ObserveMe” section here for specific ideas about what to do.
Now, with that first follower, you can start to build momentum. Find ways to share your story with other people who are more likely to take risks. As your group continues to grow, you’ll find that you’ll reach a point where it’s stranger to not have an #ObserveMe sign than it is to have one.
As an example, consider how 15 years ago, having a smartphone (like today’s iPhone) seemed strange. Now, using a flip phone is likely to result in ridicule and laughter. Somewhere along the way the momentum shifted. Just like with the Dancing Guy, it quickly became stranger to be sitting than it did to be dancing.
So, go find your first follower and grow from there!
You know this video is from the Gorge at George. One of the most wonderful venues for concerts. It looks like the “leader” has a bit of a sunburn on his back. This type of behavior is typical on the upper grass area and lots of people will join in because everyone is just having fun and no judgements.
I think #ObserveMe is a great idea. Admin needs to support the concept or colleagues won’t participate because planning period is so precious with all the obligations teachers have outside of classtime – meetings, meetings, meetings. I have forwarded your emails to my principal, but it is just brushed aside eventhough he claims to be a growth mindset supporter.
Thanks for the info about the video, Andrea. I’m sorry that you aren’t getting the support you deserve. That feels awful and I hope it changes as soon as possible.