Miracle Cure

Colleagues,

MVP: Don’t want to be surprised? Listen to people.

This week, we have looked at three situations in which teachers resigned, all leaving their leader surprised.


From the stories, we know little about whether the teachers were excellent, average, mediocre, or worse. All we know is how they felt.


We know little about the principal, whether she was excellent, average, mediocre, or worse. All we know is that she was surprised.


Lack of opportunity, curriculum struggles, feeling unsupported, these seem like three very different situations, yet there is a unifying theme.


The title of today’s message is Miracle Cure. Do you know what I am referring to?


How might each story have been different if the principal was consistently present for her teachers? What if she routinely checked in on them, not just asking “how are you?” but asking again, “No, really, how are you?”


Maybe the principal wouldn’t have been able to help. Maybe she wouldn’t have wanted to.


But at the very least, had she been present, she would not have been surprised.


Want a miracle? Just show up. Just ask the second question. Just listen.


Bonus: The subject line of each daily email this week is a song performed by the same band. Email me the name of the band by midnight Sunday and I will have a surprise for you on Monday!

The stories this week are about schools, but the lessons apply to all leaders. Two weeks ago, I spoke with three teachers who are leaving the profession. While each daily message will stand on its own, there is an underlying theme which I will pull together on Friday.

Today's intention: BE PRESENT!

Cheers!

Frederick