On a recent business trip to the region I grew up in, Southern California, I spent an afternoon driving around my old house, my grandparent’s old house, and some of my schools. It made me think about my experience in 7th grade math class at Red Hill Lutheran School back in 1977.
Our teacher, Mr. Newman created a system for teaching math that enabled him to spend focused time with students who were at different stages of math ability. He put us into three groups. Then he would call each group up to the chalk board and worked with them individually. Group 1 had all of the math geniuses. They always went up first. Their group finished the fastest. The he called up Group 2. Group 2 had those who were moderate in their knowledge. Their group took a little longer. Finally, he called up my group, Group 3. The Math Dummies. We took up the majority of his time.
Mr. Newman’s intent was noble. Break up the group so learning was customized. He might have been way ahead of his time in innovation. All I remember is the stigma of being in Group 3. The impact was demoralizing.
Intent and impact are never intended to be different. We all do things with a closely related result in mind. We might even frame it with the Golden Rule in mind (“do unto others as you would have done unto you”) but unfortunately, if we don’t take time to empathize with those impacted, the impact can hurt. I’m sure Mr. Newman never intended to make Group 3 feel inadequate. He probably thought he was doing what was best for us by removing us from the quick learners. If he had put himself in our shoes though, that of 7th graders that absolutely HATE being singled out for anything, he might have thought better of his Group idea.
This week, as you make plans and decisions, take some time to think through all possible impacts from what you want to do. Your intent may be pure, but impact is highly subjective. Just think it through a bit longer ok?
