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

The Power of Positive Leadership

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I posted something on Instagram this week about choosing happiness. So much of our attitude and mentality is within our control…but it’s up to us to harness it! As I sit, awaiting our state STAAR scores…I thought it would be a powerful reminder that my happiness is my choice. 😉
( I love Twitter. @8amber8)
  • 1. Positive People Live Longer – In a study of nuns, those that regularly expressed positive emotions lived on average 10 years longer. (The Nun Study)
  • 2. Positive work environments outperform negative work environments. (Daniel Goleman)
  • 3. Positive, optimistic salespeople sell more than pessimistic salespeople. (Martin Seligman)
  • 4. Positive leaders are able to make better decisions under pressure. (Heartmath.org)
  • 5. Marriages are much more likely to succeed when the couple experiences a 5 to 1 ratio of positive to negative interactions whereas when the ratio approaches 1 to 1, marriages are more likely to end in divorce. (John Gottman)
  • 6. Positive people who regularly express positive emotions are more resilient when facing stress, challenges and adversity. (several studies)
  • 7. Positive people are able to maintain a broader perspective and see the big picture which helps them identify solutions whereas negative people maintain a narrower perspective and tend to focus on problems. (Barbara Fredrickson)
  • 8. Positive thoughts and emotions counter the negative effects of stress. For example, you can’t be thankful and stressed at the same time. (several studies)
  • 9. Positive emotions such as gratitude and appreciation help athletes perform at a higher level. (Heartmath.org)
  • 10. Positive people have more friends which is a key factor of happiness and longevity. (Robert D. Putnam)
  • 11. Positive and popular leaders are more likely to garner the support of others and receive pay raises and promotions and achieve greater success in the workplace. (Tim Sanders)
I’m ok with ALL of these things!!
(I’m pretty sure Troy Aikman agrees with #9. IJS.)
Add being positive to your 2018 summer to do list…let’s see if our positivity buckets can all overflow!
Sunshine SpreadN &,

Win an autographed copy of Shake Up Learning…and EVERYone wins!

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I’ve long been a fan of Kasey Bell and her laid-back approach to #allthethings google. We’ve planned together, we’re brainstormed together, and flat out learned from each other. I call her my #digitalbestie because if there is a question I’ve had in regards to PD, Google training, or regional support from her “real job”, she is always available for me! Her support of empowered learners is a staple of strong and appropriate integration.

When she told me that she was writing a book, I celebrated her wholeheartedly. She is an engaging presenter and easy to follow as a teacher. I couldn’t imagine her book being ANY different. It combines reflection with a call to action. One of my favorite lines in the whole book is “Facilitate the messy!” which can surmise a lot of educators thoughts when it comes to shaking up what they do in their classroom. As a teacher or an administrator, there is great comfort in reading along with not only her journey to be as comfortable as she is in her role now but also how to guide those alongside you, with you.

Chapters range from “a breakdown of the DNA of dynamic learning” and “how to unleash your voice and share your story”, to leadership support with “how to empower your students” and “facilitating with finesse”. It provides examples, reflection questions, next steps and more. It is an easy read and I would love to get a copy in YOUR hands!

 

Empowered educators lead to empowered learners…and that should be the goal for all of us!

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Not feeling lucky? You can purchase it here!

I can’t wait to share her greatness with you!

 

ShakeN up &

When you encourage & empower….

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One of my favorite memories as a teacher is from back at the technology center. I received an email from my assistant principal titled “Dress code”.

Gulp.

It asked me to come see her at my conference time at the end of the day.

Double gulp.

Still having no clue as to why I was going down there, (I was in a tee shirt and jeans, but it was a jeans day!) I went in and blurted immediately, “Dr. Milligan, I am so sorry about this outfit…I will dress more professionally moving forward!”

She looked up at me blankly…and from behind me, I heard hysterical laughter. I leaned my head back and dadgummitt..the principal and another one of our teachers, were practically on the ground, laughing SO hard. Apparently, she had failed to log out of her computer earlier in the day and they’d had their way with it.

I explained why I was there to her, and asked, just to reassure myself, that I was dressed appropriately and she said the most powerful thing ever.

“Amber, I trust your professionalism and know you have high expectations for yourself. Your choices define your path.”

I WANT my people empowered to make strong choices. I want to arm and provide examples of what our educational world looks like when they are confident and an end goal in mind.  Instead of doubting, denying, or questioning their goals and aspirations, I want them to see that their choices define their path. 

That requires intentionality on my part. I hope to model that with #allthethings I do to be a lifelong learner, with goals and plans. But it also means allowing them to have goals and dreams as well. Sometimes you need someone else’s perspective on what you can become to actualize your own potential.  

Surround yourself with people who encourage and empower your dreams and goals. Be the person who encourages and empowers your people. If you don’t have that in your circle, you’re in the wrong circle.

 

If you’re the person who shuts the doors…don’t be alarmed when your go-getters find a window. 

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Door opener &

 

Complication of Kindness…is that a thing?

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Question:

As leaders, does one have to balance the gestures of kindness or acts of goodwill because of not being able to do it for everyone?

Example:

Student A is ill and misses a school event, and you are made aware of the illness/student sadness.

Do you respond, reach out,  & **insert kind gesture here**…for student A…

or

do nothing because there are always students who are ill and you’d be creating a precedent?

 

So very interested in your thoughts!!

 

 

StruggleN,

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