Sometimes, we become so comfortable with our professional behaviors that we get lost. It is like walking in a corn maze for years trying to find a way out of our predictable rut. Yet, unless we seek different ways to see ourselves and our roles in the institution, we are doomed to keep walking in the same forlorn manner.
In part one of “How to be a ridiculous figure”, we examined some behavior that diminish safety. They are the, self-abuser, bullies, those who are over-sensitive. Also discussed were staff that will badmouth other staff, those who loudly opinionate, the know-it-all, staff who argue with offenders, and those who crack under stress. We know that these unprofessional episodes occur from time to time. When they recur, they can be considered ridiculous. Read more…
joebouchard Self Scrutiny, Staff relations
The confident professional who stumbles clumsily up the stairs…
The narcissist with the smug smile, oblivious to the spinach in his teeth…
Leaving a rest room with a foot long flag of toilet paper on our shoe or at our beltline…
Let’s face it, we are only human. And when we are trying to operate smoothly, or even normally, we wear egg on our faces from time to time. These are unintentional incidents that may be forgotten after a while. But, there are many more things that we do to ourselves that seem to be remembered in perpetuity.
In fact, we may not realize just how ridiculous we can appear to other people. But the problem is not solely about embarrassment. That is a lesser concern when we consider the haunting specter of self imposed security breaches. Read more…
joebouchard Self Scrutiny, Staff relations, Uncategorized
Let’s take a trip – an ego trip. It is very easy to do, and it is a journey in self-exploration. Just relax and let the words take you there.
Imagine yourself on a warm and isolated beach on an idyllic inland lake. Fragrant winds blow inland. You are comforted by the pleasing mix of pine and maple trees that form a green and natural barrier from outside intrusions. Blissfully alone, you are in your safe place and secure from any outside threats. As you skip a flat stone on the glass-like, placid surface, tiny ripples develop. They cause nothing but pleasure. It is as if the lake is at your will as shapes manifest on it by your actions. In effect, you are lord and master of this little slice of paradise.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, there is a colossal cataclysmic collision of boulder on water. A stone as large as a rhinoceros shatters the lake’s glass-like surface, and heaves into your aqueous sanctuary by some unseen and powerful being.
Read more…
joebouchard Self Scrutiny, Staff relations
During periods of fiscal flaccidity, corrections always needs new ideas and better ways of operating. This is the time when those with proposed innovations can shine. Brainstorming session, now more than ever, are quite essential.
Did you ever get a flash of inspiration that surprised you and your colleagues? It is rewarding when ideas bear fruit as a new and efficient way of doing thing.
Unfortunately inspiration can be sometimes elusive. Read more…
joebouchard Self Scrutiny
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Although time recedes from the horrible events of 9/11/2001, the lessons remain relevant. We in corrections are always watchful.
The events of September 11, 2001 forced all Americans to think about what was previously inconceivable in the minds of most. Mainland America was attacked by foreign agents. In a way, our nation lost its comfortable innocence and geographical insulation on one Tuesday morning six years ago. However, unlike the majority of Americans, corrections staff were a bit more prepared to understand this. And that is due to our training and on-the-job experience. Read more… |
joebouchard Assessing the organization, Training
I remember my first year in corrections as if it were a meal ago. Some years after that, I recall with the same clarity that my first article was published. But what brings pride and amazement at one time may not be so as one gains experience. Read more…
joebouchard Self Scrutiny, Staff relations
There is no doubt that corrections professionals perform a very important job. Every moment we are inside the walls, we face potential danger from many directions. Some of these are obvious while others are unobtrusive. We are responsible to keep ourselves and inmates safe. In addition, when we consider whom we are really working for, we need to consider the general public.
We understand the nuts and bolts of what we do on a daily basis. But how often do we see the higher purpose to our vocation?
Read more…
joebouchard Assessing the organization
