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 …
With freedom comes responsibility.
95% of people believe what they read. See? Did you believe that? One of the privileges we all enjoy as a part of our democracy is freedom of speech. It’s even more evident now as we watch what is happening in other parts of the world. However, with freedom comes responsibility. I believe the freedoms …
Stifle or Support
What do companies like Apple, Microsoft, Google, Amazon and Netflix have in common? Aside from being widely recognized as some of the best organizations in recent times, these companies have implemented innovative workplace policies that provide employees autonomy and flexibility. Since 2004, Google has made it a priority to encourage its employees to spend 20% …
Creativity
The one thing that distinguishes human beings from any other life form (about which we are aware) is our ability to create. Well, sort of. A number of years ago, it was proven that using artificial intelligence applications, computers could write coherent fiction and non-fiction, compose original music, create original works of art and engage …
Inspire, Not Manage
In this video, the CEO of Netflix shares his thoughts about culture. How does this fit your current situation? What are the barriers? What are the opportunities?
The Culture Puzzle
I’ve been searching for the recipe for success for years. As a principal, I literally read, The Perfect School, believing it held the secrets to what it would take to have a high performing school. As a superintendent, I looked for ways to reimagine learning and found resources that enabled our district to implement new …
What will learning look like in the near future?
Someone recently asked me, “What do you believe schools will look like in five years?” Until recently, I would have had an insightful response that included something about individualizing instruction for all students, utilizing technology to bridge gaps, incorporating more authentic, project-based learning and blurring the lines between subject areas. Today, however, I am not …
Continue reading What will learning look like in the near future?
20 Seconds of Courage
I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve admitted to being moved to tears. One of those occasions was while watching We Bought a Zoo, a family drama/comedy starring Matt Damon. The film was actually based on the true story of Benjamin Mee. It’s definitely worth a watch, but that’s not the …
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