Mike DomitrzPresident, Author, and Speaker on Respect, The Center for Respect, Inc. · Author & Speaker on Respect for Schools, Corporations, & the Military since 1990 (has reached

Cultures of high expectations can lead to no one taking action to help others for fear of wrongdoing

22 Mar 2024 · 1 min

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In this brief segment of a classroom culture talk, the speaker argues that when schools set high expectations for success, students become increasingly reluctant to raise their hands or share ideas. The fear stems from a deep‑seated belief that they must always be right; being wrong would damage their reputation and make them appear foolish. Consequently, students prioritize protecting their image over caring for classmates or contributing to discussions, leading to a culture where silence replaces engagement.

Chapters

higher the level of success expected in the school amongst the students, the more afraid they are to raise their hand in a presentation. How many agree there could be a little truth to what I just said? A school with high expectations, people are less likely to raise their hand. You agree that's true? Say that's true. I appreciate that. Here's why that happens. Or maybe you can tell me why that happens. Can one of you tell me why that's true? They don't want to be wrong because I've been taught I always have to be right. Correct. And if I am wrong, then what? Then I look like an idiot. So let's just acknowledge what just happened. I'm not going to raise my hand and share why my classmates matter to me because it'll make me look foolish. My reputation is more important than caring about other human beings.