I was doing a school vulnerability assessment one day. While standing in the hallway making notes, I overheard a conversation between a teacher and a parent just behind me and out of view. 

Moved by what I heard, I took a few steps to my right so I could see them both. I watched them hug. Two people from completely different worlds or so it seemed. And yet in that moment, they were in total harmony.
Completely connected in a very deep way. 

Love has the ability to do that. 

Interactions, intentions, feelings, and decisions when built on a foundation of love can accomplish anything. Everything. 

Structures built on power (“do as I say”) can have short-term gains.
You might get quick compliance and fast results, but you’ll pay for it and most likely you’ll be sorry about how you got there. And if not you, then the people who had to endure it. 

Ask yourself this question. 

What is your school built on?
Could that beautiful moment between that teacher and parent happen in your building? If the answer is no…or I’m not sure…maybe it would…then that’s your top priority. 

To create a culture where everyone feels loved and is willing to love. 

Because the greater your love, the greater your safety. The greater your love, the stronger your culture. And the stronger your culture, the better your protection. 

Do you think that parent would tell that teacher if she had information concerning a possible threat?

Do you think that parent would be extremely forgiving if the school was less than perfect?

Do you think that parent is deeply committed to ensuring that her student and his teacher are safe?

Injecting love into your safety isn't just a feel good. It's the difference between good and great safety. In fact, the only way to achieve greatness in safety is found on the other side of love.