Speaking Voice-Listening Ear
“When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.” ~ Ernest Hemingway
One of the best ways to build a positive image of your school, district, business, and organization or a negative one is how you communicate. Websites provide others the opportunity to evaluate you. If this page is outdated, not easy to navigate, and does not contain inviting school pictures or welcoming information, you have missed your opportunity. This is one of the best ways to connect with your stakeholders to give them a clear picture of your vision and mission. Letting others know why they want to be part of this system or are proud to be a member is a critical piece of the foundation for continued improvement.
How do you listen to those who respond to the information you share? Listening to others is critical, but taking action steps is essential.
Happiest place on earth
“You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.” ~Walt Disney
As a child, watching Disney was what all of us did. The Mickey Mouse Club, Sunday evenings the Disney Movie on TV and reading bedtime stories about happy endings.
As a leader, wanting to create a climate and culture to support these positive thoughts is something I wanted to create. Who doesn’t want to be in the “happiest place on earth”? Climate and culture are often written about. The secret to creating an environment like Disney is not a secret at all.
One glove does not fit all
As educators, we know we need differentiation in our classrooms to meet the needs of all of our students. So why would we not do this for our staff? It takes a great deal of effort, planning, and organizing to accomplish this “one glove does not fit all” approach, but our teachers do it every day!
Staff members need individual attention, support, and training. In the classroom, children do not like to be pointed out and become the focus of attention, and neither do our staff. They need to trust those who work with them, not to be called out and focused on in a large group setting.
Choices-we make them daily
