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Colleagues, Today’s message previews a possibly contentious email on Friday… This morning on The Assistant Principal Podcast I spoke with Jeffrey Bradbury and we talked a lot about symptoms. Part of the discussion was specifically about managing email. One thing we can do at an organizational level is develop clear rules, vocabulary, and definitions for what we put into the subject line. For example, we can use FYI in the subject line to indicate something is for reference and not urgent. If you’d like 24 more suggestions for managing email, reply to this message and I’ll send them to you. Thanks again to IXL for sponsoring today’s episode!  Cheers!
Frederick
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Colleagues,
I recently watched a movie where a secret handshake was a pivotal moment in the plot. Then I thought about wearing our favorite team logos and all the other ways we mark ourselves as members of a specific group. If you do the thing (do the handshake, wear the Block O, have a bushy beard) then you are part of that club. We do this so we know who to identify with and who we should be extra kind to. But what if we identified with everyone? What if we were extra kind to everyone? There is mounting evidence that the way we treat strangers has a huge influence on how we are treated and on our happiness. Just for this week, maybe try treating everyone extra kindly, and see what happens. Cheers! Frederick Colleagues,
This strategy connects the two previous strategies. Make it easier for people to do the work they are there to do. Make it easier for teachers to plan and teach. Make it easier for case managers to invest time with clients. When we invest in learning people’s stories, we will also learn about the barriers to fulfilling purpose (that they perceive). When you find ways to lower a barrier, you build trust by showing:
Time to share – what strategy do you use to build trust in your organization? Please reply to this message and let me know. Cheers! Frederick Colleagues,
Align what you focus on with what the purpose of your organization is. This is more difficult than it may seem. We often mistake the measures of success for the goals, and focusing on the measures creates confusion. Example: Goal: develop young people who have agency in their lives Measure: Improved reading scores Confusing statement: “Let’s focus on the kids who have almost achieved a higher score so we can increase our test score rating.” It’s an easy trap to fall into, but being clear each day about what you are trying to achieve and how you are going to achieve it is essential. Cheers! Frederick Colleagues, A second practice in yesterday’s APP podcast on ten ways to live and lead better was to decide intentionally each morning how you want to show up during the day. There are days we don’t have much gas in the tank, and it is okay to show up as less than our best selves, as long as we make an intentional decision. Most days, you will choose to show up as your best self for others, to be fully present, to listen. However, without intentionally deciding, the default is to be average. This practice takes less than 30 seconds. And it makes a positive difference. Don’t choose average, be intentional! I’m happy to acknowledge Kaleidoscope Adventures as a sponsor of yesterday’s episode of The Assistant Principal Podcast! I appreciate their support and encourage you to connect with them if you are thinking about planning a school trip!  Cheers!
Frederick |
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