Category: Leadership
Why do schools struggle?
In a previous post, Frederick Douglass shared insights on the importance of struggling. Now, I’d like to share 2 pressures that cause nonproductive struggles in schools…and what you can do about them.
Leading As Yourself
Work personality, work demeanor, work mindset, workwear, work friends, work, work, work. Where are you? Sure there are clear lines between personal and professional. However, where is your self? Research has shown that leaders who are vulnerable tend to relate better and lead better. Yet, it’s hard to be vulnerable, let alone be yourself, when…
Systems Thinking in the Principal’s Office
Often we refer to systems in RTI or systems for data collection and analysis, however, we don’t often hear about systems thinking in the principal’s office as a key factor in improving schools. But the overwhelming number of emails, voice messages, due dates, agendas, meetings, and office work is best managed with systems. The simpler…
Look Past the Data
Sometimes looking at data is the wrong path to finding a solution. Sometimes you must look past the data to envision a new reality. Case in point: I know December is a slow revenue month for me. If I looked at the data it would be discouraging. It would say, “You’re not doing well!” Instead…
It’s Okay to Lose
10 students enter a competition, one wins. 20 teams start a tournament, one wins. 500 schools apply for a grant, one wins. If you compete, odds are against you. It’s just simple math. That knowledge can be liberating or debilitating. The great thing about school leadership is you don’t have to compete in someone else’s…
Finding Mistakes
When editing my writing, I love finding mistakes. A mistake is one step closer to excellence. The same is probably true in all aspects of life and learning. Not all mistakes need to be a stumbling experience. Finding mistakes is different than making mistakes. We can certainly learn from making mistakes, but it’s much cleaner…
Mistake Made Us Better
In this conversation, Elisabeth Bostwick, Chris Chappotin, Jon-Eric Ziaer, and Chris Legleiter share mistakes they made and lessons they learned from their experiences leading learning. Topics include: Asking for Help Context Switching – Finding Your Identity Priorities, Management vs Leadership Giving the Right Feedback after Walkthroughs Purchase Elisabeth’s Book, Take the Leap:…
Good Enough Continuum
The trap of perfectionism is on the same continuum as the trap of laziness. Basic dictionary definitions from Google state: “Perfectionism: refusal to accept any standard short of perfection. Laziness: the quality of being unwilling to work or use energy; idleness.” All tasks fall along this continuum. Let’s call it the Good Enough Continuum. It’s…
A Carpenter’s Belt for Principals
I remember growing up as my childhood home was being built. I loved watching the carpenters walk around constructing the walls and the cabinetry. They were like superheroes with all the tools and gadgets on their belts. The carpenter’s belt is a rugged piece of leather craftsmanship. Without it, I’d imagine the carpenter’s job would…
The Right Words
It’s not always the right motive or the right ideas that are needed. Sometimes it’s simply the right words spoken at the right time. Leadership is about understanding the other point of view and speaking the right words to move that point of view toward a goal. The wrong words can lead to unintended outcomes.…
Questions a Great Manager Asks
…and principals too. Because you are the manager of the school, and no, manager is not a bad word. How was your weekend? Would you like more or less support from me? Do I give you enough feedback? What’s your prefered way to get information about what’s happening outside your classroom? What are you currently…
Management, Unlike Leadership
In yesterday’s episode, A Brief History of Management, I posed a series of questions without providing answers. I’d like to offer a few bullets to encourage you to embrace your managerial prowess without being shy about the shift. Management, unlike leadership, includes these important skill sets: Communication EfficiencyMeeting ManagementPersonnel CoordinationPlanning for RoadblocksMonitoring Strategic PlansFollow-UpResource AllocationEvent Organization Management might deal…
10 Obstacle Tackling Traits
In yesterday’s post, I shared 10 obstacles teachers face that limit their effectiveness and productivity. Here’s the list of 10 school leadership traits that take away or minimize those obstacles. Coaching Empowerment Inclusivity Visible Work Communication Mentorship Strategic Alignment Empathy Collaboration Decisiveness Listen to how to develop these 10 traits in Episodes 86 and 87…
Thorns and Dams
Even the smallest thorn can stop the strongest runner. It’s a pain deep in a shoe that really can’t be ignored. The largest dams are massive structures. They are extremely successful at holding back unimaginable forces. Both are obstacles. Addressing obstacles is a central responsibility of leaders. Of course, it’s easier to address obstacles when…
When Leaders Connect
We marvel at the tight-rope walker because she’s all alone. She’s way up there with no support. She’s centimeters away from a dangerous fall. We marvel. But that’s about it. We don’t grow. Our abilities aren’t enlarged. It’s thrilling and entertaining. It’s not quality leadership. You know that school leadership can be a lonely, if…