Colleagues,

Today’s podcast guest, Brian Martin, shared this piece of wisdom: I would not take criticism from someone I wouldn’t take advice from.

This is worth thinking about.

Have people tried to give you advice that you weren’t interested in hearing?

How would you have taken criticism from them?

I wonder, tweaking the statement a bit to be…

I seek feedback from the same people I seek advice from.

So, if you want to grow and coach people, do you first need to have a relationship in which they trust you enough to seek your advice?

Probably.

Thanks again to IXL for sponsoring today’s episode.

Cheers!

Frederick

Colleagues,

I like listening to Tony Robbins. His core message is that we control our own attitude and our attitude controls (or at least influences) our success.

Clearly, success is not only a reflection of positive thinking and we don’t all get dealt the same hand of cards. And yet, what we do with what we have does matter.

This morning, I heard this Robbins’ quote: “Safety is where dreams go to die.”

As I thought about sharing this message with you all, it occurred to me that nobody reading this email is playing it safe. You are reading because you are a leader and you want to have the greatest positive impact possible. Just the act of reading this message is “unsafe” because you will potentially read something that will push your thinking.

So, eschew safety, keep your dreams alive, and be okay with being uncomfortable.

You are awesome!

Cheers!

Frederick

Colleagues,

I had a reader reach out asking for recommendations of episodes specifically for his situation as a new assistant principal next school year. 

I shared the list with him and am including it here. Some of these episodes work for all leadership, regardless of position or sector, so feel free to listen even if you aren’t a brand new administrator. 


For all leaders:

• Episode 284: 5-Minute Coaching
• Episode 294: Doing is Not Serving
• Episode 233: Imposter Syndrome

For all school leaders

• Episode 232: How to handle discipline—Step by Step (2024’s BEST Podcast!)
• Episode 177: Lean In and Listen (Three questions to ask your new teachers–or all teachers if you are a new admin)
• Episode 279: Have Gratitude (All-around tips)

For new APs:

• Episode 263: Your First Year as an AP (Round table for first year APs)

Happy listening!

Cheers!

Frederick

Colleagues,

I’ve become increasingly intentional about trying to say nice things to people.

A couple week’s ago I was corresponding with someone in a big school district who was helping me get set up in their vendor system.

She was very helpful and timely, so I let her know how much I appreciated her kindness and quality of work.

It took me 90 seconds to write that message.

She responded with several kind statements but here’s what jumped out at me:

“…and this message was especially needed and appreciated today.” (emphasis added)

90 seconds to help someone who might have been struggling to have a better day and feel valued and seen.

And guess what? So many of us (yes, me included) are struggling right now.

Be kind, be intentional with a warm thought and show appreciation. It is so much more important and impactful than you think.

Cheers!

Frederick

Colleagues,

If we had one day together, here’s what the agenda would look like:
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Cheers!

​Frederick