When Seth Berg posted, Rolling Out The Warm & Welcome Mat, it was a reading that came at a good time for me. In the blog, he wrote about being too busy to really connect with his teachers on a particular day. I've found myself reflecting on it every since. I've also found myself more aware of similar mistakes I am making.
What is about being a leader that makes the leader (and maybe even others) think we can't make mistakes?
Why are mistakes even seen as mistakes?
And when they are made, why are they misinterpreted negatively by some? And why do others even believe that negativity? We talk about encouraging risk taking and when some don't pan out, we tell teachers and students, the risk was worth it.
Do we tell leaders the same message we tell others?
This time of year is so stressful for teaches and administrators in NY. We are nearing the end of a school year where compliance requires us to finish up all the pieces of APPR: dot the i and cross the t. We are also trying to set stage for next year and any related changes associated with that. It's a lot for any one teacher to juggle and surely is a lot for leaders, of many teachers, to juggle. It's easy to drop a ball and make a mistake. It's even easier to do it more than once.
But, then somewhere in the year end chaos, we still have our students. Out of all the things that need our attention most right now, it is them. During these last few days, we need to find a balance.
Let's put students first. Then, let's put our relationships with colleagues. Compliance and year end checklists can have third place. If we focus on relationships with students and colleagues, we will surely make fewer mistakes.
What is about being a leader that makes the leader (and maybe even others) think we can't make mistakes?
Why are mistakes even seen as mistakes?
And when they are made, why are they misinterpreted negatively by some? And why do others even believe that negativity? We talk about encouraging risk taking and when some don't pan out, we tell teachers and students, the risk was worth it.
Do we tell leaders the same message we tell others?
This time of year is so stressful for teaches and administrators in NY. We are nearing the end of a school year where compliance requires us to finish up all the pieces of APPR: dot the i and cross the t. We are also trying to set stage for next year and any related changes associated with that. It's a lot for any one teacher to juggle and surely is a lot for leaders, of many teachers, to juggle. It's easy to drop a ball and make a mistake. It's even easier to do it more than once.
But, then somewhere in the year end chaos, we still have our students. Out of all the things that need our attention most right now, it is them. During these last few days, we need to find a balance.
Let's put students first. Then, let's put our relationships with colleagues. Compliance and year end checklists can have third place. If we focus on relationships with students and colleagues, we will surely make fewer mistakes.
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