#leadupchat focuses on school leadership broadly, culture, changing paradigms, and the growth mindset. It's an Ed movement focused on Leadership, Culture, Growth and Shifts on Saturdays at 8:30am CST, founded by Jeff Veal (@heffrey) and Nathan Lang (@nalang1).
Good Morning. Scott Martin checking in to learn. Just began a new role at Michigan Department of Education focused on Culture and Climate to implement SEL supports in schools.#leadupchat
Hey #leadupchat - Want tools on how T's & S's benefit from activities designed to bring ALL members of the classroom into community, creating a safe, equitable learning environment? FOLLOW @_coolclassroom & check out Carla Tantillo Philibert. CLICK: https://t.co/66AFEeMUMm
Good Morning @drneilgupta and wonderful #LeadUpChat PLN members. It is going to be stellar here in SW Florida today. So many snow birds are here it makes traveling from one place to another a challenge.
A1 Two key strategies are to know the unique strengths of everyone on a team and to pay attention to their wellbeing. Collective Efficacy is created when a team positions members based on how they uniquely think, feel, and behave and what they do best. #leadupchat
A1: Give teams choice about who they bring on board (within limits), provide safe opportunities for team members to observe one another in practice to build respect/develop trust #leadupchat
A1: recognize others for their contribution, hold each other accountable, Be will omg to serve each other and your school in any capacity that you’re needed #leadupchat
A1: Relationships & trust are the foundation. Authenticity is big. Being willing to address the hard stuff & support each other in problem-solving. #leadupchat
A1: Finding ways to make every team member feel like we couldn’t function without them and find ways to make work fun. Build relationships with students and colleagues. #LeadUpChat
A1: A key strategy in building a team’s success is finding ways to build connections & relationships. People work well with each other when they value each other. The value only comes from the relationships. #leadupchat
A1: There are different models of team development, but all seem to begin with humility and end with building the leadership, talents and voice of each member.
#leadupchat
A1: celebrating strengths, modeling risk taking, encouraging problem seeking-problem solving process, reflecting often, & holding each other accountable for being present #leadupchat
Good morning! A1: Consistent team processes, common goals, a solution mind-set & collective efficacy. The best teams also feel comfortable and safe to speak-up during the meeting. #leadupchat
A1: Teams have a common purpose/goal. They are committed to the success of their classroom, but they are focused on the success of the entire school. #leadupchat
A1. I would say an environment where you promote failure, flexibility, trust, learning your family’s passions/strengths & highlighting those, most of all SUPPORT! Knowing u care❤️#LeadUpChat
A1: High expectations, clear objectives, frequent check-ins, a way to measure impact, and game rules. Oh, sprinkle in some passion, commitment, and empathy.
#leadupchat
A1) Listening, Building Relationships. Most important understanding the needs of the teachers and their experiences. Must determine best way to empowerthe staff.#leadupchat
A1: building in time for collaboration and making sure staff feel like they have a voice in decision making. Championship Teams operate because each member feels valued. Can your staff say the same thing? #leadupchat
A1: Too often we jump in before we’ve built any connection, relationship, or trust. We need to start with building trust and a foundation in order to be open and honest in our conversations. The team needs to be a team not just a group of people sitting together. #leadupchat
A1: Communication and the receptive part of communication is vital. It’s also looking at the hard questions together. Why is it not working and analyze before stopping or changing too soon. #leadupchat
A1-Building respect amongst groups by modeling positive enthusiastic attitudes. The more people you have modeling these behaviors the more its contagious and I want all people to infect everyone on my team! #leadupchat
A1. Collective efficacy is about helping develop each person’s understanding of how their individual contribution impacts the whole. Once folks understand that their efforts are a part of a larger picture, the potential to increase collective efficacy expands. #leadupchat
A1: It starts with sharing your common why & taking the time to get to know what drives each of you. Then the relationships are key to building trust. When I know we have the same why, I am ready to build with you. Tammy from Los Fresnos joining in a bit late. #LeadUpChat
A1: Find your collective vision- w/out it there’s rare success. Always ask, “is what we’re thinking/ doing stepping us towards that vision?” HAVE FUN! #CultureCounts in the team 1st, it sets the standard for the culture everywhere else! #LeadUpChat
A1: One of the keys for success is relationships built over time. I think we miss the importance of doing relationship work early and often - before the committee is formed. #leadupchat
A1: the most foundational component on a team is trust. If there is not trust, sharing of ideas and building of culture cannot be sustained. #leadupchat
A1 Developing a culture where vulnerability within the team is valued, safe, and necessary. @BreneBrown says there is no creativity, innovation, or change without vulnerability. #leadupchat
We focus on five core values, that begin and end with our leadership priorities:
1. Communication
2. Collaboration
3. Learning
4. Leadership
5. Relationships
Everything we do for our students and staff needs to center on these values.
#Leadupchat
A1. I believe there is value in sharing the definition of collective efficacy and its’ power with the team, and that we must be explicit in doing so. Raising levels of consciousness and awareness is a little thing that can make a big difference! #leadupchat
A1) I’m currently consulting with the writing department from Veterans Middle School @rgccisd. And the first thing we did was to create a vision for ourselves—and more importantly—for our adolescent writers. #leadupchat
I agree that vulnerability is key. Some think is a sign of weakness, but it takes a lot of strength and confidence to be able to be vulnerable #LeadUpChat
A1: Relationships built within that team. When there is trust & collaboration, everyone feels more inclined to take risks and do what's best for Ss and that team because those relationships have been established #leadupchat
A1) Yes. But it must be done collectively and in a genuine deep way. More than basic team building. Sharing experiences, strategies with each other. Valuing each individuals interests and growth as an educator within the culture. #LeadUpChat
That's a great strategy Julie that I haven't used in a while. I like that one at the beginning of team meetings. "What's in your work has excited you most since the last time we met?" Too often we skip the team building portions. #leadupchat
A1: The vision needs to be clear and agreed upon. If there is not buy in from all, the team will never be strong enough to go forward and make a lasting difference. #leadupchat
A1. Once a solid relationship is built, having a specific model to follow for an effective team cycle is very helpful. #LeadUpChat
Ohhhh this works for A2. also :-)
Finding a meaningful, common purpose really brings people together. When this happens, magical things happen! True teamwork yields incredible results! #LeadUpChat
Love this! Would love any suggestions you have as a grounding activity that aligns to this spirit with a team I am facilitating this week! Let me know if you have ideas! #leadupchat
A1) Building success among the team means letting diverse ideas through and listening with an open mind. We don't know until we try, so being open to trying new things helps build camaraderie and mutual support. #leadupchat
A1 Trust, support, facilitating opportunities for team members to work in their area of strength, collective vision established by the team to establish a purpose for the work and definition of success #leadupchat
A1. Collective efficacy says your efforts have a bigger purpose. It’s about the value you add to the organozation, the contribution you make, etc. It’s about value added leadership. If you’re not adding value, you’re a part of the problem. #leadupchat
Strategies:
1. Curriculum Design Teams
2. Edcamp-style meetings
3. Leadership Development Programs
4. Celebrate Small Wins
5. Force Field Analysis (Remove Barriers) #LeadUpChat
A2: there has to be follow up after initial communication. Just because we say something, or send something in an email doesn’t mean it was received or understood the way it was intended. By following up in person we can provide clarity and answer questions #leadupchat
A2: I don't want to come off as too simplistic among my PLN, but...having a shared agenda that each person can collaborate on is really important for giving chances for clarity. #leadupchat
A2. Must a focused vision with specific goals for the collaboration. When things do not follow those principles, Authentic conversations need to occur. #leadupchat
A1 Recognizing potential and helping others unlock it. Giving up control goes a long way to allowing a team to grow and become more effective.
#leadupchat
Great point about feeling valued @MattDunbar_VT Every individual brings value and in order to feel a sense of collective efficacy, strong teams recognize it in many different ways. #leadupchat
A1: building in time for collaboration and making sure staff feel like they have a voice in decision making. Championship Teams operate because each member feels valued. Can your staff say the same thing? #leadupchat
Hi, all! Joining late from Dublin, Ohio. Happy snow to those of us in the big, bad purple band on the weather stations!
A1: Time. Time, time, time.
#leadupchat
Love this! Would love any suggestions you have as a grounding activity that aligns to this spirit with a team I am facilitating this week! Let me know if you have ideas! #leadupchat
A1 Start with building a culture of trust so all voices are honored. Then, brainstorm ways to move forward with #positivity. #leadupchat (Carol ELA Consultant from Long @LongIslandNY here)
A1: Success is built when people know that you care about helping them become better and that your goal is to help make them greater daily. When you model others matter more your team will do the same. #leadupchat
A2: A few things on clarity...
* Clarity on three types of values.
* Understanding of the millers.
* Behavioral cohesion.
https://t.co/U9HQP5jSIl#leadupchat
A2: Clarity precedes competence! Always.
One of my favourite tools is to bring teachers or a group of admins together and build a "things not to do anymore list" annually. This is always well received and surfaces "have-to myths" and duplication.
#leadupchat
A2: We share all the work we do & ressources we produce in SharePoint. Everyone on staff has access to see what is going on. We also share during SRUM meetings, and on Facebook. #leadupchat
A2: What a great Q! In a recent grad school class, I was required to create a "Decision-Making Model" to help navigate through daily situations in school. In addition, reading #crucialconversations has been a clarity game-changer for me personally. #ecumsa#ncdlcn#leadupchat
A1) One caveat with building a joint vision is that anyone who doesn't quite see it that way may be silenced. Common goals aren't common if everyone isn't on board. Consensus may be an illusion. #leadupchat
A2 It's important that team goals are established at the beginning of the work. This helps the team clearly understand the direction for progress. Also, strategic collaboration, reflection, and affirmation during difficulty helps ensure a clear path to success #leadupchat
I have been under leadership that used agendas, and then under leadership that didn't. I really missed the agendas!! Definitely gives clarity as well as direction. #leadupchat
A2: As a school leader, it matters more that you are clear about values than procedures. A firm grounding in the former should give direction to the latter. #leadupchat
A2: I think always focusing on and communicating the WHY of your team’s decisions at every opportunity provides clarity and increases buy in #LeadUpChat
A2: Working on my EQ! It’s my responsibility to make sure that the people that I communicate understand what I am attempting to express. If I assume I got my message across, that can be problematic. Check for understanding always! #leadupchat
A2: Mission and vision statements help set the tone. Strengths inventories help identify individual strengths which can help clarify team roles. #leadupchat
A2: Reviewing, reimagining and refocusing. We often leave out the step of going back to our original idea to see what is going well and what we can do better. #leadupchat
A2-Develop a mission and vision together. Then regularly talk about it throughout the year. Spend more time talking with others rather than sensing out memos or emails. #leadupchat
A1 Along with making relationships the first priority, be willing to use @ToolsForTalking in difficult conversations with individuals to ensure everyone is collaborating for the good of the whole. #leadupchat
A1: seeing the potential in others & providing opps for others to use their skill sets to improve the collective organization thus providing a sense of accomplishment & purpose for those individuals #leadupchat
A2: I use a lot of visuals to demonstrate to people what I am thinking--in addition to my words. We follow a District Problem Solving Protocol as well to ensure we are talking the same language. #leadupchat
A2: Using a modified version of McDonalds approach. At McD when an order was given, it had to be repeated. Instead of repeating, ask how they intend to implement 'x' in their own dept/area. #leadupchat
A2: Transparency and consistency! If we are consistently bending to what the popular opinion is, we will never establish a plan & stick to it. We need to make sure others know our vision & core beliefs in order for there to be a plan set to establish those strategies #leadupchat
A1) Establish mission & vision with the help of all stakeholders. Then, making them a reality & not merely statements on paper or a website. Everything the school is “about” should point back to them. #leadupchat
A2 - Keeping it simple. I feel leaders have to think deeply, organize a plan, research best practices, reflect and grow but through all this make the message and the why as simple as possible to all audiences.
#leadupchat
A2 Role definition of each member is critical. It aligns the why, strategy, and goals to how individuals think, feel, and behave. A key way to make them feel valued. I use the StrengthsFinder assessment and a team grid. #leadupchat
Developing a vision that is concise and concrete. Then posting it everywhere. Finally, celebrating when you see it being carried out with excellence (accountability that's positive)
#leadupchat
A2: Empathy maps and Driver Diagrams! They both let us see the reality of the situation. The first thing though is collective will around a WHY! #leadupchat
A2: Always looking at the ultimate goal and working backwards. Keeping in mind the research and valuing feedback from all stakeholders to help keep the focus. #leadupchat
A2. Clarity is one of the greatest challenges of leadership. It’s so easy to confuse doing lots of stuff with working smart. Simplify and prioritize. Choose quality over quantity. Less is more when you do less very well. #leadupchat
Love this, Kyle! I am practicing more to open dialogue in have crucial conversations with staff in order to get to the heart of feelings and change. #leadupchat
A2: Clarity precedes competence! Always.
One of my favourite tools is to bring teachers or a group of admins together and build a "things not to do anymore list" annually. This is always well received and surfaces "have-to myths" and duplication.
#leadupchat
A2: Say it many times, many ways. "If you think you're communicating enough, you're halfway there."
(I hate this, but it's true. People don't often hear the first time. Or second time. That is what causes clouded information, no?)
#leadupchat
A2: It helps to set goals for the year and check in on progress regularly with the team. Having those conversations of what do you encision for this year are key. Also, celebrating what has been accomplished too. That gives me clarity of purpose. #leadupchat
A2: Making the thinking visible to ensure it is collective of all voices. And taking time to stop and paraphrase along the way. Those two practices are great in catching misconceptions. #leadupchat
This week, we facilitated a new teacher workshop, asking participants to come prepared to discuss (based on our District-endorsed rubric) 3 goals - one to glow, grow, and go on. We used protocols that promoted meaningful engagement, both during and after the session. #leadupchat
A2: It's good to create a vision board in the hallway the team can add to. As the school year goes on tell teachers to add evidence to the board and every once in awhile reflect on the board and how you're doing on your journey with the vision. #leadupchat
Agree, Michelle. Team norms that encompass the inclusion of all voices demonstrates that diverse perspectives are necessary to accomplish team goals @MPapaEdu#leadupchat
A2) What are we currently going, determine the influence and leverage of what we are doing and getting rid of things that aren’t aligned to our Why and aren’t moving the culture and whole child growth forward. #Essentialism#LeadUpChat
A2: Establish norms, create clear expectations, provide a shared agenda, meet frequently to review progress, be willing to have a frank conversation. #leadupchat
A2: An important lesson I’ve learned this year is the message can’t always come from the same voice. Empowering a variety of staff members to be the speaker is important. #LeadUpChat
Love the trust factor here. When Ts & others know their ideas are heard and feel like they own the solution, they'll be more likely to make sure it happens with success. #leadupchat
A2: Keep the vision and why in front all the time. Have empathy for each other. We all ebb and flow and it's good that it's not at the same time! Trust is key in the process. Keep the focus on our students. What is best for them. #leadupchat
Without trust + respect, we'll never have the critical conversations we need to have when we need to have them. I'd also add that trust + respect happen when ego (ours or others) aren't at the center of the work. Ego kills any hope of trust + respect. #LeadUpChat
A2: For clarity I like to use National Faculty Reform protocols, Google forms for team collaboration and communication, and also common sense when deciding when and how to provide clarity. #leadupchat
A2: Transparency and consistency! If we are consistently bending to what the popular opinion is, we will never establish a plan & stick to it. We need to make sure others know our vision & core beliefs in order for there to be a plan set to establish those strategies #leadupchat
A2: Providing on going time and space for open conversations that develop common definitions for words embedded within our mission and vision to go beyond surface level jargon. Deeply discussing our understanding as it connects to our deeper WHY #leadupchat
A2: frequent, early communication that allow for transparency. If it’s early thenthere is time for clarifying qs and the entire team/organization shares an invested effort and interest in ALL initiatives/ideas #leadupchat
Our Superintendent @TBowers3 has an expectation that we "Communicate, Communicate, Communicate". I say we communicate until we see their eyes roll! #leadupchat
Howdy #leadupchat from Barbara in TX.
A2: We teach this to our Ss but it could certainly be reviewed and practiced with adults, too. If we are to be mindful, in the moment with the people in our presence, it's important to use the SOLER skills we learned from @flipflippen.
Sorry to be tardy to the party! Jeff here, creator of #LeadUpChat and an admin at #WeAreReynolds in North Texas. Grateful for @drneilgupta taking the reigns today and bringing the greatness!
A2b: I believe norms are extremely healthy. I also believe that occasional reevaluation of beliefs should be a norm. For us to continue growing, we need to acknowledge the gray. #leadupchat
In my department meetings, I've intentionally run different kinds of discussions, particularly "chalk talks" and "silent discussions," to ensure that the 3 or 4 people who always dominate leave space to hear and learn from the other 10. It's been a beneficial! #LeadUpChat
A2: Clarity is difficult in large organizations. The farther away a person is from the messenger, the more difficult it is to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Communication is not an single event, email, hashtag, video, or faculty meeting. #LeadUpChat
Excellent point about the WHY.
Does everyone in your school know your Mission, Vision, Values? If not what's driving their decisions? Raise your hand if you want to follow Sears down that path. #leadupchat
A2: I feel one of my roles as a leader is in communicating how the pieces of the puzzle fit together. When I am able to successful paint that picture and how each piece fits into the grand picture, it provides greater clarity - and purpose- for my team. #leadupchat
A2: Defined goals, collective commitments, shared drives for communication. (Loved having Google Drive for team agendas, minutes, etc) That way all members could see and add. #LeadUpChat
Love it. I am also thinking and researching real authentic aligned professional learning for educators that’s not just compliance based. Example: Micro-Credentials, EdCamps, Staff led Google Classroom for PD. #LeadUpChat
This week, we facilitated a new teacher workshop, asking participants to come prepared to discuss (based on our District-endorsed rubric) 3 goals - one to glow, grow, and go on. We used protocols that promoted meaningful engagement, both during and after the session. #leadupchat
A3: Just like with kids you need to get all voices in the room. Use those small group discussion strategies and turn and talk or written reflections before speaking--to get people thinking and sharing ideas. Ask then what they came up with. #leadupchat
Yes, and to remind them how far we have come. It is easy to overlook all you have accomplished and get too focused on what has not happened yet. #LeadUpChat
Howdy #leadupchat from Barbara in TX.
A2: We teach this to our Ss but it could certainly be reviewed and practiced with adults, too. If we are to be mindful, in the moment with the people in our presence, it's important to use the SOLER skills we learned from @flipflippen.
A3) creating a culture of communication. It must be intentional. It starts with the leader metaphorically walking slowly through the crowd...communication is only passive when we allow it to be. #LeadUpChat
A3 As simple as it sounds, I avoid saying "no". No makes people feel rejected & shuts down ideas. Even the craziest thought should get a "let me think about that." which keeps doors open & ideas flowing.
#leadupchat
A3. Must develop trust and that happens thru relationships and clear communication. Leaders must model integrity and focus on the process to lead the way. #leadupchat
A3: Provide multiple means to communicate. Giving people choice in the way they communicate gets more people to give ideas, feedback, and concerns. Allow digital feedback, a paper pencil suggestion box, and once a month have a coffee time to talk with others. #leadupchat
A2: We provide time for journaling throughout our PD before sharing our thoughts with the group. Simple, yet a great way to solidify personal understanding through reflection. #leadupchat
Very interesting, @MonicaHousen. I'm wondering, though--Is it possible to have all goals within the joint vision be unanimously approved or supported? Where is the line between democratic and authoritarian leadership? Eventually, a decision has to be made, right? #leadupchat
So true. Often consensus is an illusion.
There are many pressures at play that create this illusion:
* status
* peer-regard
* self-interest
* intimidation
...none of which thrust a culture forward.
#leadupchat
Yes. Boom. Use a strengths based model of what collective power and skills staff has currently. Don’t just pile on new things. Build upon leading to staff efficacy and empowerment. #LeadUpChat.
Agree, Michelle. Team norms that encompass the inclusion of all voices demonstrates that diverse perspectives are necessary to accomplish team goals @MPapaEdu#leadupchat
A3: Make sure to always welcome & really listen (be present) to what people have to say. It may not be a big thing for you, but might mean everything to them. We also need to be conscient of our body language. Encourage good, positive struggles & conversations.
#leadupchat
The impact of collective efficacy is significant. I visited a classroom this week in which the teacher was using the terminology and structure to work with her students on THEIR goals. H/T to @PeterMDeWitt & @Jenni_Donohoo for making these ideas practical for us. #leadupchat
In reply to
@drneilgupta, @smartins3313, @PeterMDeWitt, @Jenni_Donohoo
Q3: this is a really good question! I believe you have to build a track record of acting on previous concerns. When individuals present them do lots of listening and not a ton of talking. Active listening isn’t only important for our kids, it’s important as admin too #leadupchat
A3: there are many ways to get feedback conversationally or anonymously, but the most important part is seeking the feedback and showing that you value it through action #leadupchat
A3: How we handle concerns & feedback directly connects to the likelihood people will continue to share them. Be receptive, grateful & humble. And follow through! #leadupchat
A3: Create and sustain a team culture that models receptive behaviors. Listen. Welcome the input. Act when necessary. As a leader, be a place where people can speak AND hear truth. #LeadUpChat
A3: Actively listen, validate their ideas by making sure to get back to them, and addressing concerns as soon as possible. People just want to be listened to & have their feelings validated #leadupchat
A3: Always listen & always value the conversation. Be a vulnerable leader who can accept their own mistakes & honor criticism; it allows us to do our critical work with efficacy & honor. Use other ideas; stop being the only one in or out of the box! #LeadUpChat
A3: TRUST. If the team has built a relationship of trust, then it can share ideas, data, feedback, successes, and failures without fear or hesitation. We can’t truly grow if we only tell half the story or only share what sounds good. #leadupchat#edchat
A3 Safe, meaningful communication & a feedback culture have to be established for all stakeholders as a condition for success & achievement. In doing so that value remains constant within teams. This requires a safe place to be vulnerable, courageous, and respected #leadupchat
A3 - Relationships, flexibility, and persistent effort. Meet people where they are and provide opportunities to have genuine conversations.
#leadupchat
A3: People need to know that you care and value them. You must walk the talk and be willing to jump outside your comfort zone to learn and see from other's perspectives. #leadupchat
A2-as many are saying having goals posted all over and speaking a lot about progress and allowing for risks to be taken for massive action to achieve goals. F2f conversation help to avoid miscommunication.Go to horses mouth to speak rather than email the entire group. #leadupchat
A2. I think great leaders are successful because they do a few very important things very well. Their success isn’t about how much they’ve done, but it is rooted in the quality of their actions. They have an incredible ability to bring clarity to complex situations. #leadupchat
A3: Our district admin is doing a leadership training and we talked about “the vault.” We have to be able to listen and work with information without violating trust. #LeadUpChat
Research shows that reflection + processing time is one of the most vital parts of learning, but, just like in class, we often don't leave enough time for it in professional settings or provide frameworks for how to do it. This is absolutely a growth point! #LeadUpChat
This is critical!
Often we define values, but they're only aspirations.
***
When values don't match behavior it creates distrust.
***
Aspiration vs Reality
#leadupchat
Without trust + respect, we'll never have the critical conversations we need to have when we need to have them. I'd also add that trust + respect happen when ego (ours or others) aren't at the center of the work. Ego kills any hope of trust + respect. #LeadUpChat
A3: Staff should feel at ease in sharing ideas and concerns because of the culture of collaboration and intentional professional validation that has been established. #LeadUpChat
A3: Promote multiple opportunities-one on one, small group, written, online surveys-within a culture of trust and vulnerability. Equity of voice must be a norm. #leadupchat
A3: Often people need to see somebody else attempt this before they will. You can talk until you’re blue in the face about wanting feedback, but if someone gives it and you’re combative or retaliatory even ONCE, nobody cares what you say. Service over ego. #leadupchat
Love this. To go along with this, @BreneBrown also reminds me the power of vulnerability in admitting a mistake or telling others "I don't know". #leadupchat
Every month at @Marian_Catholic we Celebrate a Staff champion and 4 students who go above and beyond our mission. Ss receive medals, faculty member gets a legit Champion belt. #leadupchat
In reply to
@JulieSHasson, @Classy_Gal_, @Marian_Catholic
A3: You have to develop a culture where everyone’s voice is valued. It starts with the way you treat people. How you respond when they talk. The team will model after your example. #LeadUpChat
A3: This is rooted in trust. One essential piece is to model the vulnerability we want in our team. Be willing to admit weakness, reach out for help, accept advise. Then when others bring bring their concerns and questions respond with humility and real listening. #leadupchat
A3: People fell comfortable and safe to share ideas, concerns , solutions when there is an environment of trust and transparency. The leader has to model this thru authentic conversations, being honest and being willing to listen to the good , the bad and the ugly. #leadupchat
A3: LISTEN, VALIDATE, RESPOND & LISTEN more. Asking for input but never incorporating any of that input can be pereceived as deceptive. If you’re going to ask for input, find a way to include some of their voices. Acknowledge the shared voice. #leadupchat
Here is the link. There are countless protocols to help facilitate PL, discussion, or just iterating around a problem. https://t.co/z62eKEIR1p#leadupchat
A3: Stay in the moment w/them. Look into their eyes, acknowledge what they're saying. Work to understand, to help them feel and know they're being heard. Empathy, compassion, kindness = head, heart, hands. Invite them to tell you more, to collaborate and grow. #leadupchat
A3 back to Q1 for me: be vulnerable!
What's a Lester's posture? Are they creating a team? Are they trying to command and control?
If a leader is looking for compliance, and that is made clear, then sharing will not happen.
#leadupchat
We tend to think of communication in terms of the vertical relationships (organizational hierarchy) we create in education. Truly, we win when we make it much more horizontal in nature and speak to each other on relational terms. #LeadUpChat
How do we build that "trust infrastructure" to move our professional talk away from the commiserative + palliative to the reflective + actionable? If we can transform the way we speak as educators, we can transform some pedagogies + practices, too. #LeadUpChat
A thousand little ways:
Making sure to ask people what they think.
Letting people know they are appreciated.
Rewarding people genuinely for a job well done.
Being visible.
Go visit people face to face rather than on the phone or in an email.
...
Never stop!!
#leadupchat
A3: Invest in team time that is meaningful! Dedicate time to building norms and review them every time you meet! If the CULTURE isn’t there the rest is not as good as it could be. #leadupchat
Yes! If they feel they will be criticized, they will shut down. I reflect that if meetings are quiet does that mean people are afraid to speak... #leadupchat
A3 Frequent purposeful discussions to share are essential. Small-group & 1:1 sessions where team members voice their perspectives on the vision, practices, areas of adjustment, & next steps are imperative. Works for those who prefer to communicate in smaller settings. #leadupchat
A3 One way to measure this is asking yourself as a leader, how much do I talk? Do I always talk first? How do I model the acceptance of ideas, feedback, concerns, and questions? #leadupchat
A3: as a leader, YOU first have to be comfortable taking critical feedback and concerns before the masses will feel comfortable sharing. #leadupchat#letsgetreal
Reflection can be hard for adults to do. It comes with purposeful quieting of the mind to think. In our worlds, time to think is at a premium. As leaders, we need to practice reflection where T's will see the impact & use it w/ their students. #leadupchat
So true! W get so caught up in the task at hand that reflection always takes a back seat but if we do not have this crucial piece we are bound to miss what is most important to accomplishing the goals. #leadupchat
Our Superintendent @TBowers3 has an expectation that we "Communicate, Communicate, Communicate". I say we communicate until we see their eyes roll! #leadupchat
A3: Management By Walking Around MBWA - No matter your role. When you visit another classroom, school, or school event, you will hear more from your co-workers. Conversations happen when you meet people where they work. #leadupchat
A3: If we want a meritocracy, all must feel the table is level. I don't believe it is possible to totally check our credentials at the door, but we can check our voices to speak last and listen well. The ideas will flow if those higher in the food chain mostly listen. #leadupchat
A3: Leading by example & modeling that you respect what people have to say. Not allowing people to interrupt one another or attack suggestions, concerns, etc. You create this climate. Beginning with sharing what respectable talkie is and what it looks like! #leadupchat
A3. This is HUGE. You constantly ask for feedback and once you get it, you use it to move forward. It's your guiding light. If people feel heard & valued they will keep helping you improve and get better. #LeadUpChat
A2 & 3 These go together. Opportunities for the team to share & provide clarity in what they share is facilitated by 1) regularly maintained open door times & 2) reinforcing that all feedback (spoken or written) remains confidential & will be heard (+ or -). #leadupchat
A Leader doesn’t build culture. They do it with the staff from the beginning showing vulnerability. They are explicit and intentional that this is our TEAM and we are all in this together. Then leader must model, advocate, and empower the staff #LeadUpChat
This is so important! No one likes to feel judged, but it's so easy to wear that "judgy face" without even realizing it. In order to change our face, we have to change our hearts.
#leadupchat
Q2: Do something!! If change needs to happen & nothing is done, Status Quo wins. State your goal. Identify steps needed. Communicate the plan. Find Ts w/those talents & get them onboard. #leadupchat
A3) Give folks a digital voice. If I don't hear from you in a meeting, I'd like to hear from you at Google Voice or Voicethread or Flipgrid or... #leadupchat
A3) Hard to "ensure" anything. If people see that they ideas that they share are heard, valued, tried, built upon, they are more likely to share more in the future. #leadupchat
A3. Great listeners ask questions. When you listen & ask questions, it demonstrates that you are open to the ideas of others. Non-listeners offer a constant barrage of explanations, and don’t ask questions because they aren’t interested in ideas of others! #leadupchat
A3: create the space and time for dialogue and exchange of ideas and feedback, develop an effective framework that all can follow and is based on individual and collective improvement #leadupchat
A3- it goes back to Q1 expect mutual respect and model positive enthusiastic and open minded attitudes. As I learned last week correct bad behavior quickly with kindness! "We don't say things like that here!" Build culture! #leadupchat
A3: I work to be very transperant. I am who I say I am-with flaws and always working toward excellence. I won't ask for more than I am willing to give myself and I offer grace and remind others to do the same for themselves. With this...relationships are built. #leadupchat
A3. This begins with earnestly listening. Also, we cannot use our roles as leaders to be an “old fashioned” boss or manager. We all should work together collaboratively. #leadupchat
I like this. It's a subtle-yet-huge shift, but listening to validate the person and their ideas is an important step that we skip. How often do we go to respond right away? If we're listening to hear + humanize, it can create a more reflective + honest culture. #LeadUpChat
My #mindfulness mantra last year was Judge Less, Love More. When my AP or I felt the pull to judge, we would say it out loud, finishing it for one another. So important to leave the judgements out of it whenever possible. #leadupchat
A3: We have to be very conscious of our body language, nonverbals, and demeanor. First and foremost, build systems for the feedback. I have made mistakes in this area, and it takes time to rebuild. Lessons learned! #leadupchat
A4: My superintendent gave me some great coaching advice early in my principalship: “You’ve got to be the coolest guy in the room.” If you panic, you’re cuing everybody else to panic. Model how to take a deep breath. #leadupchat
A3 back to Q1 for me: be vulnerable!
What's a leader's posture? Are they creating a team? Are they trying to command and control?
If a leader is looking for compliance, and that is made clear, then sharing will NOT happen.
#leadupchathttps://t.co/rLvwbuHFIu
A4) Key difference between being responsive and reactive. We must keep the right mindset on responsive, otherwise we will always react to situations that pop up endlessly. #LeadUpChat
A3: For me, that simply means first to stop talking. Active listening is so hard sometimes--especially when I'm always right, and my ideas are always the best. #leadupchat
Many decisions are unanimous. But those who vote for it may not actually support it. Will they undermine in overt or covert ways? I agree a dec must be made at some point. More support comes when the decision rises up, and isn't handed down. #leadupchat
A3. When the confidence is in the team’s collective efficacy, you view unforeseen challenges as something the team can handle because they are a TEAM! #leadupchat
A3: Trust. Trust. Trust. Building relationships is critical and takes time. Being honest and transparent matters. When necessary...be vulnerable. Model what you want to see in others. #LeadUpChat
A4: A way to stay on top of unforeseen events is to communicate. Debrief after any situations. Discuss potential issues. Stay proactive instead of being reactive. The team will be better for it! #leadupchat
A4. Leaders must model what we want from others- so remaining calm, being flexible. focused on kids, use data and involve stakeholders. Love this from @DavidGeurin “be firm with your principles but flexible with your practices.” #leadupchat
I often encourage teachers that active listening involves breathing. You must breathe in the question and pause a little before jumping in with answers &/or explanations. #leadupchat
Having this 'open ear' culture is awesome! I learned about asking WHY 5 x's from @kimdarche
When they bring you an idea, ask WHY 5x's to dig deeper. Why is this going to help Ss? Why would people support this? Why... Why... Helps get to the bottom of issues or ideas #leadupchat
A4: LISTEN! Unforeseen events tend to happen when others feel invalidated or ignored. Making sure to keep those lines of communication open and having people in your team you can trust! #leadupchat
A4: mindfulness. Presence of mind helps us to be more thoughtful in our responses. It helps us to know where to seek answers when we don’t have them ourselves( which may be more often than not) . #leadupchat
A4: I've enjoyed The Work of @ByronKatie to help me with Loving What Is.
https://t.co/UBHNnHA6o2
Works with adults and kids, to stay in the moment, be flexible and unlock fixed beliefs about what's happening. #leadupchat
This is so important! No one likes to feel judged, but it's so easy to wear that "judgy face" without even realizing it. In order to change our face, we have to change our hearts.
#leadupchat
A4) Depends. If it’s central office forced and doesn’t align with the values and culture of your TEAM you as a leader have to be willing to stand up for what’s right for your ppl. #LeadupChat
A4:don’t look back & think about what went wrong, decide to move forward the best way possible with what’s currently occurring. Yes,we should be reflective of our practices, but when something unforeseen occurs u have to bring your best self into the current situation #leadupchat
A4: by creating a culture where people feel empowered to make good decisions with the data they have instead of being afraid of the leadership hammer coming down on them because they made a mistake #LeadUpChat
A4: This is weakness of mine! I like me a plan! I always say I am fine with the plan changing, but let's have a plan. Sometimes that mindset may keep me from being as agile as I need to be. That's a tricky balancing act for me. #leadupchat
Q4: Always start with what’s best for students. Then remember you aren’t alone. Lean on the trust within the team and practice vulnerability skills to collaborate on the best path to take. Always leading with our driving WHY #leadupchat
I use it with my husband, too. He'll start it and I'll finish it; just this morning we used it! So important to have critical friends to challenge, stretch, nurture and grow me. #leadupchat
A4: Agility comes with lightness, no?
So: What makes us feel light, quick, lean, capable, confident?
I know! Laughter, humility, positivity, respect, and genuine fondness for the work and those around you who are doing the work.
That'll keep anyone agile. #leadupchat
A4: Bourbon 🤣
Listen w/ constant reflection. If we are listening, even to critics, we must always reflect & be ok w/ our practice. & we must be ok w/ getting better. Nothing is prescribed in leadership- that’s why we are attracted to it. Never doubt! #LeadupChat
Our principal is a bit of a Pro Wrestling nut, which explains the belt, but he's using that passion to raise scholarship funds for our students through events like this.. https://t.co/IVNv8HUcGw#leadupchat
In reply to
@Classy_Gal_, @JulieSHasson, @Marian_Catholic, @jbeth81, @GarzaNesie, @LisaMBazan
A4) Something that I pulled forward from my years in a ministry setting to education is that people will often respond and react to unforeseen events based on how the "leader" shows up. We become the barometer for others. #LeadUpChat
A4: The greatest strength we have is each other. Where I am weak others are strong. Promoting a culture of caring with lifting others up and offering help will fireproof the group. The group that is willing to tackle little problems can tackle any problems. #leadupchat
A4: I received @INspiredLeader4 coaching and then we were able to offer a group experience to all certified staff. The training and practices focus on energy and where we lead from. Recognize and don't stay there. Move to solutions. Don't lead from fear-be conscious! #leadupchat
Having this 'open ear' culture is awesome! I learned about asking WHY 5 x's from @kimdarche
When they bring you an idea, ask WHY 5x's to dig deeper. Why is this going to help Ss? Why would people support this? Why... Why... Helps get to the bottom of issues or ideas #leadupchat
A4: Communicate OFTEN. If we keep talking, we stay up to speed and can be steps ahead. That’s how we can often see something coming BEFORE it gets here. Prevention!
#leadupchat
A4-Roll up your sleeves and get in there. Be as proactive as you can rather than reactive. Don’t wait for things to happen, make things happen. #leadupchat
That's well-said. Alright, I'm now wondering then if it matters if the vote is public or private? I'd definitely voice an opinion or cast a vote--even if it were shared staff-wide--if I knew my name wasn't on it. #leadupchat
I think about this in the context of staff meetings: if you're using your time every week to run down policies, procedures + protocols, you're not creating the conditions for a communicative culture of feedback, growth + reflection. You're just creating compliance. #LeadUpChat
A4. Listen and slow down in making assumptions. Get different perspectives to weigh in and have clear systems and communication lines in place. #LeadUpChat
A4: I’m not an admin yet, but I think it’s important to strategize what the team does in specific situations. Practice strategizing during PD by thinking through “real world” situations. Like an athlete, agility can only be built through practice. #leadupchat
A3: Creating an environment where opinions are respected and productive conflict is honored. Where the team understands that it’s ideas we’re disagreeing with, not attacking people. We don’t always have to agree, but we always have to be respectful of others #LeadUpChat
Being the smartest person in the room only builds ego, not the synergy needed to solve problems and develop authentic learning experiences for students. I never want to be the smartest person in the room! #leadupchat
A4: Accept the changes and work on solutions. We can’t merely stand and rail against the situation. We stay agile by not having a fixed mindset. Curveballs happen. Be open to change & to various possible solutions. #leadupchat
This is so true. Our facial expressions & body language are hard to monitor since we don't see them. Videoing our meetings is scary but can be a helpful learning tool.
#leadupchat
A4: I practice what I am going to do before I do it. Think through the pushback so you can be slightly more prepared. Don't be defensive. Count to 5 if someone says something that isn't cool. #leadupchat
A4: Agility - Don't practice good teaming only in specified times. This is our PLC time - we save that time for our discussion. You must practice good teaming continually as a part of the culture & habit. #leadupchat
A4 This is why it's important to develop, communicate, and believe in the WHY. Unforeseen issues always arise but whether or not they deserve our attention often depends on how it impacts our WHY and PURPOSE Wellbeing. The leader's job is to remove obstacles. #leadupchat
A4 #leadupchat Recognize that your immediate reaction may be an emotional one or an automatic fight or flight response. Take a few seconds to breathe and process.
I remind myself of this all the time: "Girl, this ain't no big thang."
I'm hellbent on dying with my lips curled up rather than down. #laughup#leadup#leadupchat
A4) Nothing beats a sense of humor! Taking a step back and seeing the bigger picture helps. It is all unforeseen - to think we know what will happen all the time can build a false sense of being in control. #leadupchat
1) Keep a focus on supporting staff Social and Emotional Wellness and Balance. Teach them strategies like Mindfulness to cope with inevitable stresses. #LeadUpChat. @mindfuleveryday
A4) Depends. If it’s central office forced and doesn’t align with the values and culture of your TEAM you as a leader have to be willing to stand up for what’s right for your ppl. #LeadupChat
A4: Always return to the WHY and NORMS. It reassures people their time is worthy and honored on this team.
Think of AIM statements written in pencil… the specific AIM can be flexible in the overall why. #leadupchat
I can definitely see how it would be important to read #crucialconversations twice. First time is the first exposure--then try out some strategies in the book--and then revisit to gauge your progress, assess yourself, and create a plan to #becomebetter moving forward. #leadupchat
It's tough for some people to disconnect their idea being criticized to them being personally attacked. Not sure how to help people with that. #leadupchat
A4 #leadupchat Recognize that your immediate reaction may be an emotional one or an automatic fight or flight response. Take a few seconds to breathe and process.
A5: Visioning w/ action plans is always important. We are moving to scorecards & dashboards. They are helping up keep a finger on the present w/ eyes on the past and the future. #leadupchat
Honestly, I think the best way this happens is supporting staff who make decisions different than I’d make them and backing them as if I made it myself. Builds confidence. #leadupchat
A4: The best way to stay agile is to keep on top of the latest research and ask questions to clarify how it relates to your own situation. Keeping in touch with other leaders in your organization is also helpful. #LeadUpChat
A4: Modeling the behaviors you want reflected, but also you have to anticipate the resistance and be ready to coach into it through questions that are intentional in deepening the thinking and shifting the mindset. #leadupchat
A4) Nothing beats a sense of humor! Taking a step back and seeing the bigger picture helps. It is all unforeseen - to think we know what will happen all the time can build a false sense of being in control. #leadupchat
A4- I'm learning this more every year for the level of leadership changes and I'm finding every day unforeseen things happen, so I'm practicing choosing JOY, smile and rock forward! Too many things change so learn to roll with it. Model it for faculty. #leadupchat
A5: Setting a culture where complacency does not exist! If we're good, we need to strive to be better; if we're better, we need to strive to be the best. Why? B/C OUR KIDS DESERVE IT! The only way to do that is to look to the future and set various short term goals #leadupchat
A5: last year I thought about my biggest frustration and then made a plan to turn that around. Now I find myself working toward something new and staying future focused. Always think about how to grow in future. #LeadUpChat
A5: I've learned I need help with this, 'cause I like when things work in traditional ways. When they feel steady. Innovation is hard for me. So I have to rely on brave trailblazers, and I have to LISTEN. And be brave myself. Even if I fake it for awhile. #leadupchat
A5. Our team has a commitment to continuous improvement and works to demonstrate that to those we serve. Isn’t that something we should all commit to? If we believe the best is yet to come then we must be committed to getting better all the time. #leadupchat
A5. My PLN provides inspiration, ideas and challenges me to be better. I tell myself that our school needs to “be a time machine not a time capsule”. Preparing kids with skills and ability to adapt/flexibility are essential. #leadupchat
A4) Something that I pulled forward from my years in a ministry setting to education is that people will often respond and react to unforeseen events based on how the "leader" shows up. We become the barometer for others. #LeadUpChat
A4 We give ourselves a little time to get over any negative feelings & then reflect on the positives we can pull out of the situation. Usually the search for solutions makes our school stronger.
#leadupchat
A5: We ask three things constantly in many different variations:
1. Where are we?
2. Where are we going?
3. What are you dreaming about?
#whatif#leadupchat
A4) I practice the philosophy of Stoicism. An event is out of our control but our perception and response is. Look at Viktor Frankl, Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, @RyanHoliday@RobertGreene@mpigliucci#LeadUpChat.
A4) Depends. If it’s central office forced and doesn’t align with the values and culture of your TEAM you as a leader have to be willing to stand up for what’s right for your ppl. #LeadupChat
A5: It seems so simple, but we must have a growth mindset and continue to expand our skills, take on new challenges, and develop new practices. This falls in line with being a true lifelong learner. #leadupchat
A4 Use coaching skills in all interactions. By asking questions the answers and strategies and strengths can be drawn out during conversations with others. #leadupchathttps://t.co/I5N7enFwBw
A5: Goals help keep us from complacency. We need to grow in order to move forward; our commitment to the goals that we set help propel us. We also need to hold one another accountable so that we don't get too comfortable. Growth happens outside of that zone. #leadupchat
Prototyping in Design Thinking can help with this. Start the prototyping with a shared understanding around their role. They are meant for other to understand and BUILD on your idea. There is something powerful about the physical models! #leadupchat
A5: lots of reading & being aware of current best practices in education help me move forward personally, then I have to put that into action & model what that looks like. I can share all kinds of ideas, but if I don’t practice what I preach then the message gets lost #leadupchat
A5: This is a weakness of mine- I look FORWARD ALL THE TIME! Too much sometimes. Always asking the right Qs is essential: Why are we comfortable? What is so awesome we don’t want to change? How do we know it’s working? Are we satisfied that THIS is our best effort? #leadupchat
Another subtle-yet-huge shift: if we're using first person (I/me/my) frequently when talking to staff, we're putting our ego at the center. Shifting to "we" or "our" signals a shift to collective, beliefs + values. No wants to hear "I," but "we" is different. #LeadUpChat
A5: Have your own dreams. Don’t replicate the innovations of others - at least not exclusively. When people see you willing to blaze your own path, it gives them to confidence to do it themselves. This is especially impactful for kids to see!#leadupchat
Sometimes may actually be “too often” during parts of the year. Momentum gets to rolling so fast you have to take the time to stop & be proactive. The #moleg is doing that w/ dyslexia reform right now. Need to quit being reactive & allow things to work then reflect. #leadupchat
A5: comes back to keeping people’s eyes on the vision, the WHY. When people lose sight of the vision, often the momentum stops & they look backwards. Vision is future focused. #LeadUpChat
A5) embrace emerging patterns and be willing to consistently practice the design process. It's ok to "prototype" ideas as a leader.
An example within my own district is something we call "The Rise Program" that @SethJRutledge has helped to launch. #LeadUpChat
A5: How do you help others around you to be future-driven? It think about this a lot. I'm always thinking how we make things better for kids and learning. This Q5 immediately brought to mind this quote: #leadupchathttps://t.co/u7ThIKHLSl
"Bc being forward-thinking is the differentiating leadership credibility factor, you need to spend more time reading about, thinking about, and talking about the long-term view. Make it your business to spend more time studying the future (Kouzes & Posner, 2010, p. 55)." #ecumsa
A4: Consistency, calmness, and communication are key as a leader. If everyone operates from common beliefs then we all know how to handle all situations from the perspective of what is best for our school? for our students? for our families? for our staff? #leadupchat
Yes, it is about caring for people and wanting to show how much I value their input even when I believe something completely different, but I appreciate the reminder. #LeadUpChat
A4) Something that I pulled forward from my years in a ministry setting to education is that people will often respond and react to unforeseen events based on how the "leader" shows up. We become the barometer for others. #LeadUpChat
Great read here on standardized testing and some alternative ideas. I believe fully this requires change. Ideas like defenses ala the @JCPSBackpack give far more relevant data to inform practice.
https://t.co/ZVNBmvz3Ek#edchat#LeadUpChat
A5 People at a site will need to "go outside." There are lots of ways to do that: go on walk thrus in neighboring districts (if that's possible), listen to podcasts, read blog posts, participate in #edchats, etc.
Don't insulate! Reach out!
#Leadupchat
A5 Know who you can rely on to help you think this way. Have a team of Maximizers, those who naturally think about "what's next?" or "what else?" or "what about?". Not everyone naturally thinks and behaves this way. That's ok as they bring other strengths. #leadupchat
A5: are we studying what we currently do- pratices & measured outcomes. Are we reformulating based on what we observe& measure? Are we asking questions? Are we involving the larger community in these conversations- parents, graduates, colleges, local community members?#leadupchat
A5: My biggest problem is redirecting my vision away from the future to stay in the present to celebrate and build inertia with great things we have already done. Sometimes I'm too #futuredriven always looking for the next innovation. #leadupchat
A4: The greatest strength we have is each other. Where I am weak others are strong. Promoting a culture of caring with lifting others up and offering help will fireproof the group. The group that is willing to tackle little problems can tackle any problems. #leadupchat
A5: Set a goal that each year the staff and students need to create a plan to give back to the group the next year. Change can be hard to see, but when you people making a garden, installing charging stations, and making a tip book for newcomers it changes things.#leadupchat
A5: Read! Educators must continue learning, or we will undoubtedly remain stagnant. Don’t ditch what we know, but if we’re to prepare for the future, we’ve got to read about what’s next! #leadupchat
A5: Are satisfied with where we are at? Ah, heck no! Good is the enemy of GREAT! We've got to push on the boundaries to explore the better, while pushing to do the best for all!
#leadupchat#PushboundEDU
I think it always goes back to having that clear vision and asking if the idea is aligned with the vision. If not, then the idea needs to be revised. Having a system view is hard though if you have never had to look at things outside your classroom or building. #leadupchat
A5: As a school and district we chose to be innovators. We are living and breathing a systematic change. We stay future-driven with our vision, our goals, ongoing conversations of design thinking, accountability with each other in an non-threatening way, and commit. #leadupchat
#LeadUpChat A5: Strategic planning is essential to future planning. It’s a struggle if you don’t have short and long term goals. This helps get others on board since they can see the vision and know where they’re headed. And what part they’ll play.
A5. I remind myself of the incredibly different world we live in today relative to what it looked like 25 years ago when my oldest son was born and try to imagine what it will be like when his son is 25. Our job is to prepare kids for that world. #LeadUpChat#audacious
I'd love to invite #leadupchat leaders to tune in to #characterspeaks; so far we've had 25 incredible forces in our field. I'm always looking for new edu-hero guests to spotlight!
https://t.co/Rg6DWzhytG
Another subtle-yet-huge shift: if we're using first person (I/me/my) frequently when talking to staff, we're putting our ego at the center. Shifting to "we" or "our" signals a shift to collective, beliefs + values. No wants to hear "I," but "we" is different. #LeadUpChat
A5: To me, future-driven means working to attain everything our school can become in the future. Making decisions as a team that align with our vision helps with being future-driven #LeadUpChat
Heyyyyyyy, everybody! Look at this. I think this is a real, real risk in leadership. Thanks for the honesty, @M_Bostwick.
*Disclaimer: I am a hesitant innovator. Maybe this is why, though? Or maybe I'm looking for excuses.
#leadupchat
A5: My biggest problem is redirecting my vision away from the future to stay in the present to celebrate and build inertia with great things we have already done. Sometimes I'm too #futuredriven always looking for the next innovation. #leadupchat
A5: I strive to continually put myself in the shoes of our students. #shadowastudent deeply affected my sense of urgency and focus on students in making future decisions. Would I want to do what we’re asking them to do every day? #Leadupchat
A5 - Future to me means focusing on development of timeless skills like thinking, problem solving, being kind, having grit, knowing how to ask questions, effective communication, etc.
#leadupchat
A5: To be future-driven take risks & encourage others to do the same. We must create a safe space for everyone to try something new with minimal fear of failure. #leadupchat
As my friend, the awesome @RaeHughart, asks: how do we get people from "no" to "okay, maybe?" That's the work + a huge step. I also liked the @ASCD article about getting out of the "Zero Learning Zone," where some folks are caught, often because of fear. #LeadUpChat
We started with Aligning School Districts as PLC @tmany96 & moved to Scorecards for Dummy's. We noticed we did not have the alignment to really look at system change. This has helped us move to much better alignment & actionable data across the system. #leadupchat
A5) Ah.. the future. As educators, I think we are trained to always find ways to improve our practice, outcomes, daily routines. But I see many Ts using the same lessons over and over. I am guilty of this, too! When it works, it works. We need balance btwn the two. #leadupchat
A6: Documentation and group decision making. Keep the information about the how and why and make sure you have enough people in the decision making process to understand the why and carry it forward. Group think. #leadupchat
A5: As a school and district we chose to be innovators. We are living and breathing a systematic change. We stay future-driven with our vision, our goals, ongoing conversations of design thinking, accountability with each other in an non-threatening way, and commit. #leadupchat
A5: Look at the statistics that are out there. When we know "A projected 65% of children entering grade school will work in jobs that do not exist today."-WEF how can we not be future driven? #leadupchat
A5. It’s important use what we’ve learned, and our past achievements to help lead us into the future. If we stay in the “present” or focus too much on the “past” we will become stagnant. #LeadUpChat
A5 - Meet with Ts and ask: How are your Ss doing toward __ goal? What do you need from admin to support your work with Ss toward achieving the goal?#LeadUpChat
I am not a perfect leader, and I never will be. If you strive for this you are missing so much along your journey. Let’s strive to be a little better tomorrow than we were today. #LeadUpChat
A6: The only good strategy is that whatever the initiative is has to be about the people becoming better. If your initiative is focused on helping people and having them help each other it will succeed. Goodness and caring live on even after one is gone.#leadupchat
A5) Your vision is a living, breathing document that will continue to evolve into something better as new voices and fresh perspectives are invited into the conversation. That’s how you build and get better for the future. #leadupchat
A6. Must involve stakeholders with sharing the purpose, get feedback and adjust as needed. Essential to develop others and support others so the system has collective efficacy. #leadupchat
A6 If it is an initiative that was decided upon by the team. (I don't like the term 'buy in') When the team has voice and that voice is heard, the momentum will be unstoppable. #leadupchat
A6: I took a screenshot of this tweet the other day- staff have to be personally invested in an approach or action in order for it to sustain its impact over time. Buy in=compliance=short term... investment=commitment=long term #leadupchat
One of the things that drew me to this group was the vulnerability of it’s leaders. Certainly a hallmark of the great ones like Mike and so many others on here! #leadupchat
A5-TBH status quo SUCKS! If you seek others in your field from outside your 4walls you will find amazing things happening that inspire you to become more & lean to build upon where you are & where you desire to go!I love reading about all your successes,
it inspires! #leadupchat
A6: Relationships! Was the change a forced one? Did you have buy-in? If we go about change by supporting...really supporting staff with the change, it will stick. #leadupchat#PushboundEDU
A6: There is a reason mattress companies let you have the $2,000 mattress for a year before making you decide. If your initiative has been meaningful to them, they will want to continue sleeping in that bed. #leadupchat
A6: this is where “ shared vision” is paramount! If the entire community is invested in the vision, then it runs itself, even when a spoke in the wheel is missing. This is sustainable #leadupchat
A5: We look at the skills our Ss will need. We look to information from corporations & find areas where they feel new hires are lacking. How can we address those & prepare our Ss better? #leadupchat
A6: Sustaining an initiative can be tough. How many have we seen come & go in our careers? Building capacity is one of our biggest challenges, but when an initiative is honest, for kids, comes from a genuine need & developed by a solid team, it will survive. #leadupchat
A6. If leaders focus on refining the conceptual framework: the organization of ideas, processes, and resources to ensure effective teaching and learning, then the “way we do business” doesn’t leave with the leader. #leadupchat
Q6) When the initiative has true value, it can exist without the person/group who began it. It will--and should--morph with time and adapt to current needs, but the foundation will be there, grounded on that true value. #leadupchat
If we simply the design process to this...
Idea
Build
Launch
Learn
Sustainability is coming back often and recycling through the same process on the same initiative. Think 3M...w"e make a lot of the products you buy better."
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Having relationship with upper administration is as important when you are admin. Hard to share campus values if you don’t have a strong rapport with upper administrators!
There needs to be buy-in from staff, students, community...long-term during your years there. New initiatives also come from staff. You also need to be active in and support the implementation, then watch as the initiative continues as you step back...#LeadUpChat
One of the things that drew me to this group was the vulnerability of it’s leaders. Certainly a hallmark of the great ones like Mike and so many others on here! #leadupchat
A6 - Not so much a strategy but the proper selection of the correct initiative to align with your current. Regardless, the vision should always be the compass!
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A6: Inviting people to JOIN in so that the initiative belongs to ALL stakeholders and not just the leader is key. Ask yourself the hard questions: Whom is this for? And how long will it last once I'm gone? And who will carry the baton? #leadupchat
A5: I've invested a ton of time in sentimentalism, lamenting over successes, relationships, and the good ole days that once were--but have now changed. My biggest hope in letting go and moving forward is to think: "What if it could be even better in the future? #leadupchat
Follow through ✅ Checking in ✅ Offering ACTIONABLE suggestions & feedback ✅ Checking Im AGAIN ✅ & AGAIN & AGAIN ✅ SIPS AND Strategic Plans at hand ✅
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A6: Before implementation, think sustainability.
In other words, sustainability needs to be a precursor to any action.
Idea-->Plan-->Process-->Procedure for sustainability-->Implementation.
(-->Step aside and let it fly!)
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A6: have a timeline, research what’s been done in other places, look for best practice and modify it to suit the needs of your school context, meet regularly, keep your community informed, implement and evaluate #leadupchat
A6: My work is to develop the culture of continuous improvement that embraces the tasks w/out needing me to always stoke the fire. It is always about student growth - my growth, T growth, processes, plans - always comes back to student achievement. #leadupchat
A6: Sustainabilty = teacher driven! When structure is in place to build the vision, research and prototype (pilot) the changes, and put measures in place to monitor...with teacher leadership...it will go forth! Teachers own it, know it and they lead it! #leadupchat
A6 Is the strategy/initiative linked to a measurable outcome around your WHY & PURPOSE? If it is and it impacts success and achievement of all stakeholders then it's not only sustainable but necessary. If the WHY & PURPOSE changes then it might become irrelevant. #leadupchat
A6 If it is an initiative that was decided upon by the team. (I don't like the term 'buy in') When the team has voice and that voice is heard, the momentum will be unstoppable. #leadupchat
A6: Create “Believe In” rather than “Buy In”. When the work is collaborative, grounded in the deeper WHY, focused on students and empowering to the educators implementing it, the work isn’t about a single person but rather about the legacy we want to leave with sts. #Leadupchat
A6: The @Gallup Q12 is a great guideline for making sure people are engaged at work. Start with Q1 “I know hat is expected” and then move up the questions. #leadupchat
A2: Within the context of growing relationships, clear flow from beliefs —> vision —> values —> instructional best-practices —> performance outcomes for admin, teachers, and students —> celebrations —> staying the course. #leadupchat
A6: Voice and open dialogue with staff members, ongoing PD to keep breathing life into the initiative so it doesn’t become mundane and irrelevant. #LeadUpChat
Many leaders make the mistake of feeling like they have to be at the center + control everything because their ego + distrust of those around them doesn't allow for truly shared leadership. Real shared leadership is great; performative shared leadership is not. #LeadUpChat
A6: One of the downfalls in any organization is when momentum is lost when leadership changes hands. We need to build systems that are rooted in "the why" so folks don't want to stray from greatness. #leadupchat
Thank you differentiating this. We tend to overuse "buy in" which creates this inequity that I have to convince you of something. Our goal should be shared ownership where we are collaborative partners and committed to core values. #LeadUpChat
A6: Empowerment and interdependence. We can’t create person-dependent systems. We have to build the why in all stakeholders so everyone can speak about and replicate successful systemic goals. #leadupchat
A6: This is so important! Cultivating a mindset towards common goals keeps the team focused on the plan. Mentoring leadership within your existing staff allows for someone from within to continue after you’ve gone. This is what I am doing as I plan to retire in June. #LeadUpChat
A6. If leaders focus on refining the conceptual framework: the organization of ideas, processes, and resources to ensure effective teaching and learning, then the “way we do business” doesn’t leave with the leader. #leadupchat
A6) Sustainability comes from buy-in. How do you create buy-in? Get people to believe that the initiative is good for THEM and benefits them. If it really does benefit them, it will sell like hotcakes. Otherwise, drop it like a hot potato. (got food on the mind!) #leadupchat
A6. Creating a sense of shared ownership and expertise among key leaders (not positional) is they key to sustained success. This starts with a culture that is inclusive in charting direction to the school. #LeadUpChat
A6: It starts with remembering real change takes 3-5 years. You must continue to support what you put forth with an implementation plan that is adjusted as needed based on what support is required. #LeadUpChat
A6) A community-driven initiative is probably more sustainable than a school-driven one. The parents and business leaders from your community should be invited into the conversation. The more voices that are included, the more likely the initiative will succeed. #leadupchat
A6: Sustainability of an initiative requires all stakeholders to value it enough to invest in it. Once this happens, it takes on a life of its own. #LeadUpChat
