Leaders create atmosphere

Recently we took Reggie Dabbs on a schools tour of the UK. Reggie spoke to over 1000 students throughout one of the days. One noticeable factor was the lack of enthusiasm and energy on behalf of the staff. I have been in a lot of schools over the years, but I have never seen such a depressed group of people who ironically have been empowered and employed to energise, mobilise and empower teenagers to fulfill their dreams. The irony of the situation is compounded by the fact that the school has major challenges with regard to discipline etc.
PERHAPS the problem is not the students, but the those who are there to teach them. The staff room was depressing, lacking enthusiasm, fun and a general sense of LIFE and WELL BEING.
Leaders are responsible for creating atmosphere. Perhaps if the teaching staff choose to enjoy, rather than endure and love rather than lack...maybe the school will do lot better.
Atmosphere is determined by:
1. CHOICE - someone said, "people are about as happy as they make up their mind to be"
2. DETERMINATION - persistence is the key to creating anything - ask Thomas Edison
3. INTENTION - be clear - what do you want to achieve?
Leaders create atmosphere. If you don't, someone else will! The fact is: If you don't create atmosphere...then you are NOT the leader!

On a different note, we walked out of a movie later that day. After 8 minutes, it became clear that the rated 15 movie, should in fact have had an 18 rating. I spoke to the manger of the cinema who refused to refund the tickets (the money goes straight to the movie people) but I asked for a refund on food and drinks to which he graciously complied. He stated that movies that previously had a 18 rating are now classified as 15 - and previous 15 ratings are now 12a. I don't even want to think what a rated 18 movie is!
I am going to write to the licensing board for movies. WHY? because I want to! And because I want my kids to grow up in a world that is better for having had me in it.