Reading Think Faster, Talk Smarter by Matt Abrahams reminded me that good communication is not just about what you say. It’s about how you make people feel while you’re saying it. One of the final ideas in the book stood out more than any technique or structure: “People do not remember every word you say.Continue reading “More Than the Right Words”
Tag Archives: Leadership
It’s Not Your Job to Have All the Answers
The author reflects on “Radical Candor” by Kim Scott, emphasizing that effective leadership involves fostering collaboration rather than simply providing answers. By shifting from directing to guiding and prioritizing listening, principals can create a supportive environment. They intend to frame future discussions around helping staff perform their best work.
The Engagement Continuum
The focus this week has been on engaging parents and families. Part of the conversation that has been sticking with me is the distinction between parent participation, parent involvement and parent engagement. When you think about the words participation, involvement, and engagement as they relate to relationships, they have a very different connotation. I don’tContinue reading “The Engagement Continuum”
What’s your passion?
We talked about the makings of a great leaders this week. The discussion started with an examination of James Kouzes and Barry Posner’s list of “Ten Truths About Leadership.” The truths they list are helpful but not surprising. They mention things like believing in yourself, building credibility, developing relationships, sticking to you values, etc. AsContinue reading “What’s your passion?”
Instructional vs. Transformational Leadership
John Hattie points out some key distinctions between Transformational Leadership and Instructional Leadership in education: Transformational leaders lead around a common vision; their focus tends to be on getting teachers and students to buy in and commit to that vision. Once they have the buy in, they turn their attention to creating an environment inContinue reading “Instructional vs. Transformational Leadership”
Get Better
According to Steven Covey, the primary thing that separates great leaders from good leaders is simply “being an individual who can be trusted.” After making this claim, Covey lists and explains 13 behaviors that characterize a leader who can be trusted. When I talked through these high trust behaviors with a group of colleagues thisContinue reading “Get Better”
Values and Stories
I recently read an article written by business management guru Patrick Lencioni called “Make Your Values Mean Something.” Lancioni breaks values into 4 distinct categories in order to distinguish “Core Values” from other types of values that might distract an organization if they are wrongly deemed “Core.” “Core values,” he says, “are the deeply ingrainedContinue reading “Values and Stories”
Mr. Zerwas Teaches Here 