Sounds weird, but are the dynamics at your school (amongst staff) like that of a dysfunctional family?

[Goodenoughparent101]

I work in quite small primary, in a comparitively cohesive and friendly team.

The head is lovely, I actually see her as a fantastic mentor to me and so many other members of staff but, it often feels like the head is 'the mother' and we (all other members of staff) are competing with each other to please her, gain her favour and (sadly) for some members of the team, that means talking negatively about other staff to influence her and in doing so, bring themselves up in her estimation.

I feel slightly outside of this game playing because I never talk about other members of staff in a back stabby way, I just get on with my work and go home.

I'm also keen to keep my work and life separate, so I haven't 'friended' any colleagues on social media, nor do I meet up with them in the holidays as they seem to with each other.

I worry that I've outcasted myself or that I've made myself the easy target for this constant 'framing' each other to look bad game that occurs often.

Am I just crap at playing the game?

What line do you take?

Thank you.

I work at a smallish school - infants only, 9 classes. TAs and teachers attached to each class. Our staffroom is a very loud, very busy and very cramped place. Its also super friendly, with everyone chatting to one another. We try to make newcomers welcome, though I do imagine it feels a little intimidating coming into the room at first - very small, so not enough chairs for everyone if we are all in there, and the drinks area is small too. It took me a while, as someone who is naturally quote shy, to feel comfortable, but it was worth it. And as a staff team we take that into account and try hard to welcome people in, introduce one another and encourage newcomers to join in. Some join in more than others, and thats accepted too - not everyone wants to be part of that at work, some want to keep their head down and just get on with their work and that is fine too.

I have many of my colleagues on social media, we do have a closed, private, non searchable social media area for staff to chat. We do have social evenings out every so often - just the local pub after work for a drink or two. Everyone welcome. SLT sometimes come too, as do sometimes the admin and care taking staff. Some meet up in holidays, etc especially where there is an outside common interest. I don't particularly as tend to be busy in the holidays or catching ups ith my friends outside of work.

No one is unpleasant about anyone else really. The odd comment may be made, but nothing nasty and nothing people wouldn't say in front of individual members either. Its more friendly than anything else. We don't feel the need to pull one another down to make ourselves feel/look good. I am sure the odd person had tried it in the past, but it doesn't get them anywhere from what I see.

I am not really part of a 'game' - i go to work to do my job, but will be social with my colleagues, who are all nice people and will do the odd social drinks every 2 or 3 months.

The question is, does your head fall for it?