Are you Fred? Maybe you are and you don’t know it? I try to be Fred. If you have no idea what all of this means then please pick up a copy of The Fred Factor by Mark Sanborn. It is one of my favorite staff development books!

I will not disclose the factors that make you a Fred, but it is exactly what you want in every organization and every individual’s life. These will inspire all to become more than ordinary to develop to extraordinary!

My attitude, philosophy or just my way, is to always seek to make today better than yesterday. How can we make things better for those we serve or serve with today? There are so many people, programs, books and places that come to mind when you think about special finds of inspiration, encouragement and joy.

I am the biggest fan of Walt Disney, maybe because my dad’s name was Walt and he made friends with everyone. I don’t think that is the reason I love Disney so much, but the characteristics he had made people happy! Every Sunday evening we gathered around the TV to watch Walt Disney. It was simply the best time! Then my very first trip to Walt Disney World was unbelievable.

The foundation of the work of Disney is Dream, Believe, Dare, Do and this model is how I have practiced my work in education. It is my intention to share all I have, believe in all of you as you take chances and do the work to succeed in making the future days the best ones ever! I truly believe in inspiration, encouragement, enjoying what you do, having a purpose and always finding solutions.

Begin with a few questions to get started:

Does everyone understand the role they play and that they make a difference?

Does everyone know how to invest in others and build relationships?

Does everyone know how to support each other by creating value?

These are just a few questions to start with as you look at yourself and team. Keep communication open. When communication is not clear, misunderstanding and misinformation can be the outcome. Never guess with your employees. In the current book I am reading the authors talk about having stay interviews. One of the strategies to use to keep employees instead of letting them go.

I am currently reading Love’em or Lose’em Getting Good People to Stay by Beverly Kaye and Sharon Jordan-Evans. I will be excited to share some of their 26 engagement strategies. I hope you stay in doing what you love!

• Uncategorized