It’s simple and powerful to treat people like they matter and we should do it each day.

Colleagues,

Today on The Assistant Principal Podcast, I decided to re-release an episode featuring Angela Maiers from all the way back in 2023. Angela Maiers talks about the science behind mattering. Angela’s proposition is simple – treat people as if they matter, and it will have a huge positive impact on both you and them.

I have often shared the way Natalia Meija, NCCAT 2023 Empower NC Beginning Teacher of the Year, greets her students – with a big smile and a “I am so glad you are here!” This is so powerful because it communicates that the person matters.

Angela has a basic formula for interacting with people, which I have tweaked slightly:

• Pause, smile, say the person’s name. Make them feel like your world has stopped and that you are completely focused on them. Ask, “how are you?”
• Pause after they answer and ask again, “Name, really, how are you?”
• As you part ways, let them know you look forward to seeing them again.

Today’s intention: Let someone know they matter.

Thanks again to IXL for sponsoring today’s episode.

Cheers!

​Frederick