Colleagues,

A couple weeks ago we looked at helping others develop a growth mindset. My mentor and cherished friend Dr. Jacque Jacobs shared this quote with me:  "The ability to learn is the most inspiring quality a leader can have." -Sheryl Sandberg 
 
Also from Dr. Jacobs: 
Setting up evaluation systems based on rating scales suggests one has "arrived" when you are rated "5" or "excellent" or "Exceeds" - when in reality you might be the "top dog" in a pretty weak pool. Evaluation systems should be established on a growth model as we can all learn and grow. 
 
So, what can we do?

• Change the language around evaluation. If we can’t change the official terminology, we might still be able to change our language and how we speak about the process.
• As leaders, we can set an example. We can be transparent about our goals for our own development and enlist the help of others.
• We can give very specific feedback. Specific feedback, even if it is only positive, helps people become more thoughtful and intentional. Making connections between actions and outcomes creates more opportunity to talk about the idea that to improve outcomes we need to improve behaviors.

 
Reflect:

• Do you have a growth mindset?
• What does that even mean?
• If you were to get better in one small way next week, what would that be?

 
Cheers!
 
Frederick

Colleagues,

Stay with me to the end of today’s message!
 
Today’s episode of The Assistant Principal Podcast (releasing at 3 pm) features an outstanding assistant principal from Greenville, South Carolina, Carrie Prochaska. The focus of the podcast is on coordinating testing. It isn’t a glamorous topic, but it is essential. So, if you are an AP or have anything to do with coordinating testing in schools, consider subscribing to the podcast.
 
At the end of every episode, I ask our guests to share the most important thing they want listeners to take away from the episode. Carrie shared two:
 

1. Communicate consistently, even if you don’t have all the answers.
2. Be positive about the task, whatever it is.

 
Here’s the lesson for all of us: Communicating well and remaining positive are two things that we should be doing no matter what the task is!
 
I am constantly reminded, that no matter how technical our current work may be, it is the same fundamental leadership practices that pave form the foundation for success over and over again.
 
Cheers!
 
Frederick

Colleagues,
​
M=V/E 
 
Motivation equals value divided by effort.
 
Resistance simply means that there is not enough perceived value for the perceived effort it would take to complete the task
 
To increase motivation you can increase value, decrease effort, or do both.
 
You can print the attachment if you want a constant reminder.
 
Thank you, Adrienne Stuckey, for requesting this “greatest quote”!
 
Cheers!
 
Frederick

Colleagues,

Should I change the oil in my car myself, or should I hire someone else to do it?
 
This is an easy choice for me:

• I have never changed my own oil so I would have to learn.
• I don’t have the right tools so I would have to buy them.
• I would rather dig in the garden.
• The difference in expense between me doing it and someone else isn’t great enough to negatively impact my budget.
• The person that changes my oil rotates my tires for free.

 
For my son Lance, things are a bit different:

• He has changed his own oil many times.
• He has access to the tools.
• He gets satisfaction from changing his own oil.
• The money he saves is significant in his budget.
• He’s not worried about getting his tires rotated.

 
M=V/E (motivation equals value divided by effort).
 
To increase motivation you can increase value, decrease effort, or do both.
 
However, effort and value vary with each individual.
 
Cheers!
 
Frederick

Colleagues,

Okay friends, last week’s messages were pretty intense, so let’s start this week with something fun.
 
As I write this message, the sun is shining. It is finally warm enough to open the windows and hear the birds. Every now and then the breeze kicks up and I can feel it gently caressing my cheek.
 
I close my eyes for a minute and smell the air, laden with the scents of flowers. 
 
I imagine myself on the top of Black Balsam, looking out over the Blue Ridge Mountains.
 
Taking a minute to rejoice in spring makes me feel special.
 
Here’s what’s funny…
 
I had this same feeling last week sitting in a cramped and dark conference room with two school administrators. How?

• Their passion warmed me like the sun.
• Their caring words uplifted me like birds’ songs.
• Their vision for their students was as beautiful as any mountain view.

 
Leaders matter. You matter. 
 
Your passion, your care, your vision – they brighten, inspire, and uplift.
 
Everyday.
 
Make it a great week!
 
Cheers!
 
Frederick