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Calling the Bluff on AI Doom & Gloom
The article argues that AI organizations use fear-based narratives about existential risks not to warn the public but to manipulate regulation for their advantage. Drawing parallels to political strategies employed by Obama and Trump, it suggests these companies aim to shape oversight, ensuring their interests are prioritized as they prepare for IPOs.
Where in the World is the Mafost Blog?
On sabbatical. It’s a part of a planned half-time. If you haven’t planned your half-times (learn about it here), I highly recommend it. Not just for a refresh, not just for a creative boost, but for an increase in results. So while I’ve been sailing the high seas, half-time has been in full mode with…
A Quick Thought on Transitions
You’ve seen the videos. He’s standing with one foot on the boat and one foot on the dock. The boat starts rocking and drifting from the dock. Inevitably, we all know what happens next. We laugh and give the video a thumbs up. Transitions are just like this. Moving from one career to the next.…
Enroll In The 3 in 3
Consider enrolling in the Principals’ Seminar 3 in 3. It’s designed three years of experience in three weeks’ of learning. View the full curriculum and details here.
Simple Additions to Make Now
There are a few additions that you could make to any week: A few more veggies and fruits A bit more exercise A ounce more of laughter A minute more with those you love And then there are additions to make now. You can’t make them always. That’s because they are doors of opportunity. When…
Principals’ Seminar
Replace the worry, noise, and self-doubt with the prowess and peace of mind of a seasoned school leader. Principals’ Seminar already has over 100 principals and aspiring leaders signed up for the first two free webinars. If you haven’t signed up, consider watching the first webinar today. There’s still room for you. What can you…
Year in Review 2019
Twenty nineteen was a year of expansion. Many lessons were learned from failures and challenges: Embrace growth when it occurs, even if unplanned. Action is the only true form of knowing, everything else is anticipation or theory. Adjustments don’t equal improvements, plan no-go dates for each adjustment and have the discipline say no when the…
A Collaboration on Focus
“Every human being enters each day with a finite amount of mental energy. Once that energy is gone, it’s gone for good.” – Daniel Bauer This is one of many insightful quotes from a recent collaboration on staying focused as a school leader. We created this for you as a part of a blog crawl.…
Quick Message for Blog Readers
If you’re following the Mafost blog, first let me say a quick thank you. You literally are the reason that this blog exists! Quick Message: This week, I’m shifting to a higher quality email server so you might see a small change in the emails. Nothing to worry about. Email Safety: To ensure that we…
Blog is Closing…I’m All Out of Ideas
The Mafost blog is closing. I’m all out of ideas to share. The pen’s dry. The keyboard’s broken. It’s been a good run for the past year, but we’re at the end of the road. There’s nothing but a vacuum in my mind, and I can’t share anymore school leadership thoughts. Happy April Fools’ Day!…
Winning With Bold Empathy
Bold: showing an ability to take risks; confident and courageous. Empathy: the experience of understanding another’s thoughts, feelings, and condition from his or her vantage point, rather than your own. Yesterday, the season 3 finale of the Mafost Mashup was published: Winning With Bold Empathy. It’s an 11-minute episode investigating the connections between: groupthink, bystander effect, herd mentality,…
Thank You and Two Reads Elsewhere
Sometimes its good to just slow down and say thank you. Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. If you’ve followed for any length of time, I am deeply humbled and hope you continue to find value here. I’ll continue to bring posts three days per week. Thank you for thinking beyond…
Q & A for Season 3
I’m interested in hearing your thoughts. What’s on your mind in your work? Has this blog stirred your thinking? What topics would you like to question? Where can our conversation go? Here are some of the topics we discussed recently: Instructional Coaching Failure of Fidelity Lead Data A/B Testing Overarching Factors Multifinality & Equifinality Reading…
New Seasons
When flowers are blooming and the sun is staying longer in the sky, we know the seasons are changing. When leaves fall and morning dew turns to morning frost, we know the seasons are changing. Nature is full of metrics that inform us about change. These metrics cue us about plants growing and dying. Seasonal…
To Orlando #naesp18
This day a year ago, I wrote the article Finding a Place Among Connected Educators, and stated, “It’s the relationships that make learning come alive. It’s the connections with others that add value to ourselves and those we serve.” It’s a simple idea that still carries opportunities for each of us. That said, let’s connect…
This Time Next Week
On Tuesday, May 1st, you’re invited to listen to Episode 1 of the new Mafost Mashup podcast – insanely innovative ideas for school leaders. The first episode is ironically called No Grand Opening. This first (of hopefully many episodes) tackles two sides of the same coin: The pitfalls of initiative hype, and The starting spots…
Hot Fires Burn Fast, So Do Poor Policies
I’m proud to call Latoya Dixon friend, and her newly published book is so timely. She makes several bold confessions, shares a practitioner’s perspective, and develops a compelling case for activism in education and gives basic steps that anyone can take to make positive change. Policies have too long been about goals and consequences. Carrots…
The Start (Spring 2018)
2018 will mark the beginning of this website, which has one purpose: helping educators. I’ll post daily thoughts, but more importantly, I’ll share free resources for principals and teachers. Three big ideas will guide the work here: People Learning Impact I hope you stay warm through the winter, I’ll see you at the dawn of…
Why here at mafost?
Welcome to mafost.com. The is the place where I help you lead learning and improve schools. From leadership surveys to campus databases, analyzing student data, daily inspiration, innovative ideas on shaping school culture, quotes that stimulate thinking, and weekly Mashup Videos, this is a place for you, the educational leader. Principals, district leaders, and teachers…