Tag: Mission
Staying True To Your Work
You don’t need thousands to understand your work. You simply need the intended people to be impacted by it. Large followings aren’t needed. Only impact. Social following isn’t proof of anything. It only shows you know how to play a game designed by computer programmers. It doesn’t show impact. Verified account status, big-name publishers, large…
Your Vision, An Anchor
I’ve recently taken up sailing. Funning thing, sailing is a lot like race cars (another old hobby) in that brakes are more important for speed than engines. For sailing, the anchor is also the most important component of the sailboat. The anchor will keep the boat hooked to the seabed while you’re fast asleep. Without…
What is Schooling?
Let’s consider four quotes. We should spend less time ranking children and more time helping them to identify their natural competencies and gifts and cultivate these. There are hundreds and hundreds of ways to succeed and many, many different abilities that will help you get there. – Howard Gardner In sum, then, “thinking about thinking”…
We Have A Purpose, Or Do We?
It’s quite obvious. Right? The purpose of education is to educate, no? Maybe prepare or ensure future success? Maybe the purpose of education is mere, high levels of learning for all. Maybe it includes something like, to develop better citizens or give the skills needed for success. These sound good, don’t they? Actually, it’s not…
Clarity at the Outset
No one intends to obfuscate their communication. No one intends to confuse their school. Instead, we intentionally plan events and use tools that give clarity. We know clarity prevents a toxic school culture. Sometimes a map gives clarity. Sometimes a message gives clarity. A conversation, a plan, a meeting – these also provide clarity, sometimes. Rarely…
What are OKRs? How Can They Help Your School?
What is an OKR? It’s a simple way to design and use strategic goals. Objective: The statement of outcome or goal. Key Result: The defined and measurable benchmark that leads to the objective or is an effect of the objective. This post about OKRs for schools is a bit lengthy, so I created this table…
Everybody Has Something
And so do schools. Some call it the gift they bring. Some schools will call it their strengths. That one thing is your school’s brand. Sometimes you have to define it. Other times it’s already there. It’s just waiting for you to stop doing the things that don’t match it. There are good reasons for the…
Memorials, Why Your School Needs Them
Veterans Day marks a time to remember the end of World War I. At that time it was the world’s most horrific violent events. Since the 1950s, Veterans Day has also been a time to honor those who served and serve in the Armed Forces. I’m thankful for their service and thankful for a holiday…
Missed, Missing, Mission
Some mission statements miss out on a chance to be special. Instead, they opt-in for the opportunity to be vague and generic. Some mission statements are plainly missing in action. Or worse, are there, but aren’t put into action. Others are actual missions. Which is yours? Missed, Missing, or Mission?
Not On The Job Description
The job description is fine, but we all know a job description doesn’t make the grade when it comes to making an impact on learning. Instead, it’s what’s not on the job description that counts. Things like: Positive energy Active listening to peers Showing professional courtesy Tact and poise Empathy Stepping up to tasks when…
When you don’t know what to do…
…or if you feel the drudgery of brushfires and office minutia weighing you down, just go into the classrooms. Connect with students. High five your teachers. And fuel your passion. Connect to your mission. …and if those don’t do the trick, use a roadmap. Here’s one I recommend from a friend of mine, Better Leaders…
Toxic School Cultures: 5 Tips to Gain Clarity and Make Impact
Toxic school cultures undermine improvement and kill motivation to learn (for students, staff, and leadership teams). What if there was a simple way to prevent toxicity in school cultures and build a culture around learning and genuine empathy? There is. In this post, I’d like to share insights from a recent conversation I had with…
Pizza Panels
Pizza panels are simple ways to engage parents and students in developing a shared vision. They really are a must-do for summer break. What is a pizza panel? Group of 5-10 students Discussing questions drafted by school leadership Eating pizza In front of an audience (at least parents) Any age group To get started with…
The Rubbernecking School
Here in Houston, traffic can be horrible. It doesn’t even require an actual wreck, just a simple pickup changing a tire will suffice. For as long as the eye can see cars will stack one atop of another on 6-lane highways moving less than 3mph.[pullquote align=”right”]Rubbernecking is reactive. It’s instinctive. [/pullquote] To make things worse,…