Despite having an extremely long break (much appreciated though), there was plenty of work to keep us busy and focused on improving our leadership abilities. Our first assignment was to watch the short video entitled "Who Moved My Cheese?" Although the film had a childish feel to it, the message was anything but. I especially liked the phrase, "What would you do if you weren't afraid?" This profound statement has merit in both my personal and professional lives, as I often make choices that are swayed by fear. By asking myself what I would if I wasn't afraid, I can now make a compromise between my usual choices and my ideal choice, given the parameters of my situation.
We also continued our readings in "How to Thrive as a Teacher Leader." This chapter had us examining conflict resolution. As a teacher and coach, it was nice to get some ideas on how to properly deal with conflict, essentially making sure that you don't make a situation worse. As I found this to be the primary thesis of this chapter, I try to constantly remember that students/parents are often set in their version of the truth; being accusatory or blatantly contradicting them will not improve matters.
The remaining work involved viewing videos on change, examining how to use data, and magnifying the strengths and weaknesses of the newest population generation, the Millennial. Whereas using data and thinking about how to change the status quo directly relate to my profession, I took the most away from the Millennial descriptions. As I am a member of this particular generation, it was most interesting to see how we are largely viewed as cooperative, always on the move, and in need of praise. Whereas I view myself as having some of these qualities (but not all); it is most beneficial to see how my elders view me (or at least my work habits).
Jared, in what ways or situations would you answer the question "What would you do if you weren't afraid?" I really liked that questions as well. I am living it in many different aspects now. My wife and I just put an offer in on a house and it is much larger and has quite a bit larger mortgage payment on it. How ever, I am trying not to be afraid about it and feel it is in our best interest as we expand our family. It does help that my wife just got a new job and will be paid more than currently and hopefully. Anyway, that quote is really something to think about when you are dealing with huge changes in your life.
ReplyDeleteJared, I like that you picked out a specific message from the "Who Moved My Cheese" exercise. I think it's a good question to ask yourself. Can you see using this same question with your students to help motivate them to go beyond their comfort zones?
ReplyDeleteAs far as the conflict management part of leadership goes, it is extremely valuable to know how to deal with conflict, but it is also extremely tricky for the reasons you mentioned. I have learned over the years that the best way to resolve a conflict is to listen first and avoid the blame game. Regardless of how open and easy going a leader may be, it is impossible to avoid conflict among your team from time to time!
I like you took a lot away from video. It did seem childish, but did have a lot of good messages. I often wonder if I did not think rationally and without conflict where I would really be and how different my life could be. However, I am an over thinker and do not take much risk. Unfortunately, I may be the one without cheese if I do not start taking more risks. :)
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