I have questions about the title of this post. Do you have more input or output in your day? In other words, are you receiving (input) information more than you are producing (output)? What are the sources of the information you receive? Accountability has leaders focused on the source of output and making sure there … Continue reading Input vs. Output
Category: Solution-Focused Leadership
Praise with Purpose
In the attached article you will find information on positive praise, especially for middle school students. “When middle school teachers praised students at least as often as they reprimanded them, class-wide on-task behavior improved by 60% to 70%, according to a BYU study.” One of the most important things I stressed to staff was always … Continue reading Praise with Purpose
Cultivating Culture with Gratitude
Many of the posts and articles I have written speak about gratitude. One of the most important aspects of a leader's responsibility is providing, modeling, and supporting this character trait. Authenticity is the approach to everything you do. The worse thing you can do is to fake your approach to an appreciation for others. Then … Continue reading Cultivating Culture with Gratitude
“Art-full-heart”
“Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.”-unknown. When dealing with trauma, difficult stress, and many unknowns, we need to find ways to reduce these levels from harming our health. Many are providing ideas for self-help, but one of the universal ways to help all ages is through art. Art is an expression … Continue reading “Art-full-heart”
Decisions-How do they look?
When we make decisions, do you think about how they impact your health? Depending on your position and the level of decisions you make, it is not just the impact on yourself at risk. Leaders have to lead. Decisions have to be made. What are the ways, strategies, and thoughts in decision-making? It is easy … Continue reading Decisions-How do they look?
Motivation-Validation
Monday's can be a day measured differently for many. It is based on the life experiences of the weekend, the feelings they have for where they are, expectations, mindsets, and the culture. Life journeys are different for each of us. Many things are not visible and are hard to detect. It takes effort to work … Continue reading Motivation-Validation
Stepping stones and stumbling blocks
“Hi Brenda, glad you could be here today for this interview. You have been in your previous district for a long time. I see it is your hometown. Why move? Are you going to use this as just a stepping stone in your career?” Great question. I would ask the same question in your position. … Continue reading Stepping stones and stumbling blocks
Unfamiliar territory? Consult the compass
When traveling in unfamiliar territory, explorers frequently consult their compasses to ensure they have not lost their way or are not headed in a direction away from their destination. The value of a compass is that it defines one direction—north. All other directions can be determined and selected or rejected based on this knowledge. Explores … Continue reading Unfamiliar territory? Consult the compass
Blame Game
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior.” Ephesians 4:31 Blaming others is a way of putting people down, so naturally, it is also a great way to push people instead away! Placing blame creates a dangerous environment where there is no trust. Everyone … Continue reading Blame Game
Revisit, Reevaluate, and Reimagine
August is here and is always a reminder to me of a new school year. A time when leaders and teachers begin to revisit schedules, procedures, materials, and expectations. Looking over all of these things, we reevaluate what was accomplished in the previous year. Where are we currently with our goals? Where do we want … Continue reading Revisit, Reevaluate, and Reimagine