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
love
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
Leading with L.E.S.S.
Each year I choose one word to focus on throughout the year; this one word provides some simplicity in focus for a new year. Rather than a resolution that is outcome focused, the one word helps provide clarity through a singular focus point for the year. This year, I plan to focus on L.E.S.S. L.E.S.S. … Continue reading Leading with L.E.S.S.
Your Challenge
What is a challenge you face on a daily basis that most everyone has no idea about? The past few weeks have unfortunately reminded me that everyone has an answer to this question. We all struggle. Some of our struggles are big; some are small. Some of our struggles are real; some exist only in … Continue reading Your Challenge
Community
As we move from Thanksgiving to Christmas, I am reminded of how blessed I am in my life. While there will always be challenges, I know these struggles are small compared to many others. The holidays can be stressful and we can easily lose sight of what real struggles are in the hustle and bustle … Continue reading Community
Leading and Learning 