As we roll into a new school year, many educators look for ways to keep things in perspective while many new initiatives, plans and tasks are shared with them. Leaders recognize that keeping things simple helps to keep things in perspective for those they serve and to focus on the right work. As John C. Maxwell has shared, “Change is inevitable. Growth is Optional.” To that end, we want to examine how a person can keep things in perspective by understanding what motivates them, how they can impact others and the focus areas of their leadership role. This will allow a leader to continually adapt and pivot as things change and to keep their focus on growth on what matters most.
Sharing these ideas is meant to help any leader, no matter their title or role, as we aim to positively impact those we serve to help strive for excellence.
These are reflective questions to help leaders think about how they can within their role make the difference. Leaders must keep in mind…
- How can they create a school where the students, staff and parents are beating the doors to get in…not out?
- How can we connect with others that value human connectedness?
- How do we show gratitude for others?
- How do we create a unified vision or purpose?
- How can we engage our families in our work and have them partner with us?
- How do we provide ways for our students to be heard and lead meaningful activities?
- How can a leader maximize their influence? How can we…
- Help those around us to improve?
- How can a leader improve in their own craft by maximizing their strengths?
- How can leaders model the importance of joy, professionalism, and positivity within their role?
- What strategies can leaders do to create sustainable change within their organization? How can they…
- Inspire and Empower others?
- Keep the staff informed, Involved in the work and Inspired to create a better school?
- Help each student feel Connected, Capable with their academic skills and develop self-confidence
The reflective questions above can help leaders stay grounded and focus on “what matters most”. As leaders strive to improve and help their school systems become their very best, it is important to keep in mind that there are so many expectations of schools and educators, but the more we can keep the focus on the essential things then we focus on growth and improvement in the work that will move the schools forward and allows us to broaden our impact to meet the various needs. This includes…..
- Creating Academically challenging environment for all students
- ALL students have opportunities for success
- Respond to what students need
- Develop staff as leaders
- Engage families with strong partnerships
Leaders must remember that creating positive change requires that we must be intentional with our efforts. This includes each person recognizing their pathway within their work and then understanding how to move forward in their roles. I hope this blog allows leaders to remember our purpose as we start another school year and perhaps, reflect and adjust our focus so we can be our best for others. It is never too late to change or adapt to create something better. We owe that to our students and staff that we serve. I encourage you to reflect and better understand how we each have opportunities to strive to get better and that includes learning from others but also supporting others. Comment below or reach out to me at leadlearnerperspectives@gmail.com
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Lead Learner Perspectives 