my version of transparent, collaborative leadership...with a Teamann twist

#oneword2018 …but why pick just one?

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The world is awash with words, goals, and plans for the blank slate of 2018 that we all have ahead of us. I’ve blogged before about my goals, my reflections, and upcoming matters at hand (2016, 2015, 2104, 2012) and why should this year be any different? Considering that I don’t wear the same outfit twice in a season, the thought that one word can keep me focused on through 12 whole months seems…stifling. While I find myself much too loquacious to choose just one word…I do quite enjoy a plan. A plan that will hold me accountable, one that allows me to see how 2018 could be different for myself, both professionally and personally. A simple manifesto of thoughts, if you will, rather than a word.

 

This year I will:

  • read more. 120 books. That’s the goal. 10 a month…entirely accomplishable. All trackable on Goodreads…join me there and let’s share book suggestions!
  • blog more. Le sigh. I am hoping on down this list will be my solution for making this happen! Writing consistently is my version of a diary. It’s how I reflect upon my professional journey, and as my girls get older, a way that I share what matters.
  • friend more. I’ll turn the entirely too mature sounding 4-0 in 2018. (Eek!) While I certainly don’t FEEL like I’ve had four decades of living, I do recognize that I have been blessed with four decades of people in my life. I want to show that appreciation. I’ve already written down the names of people I care about in my planner and will reach out, each month. A year of blessings!
  • be more productive. I came across the concept of a “productivity bingo” on Instagram. (Are you on Instagram? It may actually be replacing twitter for me for ideas and great people!) Below will be my “first” attempt at a productivity bingo for the month of January. This allows me to transcend just one word for the year and gives me 12 opportunities to be successful. I can now make progress on my year, square by square. Some topics will roll over. Some won’t get done. But the potential for MORE? Always a possibility. 

 

If you’d like to make your own “git’R done”, here’s mine that you can edit to suit you and your goals! I’ve printed mine out and have it tucked away in my planner, just ready for me to cross off a square! To make it more exciting, I’ve added lil’prizes at the bottom. I love a good prize!

 

While it may seem that “more” might be my word, I think being intentional with what I choose to do, will allow me to actually do less while still getting’er done. And that? Seems perfect for 2018!

 

When we allow the different…

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When we allow the different…

  • we let students feel successful in nontraditional ways.
  • we present a different perspective of what principals are like or what they do.
  • those who felt unloved, feel loved.
  • we skip whats best for all, and focus on whats best for the individual.
  • we let go of what’s always been done, for what’s best right now.
  • it lets people feel like taking risks is allowed…or even encouraged.
  • we don’t get tired of the mundane or the status quo.
  • programs are changed and we make new choices.
  • antiquated instructional practices are let go of, for updated, new ones.
  • growth and challenges become the norm, instead of a place of stress.
  • we. make. a difference.
  • lives. are. changed.

 

This past weekend, I got to be present for a good friend’s wedding. A good friend that I met on the internet. 🙂 That I’ve “seen” maybe four times, in my whole life. And it was amazing.

Different, huh?

 

Be different. Allow different.

 

Embrace the different.

 

Amber

 

 

November thankful…what can a principal do?

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Can you believe November is already here? This school year is flying by fast…and November is a great month to stop down and say “thank you” to your staff. I heard in a training today that as the leader your words of appreciation and thanks mean so much more…because,  inherently, of your position. Educators live in a world where being overworked has become the norm, where demands for excellence only increase. If you are like me…you’re also tired. You’re also in need of some thanks. You’re also ready for some words of praise. This activity is even MORE important that you do it then! Gratitude improves psychological health. Gratitude reduces a multitude of toxic emotions, ranging from envy and resentment to frustration and regret. … in fact, research confirms that gratitude effectively increases happiness and reduces depression. Be the boss who is kind. Kindness begets gratitude…it makes your people feel appreciated. It makes the exhaustion feel worth it. Simple acknowledgement of the efforts and energy can make the long day seem a bit shorter.

What can you do?

  • A simple note. Use my Happy Notes template to make it even easier. Say thanks…and if you can tie it into a specific act of appreciation, even better.
  • Feed’em. From a snack cart that travels, to a hot chocolate treat during meetings, or a full on catered meal…acknowledging your appreciation with a snackie snack will brighten their day. I buy lil’debbbies treats and always have some on hand for a quick thank you. Toss in an “I appreciate you” post it or card, and you’ll get a smile.
  • Value their time. Are there meetings scheduled this month that could be handled with an email? Are there opportunities you can step in to cover a duty or allow a break for your teams? I snuck in an extra leave early pass into their boxes last week, just knowing that sometimes our teachers need permission to just STEP AWAY without feeling guilty.
  • Throw a mixer! As educators we rarely have the opportunity to come together for the sole purpose of having fun together! What if you scheduled an event for after school that was come & go and optional for those who had the time? Even just a hour over chips and salsa can help foster the team camaraderie that makes the season seem do-able. Is there a fun movie that’s out? Spring for the popcorn and meet up for a thought free afternoon/evening.

 

If you’re feeling like you could some principal appreciation too, I have a solution for that too! Text “Follow @ValuePrincipals” to 40404 and you will start receiving texts of appreciation on your phone! You can turn off receiving updates by sending “STOP @ValuePrincipals” to 40404. These texts will be meant to lift ya up, push you through, and just to remind you why we’re doing what we’re doing. No more than one a day…just gems of greatness to keep ya moving forward!

At the end of the day, we ALL work harder when we feel like we’re using our strengths and when our hard work is acknowledged. It doesn’t have to be expensive…just genuine.

 

How are you showing thankfulness this November?

Thankful for YOU,

Amber

Who in your world is making you want to be better?

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Last weekend my lil’bit played in a softball tournament in a nearby town. This is our first year on a team from our town, and our first tournament as well. It amazes me the passion and energy that can be found on your local sports fields, on any given weekend. There were multiple teams from all over, with all kinds of skill levels and talents.

My kid..she loves to compete. She is competitive. She has an energy, and a determination that is a joy to see. That being said…she’s TOTALLY 7. Her team plays for fun. They practice once a week. They win some, they lose some.

There was a team that we played this weekend though…wow. They practiced 4 days a week. (Ya’ll…that is only 3 nights off. I can’t even!) Their warm up was synchronized by single word commands. They did drills in unison. It was amazing. They matched from head to toe, in branded bright colors. It was intense.

One of the positions that stood out in particular to me, was their catcher. The catcher position at this age has typically been a place holder…she wears the gear, she attempts to catch the ball, but there is also a coach behind her who typically gets it and throws it back to the pitcher (another coach). Well, as I am sure you can predict, on the other team, their catcher was LEGIT. She was in the crouch, she had a rocket arm…she was amazing.

Guess what happened after two innings? All of a sudden, unprompted by our coach, our catcher was also in the crouch. She tried to catch each pitch that came her way, and made some pretty good attempts to throw it back to the pitcher. This was our last game of this season, she’d never once done that before.

All because she had seen someone better than her. All because she watched, she saw someone better, and she was challenged.

 

Who is in your world that is making you want to be better?

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always learning,

Amber

Vulnerability in Parent Teacher Conferences

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An email from our amazing counselor today…

I never thought I’d feel more vulnerable than being a teacher in a parent-teacher conference until my son started kindergarten.

As the teacher, I set the tone for the meeting: warm, always with chocolate, and open – we sat in chairs without a gigantic, imposing desk between us. I wanted my parents to feel safe. I wanted them to know that, whatever the data showed, their children were loved, they were respected, and we would share the growth mindset philosophy of “yet” when we weren’t seeing the progress all parents hope to see.

As a mom, though, sitting across the kidney table from Mrs. Bott (S’s Kinder teacher), all the confidence I had as a teacher went out the window: I did not set the tone of the meeting. I did not choose the chairs, I was not the expert in the room.

Even as an educator, I walked into that classroom somewhat uneasy.  We were talking about my child. I had to give in to my vulnerability and ask questions. In that moment, I knew what it meant to be truly unguarded.

And while there was no chocolate at this meeting, Mrs. Bott and I had a fantastic conversation that eased my tensions and calmed my fears. She made a space for me to be vulnerable without fear of judgment.

When we give our parents a safe space to learn how do this parenting thing alongside us, we give them hope that they are a part of a team that is growing their child.

 

I am so happy to work with such talented, committed educators who make this space for parents (and for me!). You are the wind beneath your students’ wings. 😉

Insert cheesy inspirational music here….

 

I’ve spoken often about the need to balance your leadership teams with strengths that support your weaknesses. We had the chance this year to add a counselor to our team, and I tell ya…I thank my lucky stars each day that this young lady was available when we had that opening. Hiring is one of the MOST important aspects of our admin world, and when you have the chance…find you a rockstar like our Mrs. Halpin. She sends a daily email, with a timely message…and with tonight being our “late” night for parent conferences, this one resonated with us all.

 

May all of your parent exchanges be vulnerable, be open, and be positively productive.

Humbled,

Amber