I’ve been thinking a lot about management and leadership lately–specifically the difference between the two, why some people in leadership positions manage and others lead, and the impact leaders who are not managing can have on the culture and effectiveness on an organization. According to the Oxford online dictionary, management is “to be in charge, …
The Attitude of Service
A few weeks ago, I stopped at a fast food restaurant on the way to work and ordered a large hot tea with four creams and four sugars. Now, most people would think that was a common thing to order. However, when I pulled up to the window the cashier started to hand me an …
A Culture of Directness
I’m usually a “glass half full” kind of guy. I’d much rather focus on the positive than be dragged down by the negative. That’s been helpful in keeping my blood pressure low and minimizing the stress lines on my forehead, but I am not sure it is the most effective way to lead. I learned …
Wet Towels
My wife has been hinting that we need a place to hang towels on the porch so that we could do less laundry and properly wipe down the dogs after they’ve gone for a swim. But as it happens often, I didn’t consciously pick up what she was laying down until yesterday. For proper …
Right, Left, Center
I consider myself a liberal. I believe that part of the role of government is to ensure equality, establish policies that promote equal opportunity, and enact laws that protect individual rights. It doesn’t mean that I don’t believe in personal responsibility, a free market, or a strong national defense. Although these things are generally attributed …
Leadership Mindsets
A mindset is a way of thinking. It’s a place where our beliefs, thoughts and behaviors intersect to form attitudes and frame our actions. We all have mindsets. They influence the way we act, our ability to make decisions and, according to some psychologists, our potential. As I started in my first superintendent position, someone …
The Power of Reflective Practice
There’s a myth I’d like to dispel, and that is we don’t automatically learn from our mistakes. Wow, right? Simply making a mistake doesn’t suddenly impart a new set of knowledge or skill that will serve us in the future. If that were the case, I’d undoubtedly be ski jumping in the Olympics, not waiting …
Why Feedback is Important
Research has shown that the ability to regularly seek feedback is one of the most significant indicators of success. Constructive feedback helps by providing direction, can inspire and motivate and overall increase performance–whether at work or in life. However, seeking feedback can be uncomfortable. And unsolicited feedback, especially when negative, can feel like an attack. …
Mental Health Awareness
May is Mental Health Awareness month. As I was writing this, the following article literally popped into my email: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/live-life-creatively/202205/mental-health-awareness-month-myths It’s a good read. But here is why I think it is important - Two weeks ago a 7th grade boy brought a gun to school and shot himself in the bathroom during the school …
“Systems” Thinking
Hiring the ideal team and focusing on culture are among the most important high impact leadership practices. But in addition to these “people” priorities, successful leaders and organizations also recognize the importance of “systems.” Leaders and organizations that struggle often do so because they lack in their attention to systems thinking. As a result, change …
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