Creating Positive Environments

Whether we work in education or health and social care, we are all, at times, presented with challenges. Some we can foresee; others are unexpected. Despite forward planning and proactive thinking, events can sometimes take an unexpected turn and we can find ourselves confronted by situations that are difficult to navigate. This is true for everyone across an organisation and can be deeply unsettling for all involved.

While we cannot control every eventuality, we can influence our culture and environment. The question, therefore, is: how do we create supportive, positive environments where people know what to do, how to do it, and are well supported at every stage, so that they can grow and thrive?

Effective policies at the heart of positive environments

These are the starting point for the creation of any positive environment. Clearly defined policies that outline preferred practice ensure clarity, consistency and coherence across our organisations. Through clearly setting out our expectations and sharing these with everyone across our community, we set the tone and ensure there is a shared understanding of our values as an organisation.

The requirement to develop and establish detailed, values-driven policies that specify preferred practice cannot be overstated as these sit at the heart of the Cycle of Influence, a vital feedback loop for effectively supporting individuals through the stages of distress and support. Once we have an explicit outline of what preferred practice looks like in real terms, we can formulate preventative strategies in advance, apply appropriate measures in the moment, and develop supportive approaches throughout and after incidents.

Read our article about post-incident support.

Embedding preferred practice and ensuring all key players – leaders, staff, support staff, parents and carers, and individuals themselves – buy into the vision is the cornerstone of creating a positive, supportive environment for all. That is not to say, however, that these policies and processes are set in stone; they may need to be tweaked and adapted depending on our context or in response to unplanned situations. As with many things, professional judgement is required.

Download our guide to creating effective policies.

An interdependent approach to creating a positive environment

Comprehensive policies and practices enable strong relationships to be forged between all members of our organisations. By being clear about the ‘why’, the what and the how of our practice, we can develop a culture of deep trust, transparency and communication, not just between staff, but across the whole community.

The strongest, most effective positive environments adopt an interdependent approach where individuals proactively seek support when required, and where asking for help is actively encouraged. The more we demonstrate and promote this approach as a strength, the better our chances of building a supportive culture in which all can flourish.

As Dr Steven Covey writes in ‘The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People’:

“Human life is interdependent. We can combine our talents and abilities and create something greater together. Interdependent people combine their own efforts with the efforts of others to achieve their greatest success.“