All leaders get #angry + #frustrated. The best #leaders use those feelings to determine what's wrong + fix it.#QuoteADay #Day66 #edchat #edu
Anger and frustration are natural feelings. We've all been in situations where those feelings arise.
And, we all handle those feelings differently. Some of us act out, being transparent to those around us while also causing angst and fear. Others of us keep the emotions inside, continuing as normal without letting others see us sweat. Is there a right or wrong way to handle frustration?
Yes, but likely not in the way you might think.
Regardless of whether you explode or tuck those feelings away, the worst way to deal with frustration and anger is to not use it to your, and your community's, advantage.
We get angry because we see things as being inequitable, unfair, unsafe, etc. We need to delve into those scenarios to pick out what has truly gone wrong, and once we have that data, act to change things or to fix them. Anger and frustration can be motivating, and as long as the plan to change brings people to a better place than previously, motivation built on negative feelings can have a tremendously positive effect.
That doesn't mean that the situation is resolved when the anger resides. Some scenarios in education take months and years to address. But, we must act, and we must use the anger and frustration that the scenario has caused to move us in a direction that supports positive change.
Friday, March 7, 2014
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Quote-A-Day: Day 65
#Education shouldn't be about #rules. It should be about #opportunity. #QuoteADay #Day65 #edchat #edu #ederform
We spent the day today discussing where education is, and where we want it to be here in New York State. One thing that became abundantly clear to me (and perhaps I knew it already) is that education just has too many rules.
Legislation on top of legislation does not an educated student make, and while rules provide structure (sometimes) they also punish (quite often). Our state is struggling with rules that change regularly and often; sometimes so quickly that as a regional administrator, I can't provide the districts I work with the most up-to-date (and correct) information.
What schools (and education in general) should really be about is opportunity. What can we provide students with that they couldn't get elsewhere? How can we help them see the connection between learning and life? How can we prime them for success, success that all students have the opportunity to see first-hand?
These aren't easy questions to answer, but they are at the heart of what a good educational system does. Bill Daggett uses the story of how in the "old days" students weren't allowed to bring their own pencils to school, for fear that they might write notes to each other or draw during lessons. We see the same rule-making today around digital devices. Yet, each and every one of us has our phones with us during the school day, and some members of our teams even use them during class. Is this a rule that helps or an opportunity that is lost?
If we want learning to matter and school to be worthwhile for kids, we have to showcase an understanding that our job is to cater to our students. To that end, we have to provide the tools and methodology that will best help them learn.
If that takes us out of our comfort zone, so be it. After all, it's an opportunity for us to all learn something new.
We spent the day today discussing where education is, and where we want it to be here in New York State. One thing that became abundantly clear to me (and perhaps I knew it already) is that education just has too many rules.
Legislation on top of legislation does not an educated student make, and while rules provide structure (sometimes) they also punish (quite often). Our state is struggling with rules that change regularly and often; sometimes so quickly that as a regional administrator, I can't provide the districts I work with the most up-to-date (and correct) information.
What schools (and education in general) should really be about is opportunity. What can we provide students with that they couldn't get elsewhere? How can we help them see the connection between learning and life? How can we prime them for success, success that all students have the opportunity to see first-hand?
These aren't easy questions to answer, but they are at the heart of what a good educational system does. Bill Daggett uses the story of how in the "old days" students weren't allowed to bring their own pencils to school, for fear that they might write notes to each other or draw during lessons. We see the same rule-making today around digital devices. Yet, each and every one of us has our phones with us during the school day, and some members of our teams even use them during class. Is this a rule that helps or an opportunity that is lost?
If we want learning to matter and school to be worthwhile for kids, we have to showcase an understanding that our job is to cater to our students. To that end, we have to provide the tools and methodology that will best help them learn.
If that takes us out of our comfort zone, so be it. After all, it's an opportunity for us to all learn something new.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Quote-A-Day: Day 64
#Data alone isn't the devil. Only our #interpretations can demonize it. #edchat #edu #edreform #AL20 #NYedchat #QuoteADay #Day64
Data has become a "four-letter word;" one that is best left unspoken in many circles, and only used when you are entirely alone or extremely angry (I picture myself stubbing my toe and screaming "DATA." :) ).
Unfortunately, data itself doesn't deserve this poor treatment. Rather, our interpretation and use of it is what has become problematic. We all understand that data has implications for education. What we all don't understand is that those implications are beneficial.
Unless we turn them into negatives.
See, decision-making, about anything at all, really, requires data. Why did you order that venti mocha frappuccino? Because some bit of data (either collected by you or someone else) led you to make that choice. Why are you reading this blog post? Because some piece of data encouraged you to do so.
So, in reality, we can't decide without data. We need it. It's that simple.
But, we can misuse data and/or apply it to situations where it shouldn't be applied. But it isn't data that is at fault or simply the fact that the data exists.
While I understand the concern about data being collected, I think this anger and frustration misses the mark as well. If we were that concerned about data collection, we wouldn't have cell phones, surf the web, or
-GASP- use social media.
Guess what? In all of those cases, intense amounts of data are collected, but it is how that data is "read" and utilized that presents the problem.
So before you head on the data warpath, consider where your frustration lies. Let's not battle the existence or collection of data. Instead, let's teach others how to use it effectively; to truly benefit the leading and learning that happens within our schools.
Decide with data.
Data has become a "four-letter word;" one that is best left unspoken in many circles, and only used when you are entirely alone or extremely angry (I picture myself stubbing my toe and screaming "DATA." :) ).
Unfortunately, data itself doesn't deserve this poor treatment. Rather, our interpretation and use of it is what has become problematic. We all understand that data has implications for education. What we all don't understand is that those implications are beneficial.
Unless we turn them into negatives.
See, decision-making, about anything at all, really, requires data. Why did you order that venti mocha frappuccino? Because some bit of data (either collected by you or someone else) led you to make that choice. Why are you reading this blog post? Because some piece of data encouraged you to do so.
So, in reality, we can't decide without data. We need it. It's that simple.
But, we can misuse data and/or apply it to situations where it shouldn't be applied. But it isn't data that is at fault or simply the fact that the data exists.
While I understand the concern about data being collected, I think this anger and frustration misses the mark as well. If we were that concerned about data collection, we wouldn't have cell phones, surf the web, or
-GASP- use social media.
Guess what? In all of those cases, intense amounts of data are collected, but it is how that data is "read" and utilized that presents the problem.
So before you head on the data warpath, consider where your frustration lies. Let's not battle the existence or collection of data. Instead, let's teach others how to use it effectively; to truly benefit the leading and learning that happens within our schools.
Decide with data.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Quote-A-Day: Day 63
The finest #leaders know that true #negotiation requires all parties to walk away slightly #unhappy. #QuoteADay #Day63 #edchat #edu
Experience, and any number of books (both fiction and non-fiction), show us that negotiation is all about compromise. And, as we know from compromising, a true compromise always leaves everyone wishing for a little more.
This "not quite happiness" is a tenet of negotiation that works, because it proves that nobody gets exactly what they wanted. Which, not surprisingly, is exactly like life itself.
Leaders who believe it is their way or the highway miss out on the true benefit of negotiation. The development of trust, of truly showing that we care enough about others to lose out on some of what we had hoped for, is an important characteristic of the proactive leader. This "others before self" mentality supports the leader as a service member, and one who takes concerns to heart.
At the same time, a negotiation can't always be about doing whatever everybody else wants. A leader has to use his or her experience to dictate those items that can't be negotiated around. These "non-negotiable" pieces are necessary as they highlight the vision of a given leader and also show that true leaders can bend, but they don't break.
Negotiation is an art form, and like any fine piece of design, many parts go into the masterpiece. But, like a painter will always require a paintbrush, true negotiation always requires a bit of remorse for what you "didn't get." And guess what? That's just the way it is.
Experience, and any number of books (both fiction and non-fiction), show us that negotiation is all about compromise. And, as we know from compromising, a true compromise always leaves everyone wishing for a little more.
This "not quite happiness" is a tenet of negotiation that works, because it proves that nobody gets exactly what they wanted. Which, not surprisingly, is exactly like life itself.
Leaders who believe it is their way or the highway miss out on the true benefit of negotiation. The development of trust, of truly showing that we care enough about others to lose out on some of what we had hoped for, is an important characteristic of the proactive leader. This "others before self" mentality supports the leader as a service member, and one who takes concerns to heart.
At the same time, a negotiation can't always be about doing whatever everybody else wants. A leader has to use his or her experience to dictate those items that can't be negotiated around. These "non-negotiable" pieces are necessary as they highlight the vision of a given leader and also show that true leaders can bend, but they don't break.
Negotiation is an art form, and like any fine piece of design, many parts go into the masterpiece. But, like a painter will always require a paintbrush, true negotiation always requires a bit of remorse for what you "didn't get." And guess what? That's just the way it is.
Monday, March 3, 2014
Quote-A-Day: Day 62
#Leaders can be #heroes, but never #superheros. Being human is what lets us strive for greatness. #edchat #edu #QuoteADay #Day62 #BeHuman
There's a lot we can do. But, we have to be cognizant of the fact that we can't do everything. And that's okay.
We should strive to be heroes for students, parents, and the community, but we have to always remember that we are human. We can't be multiple places at once, nor can we operate at the speed of light. We have limitations and flaws, and that's what makes us real.
Being real is a key characteristic of leaders. Those we work with want to see that we are capable of making mistakes, that we have fears, that we love, and that we may even have aversions to certain things. This "reality check" breaks down barriers and shows that learners and leaders are really one and the same.
This thought popped into my head last evening as I was watching the Oscars. Normally this event always seems very "unhuman" to me in that celebrities and the like are paraded on stage, sit in chairs looking very stoic, and then have tremendously expensive parties afterwards. Even with the wit that comes with a truly great emcee, the event always seemed pretentious and, well, not real.
Last evening two events took place that made me reconsider, and actually smile at, an event I normally read (or "device") through. First, Ellen DeGeneres and the planning staff brought in a few pizza pies. It was a ridiculous event, with possibly a real delivery guy, but watching Martin Scorsese grab a slice while he sat for the awards was actually pretty interesting. I thought of him, and many of the other folks in the audience, calling up their local pizza place from time-to-time and ordering a delivery, just like me. Second, Ellen, with the help of Bradley Cooper, took a great "group selfie" (complete with photo-bombing Kevin Spacey), very similar to the type of group picture we would take with friends and colleagues.
Now, clearly, many of these folks aren't like you and me. But, as these two small moments show, in many ways they are. Being human is really all that's needed to build trust and to build relationships, something that any leader needs to make it through the day.
There's a lot we can do. But, we have to be cognizant of the fact that we can't do everything. And that's okay.
We should strive to be heroes for students, parents, and the community, but we have to always remember that we are human. We can't be multiple places at once, nor can we operate at the speed of light. We have limitations and flaws, and that's what makes us real.
Being real is a key characteristic of leaders. Those we work with want to see that we are capable of making mistakes, that we have fears, that we love, and that we may even have aversions to certain things. This "reality check" breaks down barriers and shows that learners and leaders are really one and the same.
This thought popped into my head last evening as I was watching the Oscars. Normally this event always seems very "unhuman" to me in that celebrities and the like are paraded on stage, sit in chairs looking very stoic, and then have tremendously expensive parties afterwards. Even with the wit that comes with a truly great emcee, the event always seemed pretentious and, well, not real.
Last evening two events took place that made me reconsider, and actually smile at, an event I normally read (or "device") through. First, Ellen DeGeneres and the planning staff brought in a few pizza pies. It was a ridiculous event, with possibly a real delivery guy, but watching Martin Scorsese grab a slice while he sat for the awards was actually pretty interesting. I thought of him, and many of the other folks in the audience, calling up their local pizza place from time-to-time and ordering a delivery, just like me. Second, Ellen, with the help of Bradley Cooper, took a great "group selfie" (complete with photo-bombing Kevin Spacey), very similar to the type of group picture we would take with friends and colleagues.
Now, clearly, many of these folks aren't like you and me. But, as these two small moments show, in many ways they are. Being human is really all that's needed to build trust and to build relationships, something that any leader needs to make it through the day.
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Quote-A-Day: Day 61
The more people you meet, the more you stand to #learn. Always be on the lookout to build #relationships. #edchat #edu #QuoteADay #Day61
I've learned that in life, nothing is as important as the relationships you build with others. So, it pays to be comfortable schmoozing a bit, and getting to know those around you. Every person we meet has the potential to teach us something, and whether it's a person on the checkout line, your mail carrier, or an educator new to your organization, it pays to build relationships that have the potential to be mutually beneficial.
That doesn't mean you have to talk up every single person you meet (which is fine, if that's how you roll). Rather, it means that when the opportunity presents itself to get to know somebody, you should. We never know how we'll be shaped by those in our lives.
Relationship building is a funny thing. There are no real rules that go into forming relationships that work (with the exception of treating everyone with the respect they deserve). Therefore, it is impossible to predict who you will meet and how you'll end up teaching and learning from each other. So, embrace the opportunities that arise to connect with others...
...and do whatever you can to keep those connections from fraying. Sometimes we wonder why we have to pull all the weight in certain relationships. Yet, times will arise (they always do) when we'll need some help with the weight we're carrying. That's when those we've connected with, learned from, and befriended, can truly help us be the people we most want to be.
I've learned that in life, nothing is as important as the relationships you build with others. So, it pays to be comfortable schmoozing a bit, and getting to know those around you. Every person we meet has the potential to teach us something, and whether it's a person on the checkout line, your mail carrier, or an educator new to your organization, it pays to build relationships that have the potential to be mutually beneficial.
That doesn't mean you have to talk up every single person you meet (which is fine, if that's how you roll). Rather, it means that when the opportunity presents itself to get to know somebody, you should. We never know how we'll be shaped by those in our lives.
Relationship building is a funny thing. There are no real rules that go into forming relationships that work (with the exception of treating everyone with the respect they deserve). Therefore, it is impossible to predict who you will meet and how you'll end up teaching and learning from each other. So, embrace the opportunities that arise to connect with others...
...and do whatever you can to keep those connections from fraying. Sometimes we wonder why we have to pull all the weight in certain relationships. Yet, times will arise (they always do) when we'll need some help with the weight we're carrying. That's when those we've connected with, learned from, and befriended, can truly help us be the people we most want to be.
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Quote-A-Day: Day 60
No matter how busy your life is, everyone needs at least ten minutes to stop and #reflect. #edchat #edu #QuoteADay #TakeTime
(So far so good. I've been able to create a quote a day for the first two months of the year. Ten more to go!)
Show me somebody who isn't busy all the time, and I'll show you somebody who truly has a gift (whether they know it or not).
With our lives consumed by everything under the sun, it's rare to have the time to sit, think, and contemplate the world around us.
Yet, that reflection, that ability to sit and think, even for a few minutes, is what lets us truly be creative and come up with problems, ideas, and solutions, that we never would have thought of if we hadn't let our minds wander.
That wandering is so important, because a life without reflection is a life that is a chore. Reflection lets us think up what we want to do and where we want to go next, and without it, we're good as stuck.
So, how do you make sure you build reflection into your life? The easiest way is to schedule it.
Seriously.
Build a reflection time into your daily calendar, and try to sync it with the time of day when you are most productive. It doesn't have to be long; ten or twenty minutes might be all that you need.
But you do need it, believe me. I tend to like to reflect first thing in the morning when I arrive at work, and I also reflect well when I'm by myself in the car. Today, I'm reflecting as I write this at the Starbucks on Mill Plain Road in Danbury, CT. My eldest daughter is in ballet class, and while I wait for her, I've spent some time reflecting deeply (and writing).
Regardless of what time/structure works best for you, do whatever you can to reflect regularly. Your growth as a leader and a learner depends on it.
(So far so good. I've been able to create a quote a day for the first two months of the year. Ten more to go!)
Show me somebody who isn't busy all the time, and I'll show you somebody who truly has a gift (whether they know it or not).
With our lives consumed by everything under the sun, it's rare to have the time to sit, think, and contemplate the world around us.
Yet, that reflection, that ability to sit and think, even for a few minutes, is what lets us truly be creative and come up with problems, ideas, and solutions, that we never would have thought of if we hadn't let our minds wander.
That wandering is so important, because a life without reflection is a life that is a chore. Reflection lets us think up what we want to do and where we want to go next, and without it, we're good as stuck.
So, how do you make sure you build reflection into your life? The easiest way is to schedule it.
Seriously.
Build a reflection time into your daily calendar, and try to sync it with the time of day when you are most productive. It doesn't have to be long; ten or twenty minutes might be all that you need.
But you do need it, believe me. I tend to like to reflect first thing in the morning when I arrive at work, and I also reflect well when I'm by myself in the car. Today, I'm reflecting as I write this at the Starbucks on Mill Plain Road in Danbury, CT. My eldest daughter is in ballet class, and while I wait for her, I've spent some time reflecting deeply (and writing).
Regardless of what time/structure works best for you, do whatever you can to reflect regularly. Your growth as a leader and a learner depends on it.
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