Equip

Even though we don’t really know what the issue is, we’re quite sure we’ve got the answer they need.Michael Bungay Stanier The most important process in creating change in any environment is to lead from the heart and love those whom we lead each day. While this level of caring is the first step, it, … Continue reading Equip

Just Give

I do not understand the mystery of grace -- only that it meets us where we are and does not leave us where it found us.Anne Lamott I have always appreciated the statement: don’t give back, just give. I do not remember where I heard this statement many years ago, but it has been one … Continue reading Just Give

Intentions

“I don't blame you one iota for feeling as you do. If I were you I would undoubtedly feel just as you do."(...) You can say that and be 100 percent sincere, because if you were the other person you, of course, would feel just as he does.Dale Carnegie, How to Win Friends and Influence … Continue reading Intentions

Expectations and Accountability

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.1 John 3:18 Expectations and accountability are two words that get thrown around a great deal in leadership. We are told in order to accomplish results we must have “high expectations and hold people accountable to those expectations.” While I … Continue reading Expectations and Accountability

Correct But Not Right

Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something.Plato There is a cliche statement that I have grown to dislike over the years: It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it. This statement leads you to believe that what you say does not matter as much … Continue reading Correct But Not Right

Removing Rational Thinking

Logic will never change emotion or perception.​Edward De Bono We live in a complex world with complex problems. Our educational system is no different. As more mandates and accountability models are forced onto schools we are subject to an environment that is ever-changing. Many times we try to attack these problems with very logical responses. … Continue reading Removing Rational Thinking

People First

I invest in people. I think: people first, projects second.Bruno Zheng Wu People first, everything else second. It is a powerful idea and the first step in loving those you serve. But, what does it really mean to put people first? It is a statement we hear a great deal in leadership, but often find … Continue reading People First

LOVE

Do not waste time bothering whether you 'love' your neighbor; act as if you did.C.S. Lewis Love is an action, not just a feeling.  It is easy to say you love someone; it is much more difficult to show that love in your daily actions. To be the type of leader (and person) we need … Continue reading LOVE

What’s On Your List?

In this ever-changing society, the most powerful and enduring brands are built from the heart. They are real and sustainable. Their foundations are stronger because they are built with the strength of the human spirit, not an ad campaign. The companies that are lasting are those that are authentic.Howard Schultz Last post I discussed how … Continue reading What’s On Your List?

Simple, Not Easy

That's been one of my mantras - focus and simplicity. Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it's worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains.Steve Jobs Good leaders have strategies, great leaders have a … Continue reading Simple, Not Easy