Bruce L Katcher, PH.D., an industrial and organizational psychologist, has written a book entitled 30 REASONS EMPLOYEES HATE THEIR MANAGERS. In it he has five categories explaining why this negativity exists: 1. Employees are treated like children, 2. Employees aren't respected, 3. Employees aren't receiving what they need, 4. Employees feel unappreciated, 5. W-O-R-K should be more than a four letter word.

This overall negativity also exits in our schools. Often, there is very little respect flowing between teachers, principals, and central office administrators. And many have little respect for parents and kids. Compelling evidence shows that it is bureaucracy and its command and control management style that breeds so much negativity. And that's why our schools continue to do so poorly.

Yet, in any organization, all of this negativity could be turned around by following three highly successful best organizational practices: Appreciative Inquiry, Servant Leadership, and Open Book Stewardship.

Each requires democratic collaboration, a way of life that goes beyond merely voting. In such a workplace- environment a positive atmosphere will emerge, along with respect, responsibility, and relevancy.

Schools organized this way work well for all stakeholders.