Do you have time to play?

Colleagues,

MVP: Invest in relationships, especially friendships.

On this morning’s episode of The Assistant Principal Podcast, I caught up with my friend Dr. Faiza Jamil. While the episode focuses on creating a more human-centered school, you will hear both Faiza and I lament that we did not invest more time with each other back when we were colleagues at Clemson University.

And yet, I am ever-so-slowly growing wiser.

Last week I drove three hours to Charlotte for a conference attended by three friends whom I had only ever interacted with digitally.

I brought home another similar friend who took time out of his busy schedule to explore the mountains here in Western North Carolina with me. In the process we cemented a deep friendship.

Even two years ago, I would have been “too busy” to “blow off” a week of “real work.”

Now, I recognize that the truly meaningful work is about relationships, and I am so much richer – and happier.

I know you likely can’t take a week off to invest in friendships, but you face choices consistently:

• Eat lunch at your computer, or with someone?
  
• Check in on that new person, or catch up on email?
  
• Binge on Netflix, or call a friend?
  

If this message affects you, consider tuning into my discussion with Faiza as we explore multiple facets of being human.

Today’s intention: Invest in getting to know someone more deeply today!

Cheers!

Frederick