Colleagues,

MVP: Simplicity increases creativity.

Simplicity increases creativity.

I have no idea what will drive this lesson home, but I have the feeling that somewhere along the way, Pam and I are going to have to improvise and be creative. 

Secretly, I am looking forward to this moment. Although, it’s not a secret now!

Thank you for taking this journey with me. Being able to share my excitement by focusing on some leadership lessons has been great for me – I hope it has worked well for you too.

Today's Intention: Look at all the gadgets in your kitchen. What would happen if they all went away? Could you get by with a knife, a fork, and a spoon?

Cheers!
​
​Frederick

Colleagues,

MVP: Reality usually doesn’t live up to the fantasy, but sometimes we can be surprised.
 
I remember opening up an issue of National Geographic magazine in 1985 and having a map fall out. The map accompanied a long article on the Pennine Way. I said to myself, “Someday, I am going to walk that trail!”
 
Well, someday is almost here.
 
You can imagine how much fantasizing I have done about this trail over the past 38 years.
 
In truth, the real thing cannot live up to the idyllic image I have painted in my mind.
 
I will be reminded that an idealized outcome will not be the real outcome.
 
Although I do wonder, if I am able to embrace Wednesday’s lesson, that people are the purpose, maybe I have a chance?

Today's Intention: Look around you. Is it really about the people?

Cheers!

​Frederick

Colleagues,

MVP: Put people before purpose
 
What I am anticipating most about our Pennine Way hike is the views. There are some amazing vistas.
 
That said, I think the most rewarding part of the hike will be the people we meet along the way. 
 
I have wanted to do this hike for 35 years (!) but in the end, it is the people that will make this hike special and memorable, not the views. 
 
Maybe in a way, our Grand Adventure is just an excuse for meeting a bunch of people who are very different (maybe) from us.
 
One of the biggest surprises of my podcasting journey has been just this. I have met such incredible people who care so deeply about others. One of those people is Will Parker, the host of the Principal Matters podcast, which might be the top principal podcast in the world.
 
I was privileged to talk with Will a few weeks ago and you can also enjoy his company by listening to yesterday’s episode of The Assistant Principal Podcast.
 
 
Today’s intention: As you go about your day, be mindful of how connected you are with the people around you. Pay special attention and think about who you would like to know better.

Cheers!

​Frederick

Colleagues,

MVP: Anticipating every need is really difficult.
 
On our Pennine Way trip we will need to carry everything we need on our backs, except for food. We are trying to be militant at keeping our packs light, so we face tough decisions about what to bring and what to leave behind.
 
No matter how much we read, practice, or reflect, there is one thing for certain:
 
We will have too much, too little, or both. 
 
By that I mean that there will be something we find we didn’t need, something we did need but left behind, or both, which is the most likely scenario.
 
Anticipating every need is difficult.
 
Just like anticipating every ripple effect of change is difficult. We can never predict every impact, so in the end we need to be flexible, resourceful, and optimistic.
 
Today’s intention: Think back about your change initiatives this past year. What surprises were there? Could you have accounted for every impact your changes would make?

Cheers!

Frederick

Colleagues,

MVP: Focus on the step you are taking.
​
In 21 days, Pam and I will celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary by stepping onto England’s Pennine Way, a long-distance hiking trail of 268 miles. We have been making serious preparations for a long time and now as the date gets near, I’ve begun thinking about what I might learn out on that winding trail. This week, I’ll play with five lessons I anticipate being reminded of.
 
A journey of 1000 (or 268) miles begins with one step.
 
It’s too easy to get focused on a final destination. Every journey has countless small segments. When we go A-B, we set ourselves up for success by creating easy wins and by living in the present moment.

Today’s intention: Think back on your year. Where did you begin? How far have you come?