Pushing Boundaries

  

I have always considered myself a rule-follower. Whether as a teenager under my parent’s roof, a young adult on my own starting a career or to this day in my 23rd year in education, I understand the importance of rules. Rules, as we know, are essential. 

While some rules are needed by society, others have been created by the changes over time. When it comes to education and instructional best practices, how do rules come into play in our profession? The reality is that in the world of teaching and learning, educators are not only consumed by "rules" but they often fall into the trap of "that is how it has always been done". 

Times are changing. Rules, and the way we do business in education, is transforming. We are working our way out of that mindset. We are growing. Innovation is taking hold. The mold is being broken, the lines are being blurred, the rules in education are changing. 

As we reflect on our journey in leading and learning, many of us have found ourselves on both sides of the equation of how rules impact our roles. More and more each day we as teachers and building leaders are acknowledging the importance (and need) of having certain rules but also embracing the importance of blurring the lines of those rules for the sake of student experience, student engagement and teacher growth. In each of those there needs to be creativity, risk-taking and a passion for growth. We must be the change. We must break the conformity in education. Being innovative is essential.

In the leadership role in which I serve, I have been fortunate to work alongside educators that want to push the boundaries of the comfort in their work. Many times it is others, myself included, that do the pushing. We challenge each other, we support each other and in the end, we trust each other in each step along the way. In teaching and learning we need to be thinking about what it is in education that has not evolved and ask tough questions and get uncomfortable. We are here to re-define education for today's student.

We know we don't get better by staying the same. Pushing boundaries brings change and change is welcomed. It is inevitable that change is going to happen. Let us control the direction in which it goes.

And when we are pushing boundaries, let's again make sure that we push with purpose. We need to be intentional. We need to be mindful.

Education is anything but a constant. Our best educators are asking the tough questions, challenging the norms and offering instruction that is anything but traditional. As you think of your leadership in the classroom, in your building or have the amazing opportunity to be in front of an entire community, promise yourself that you will push the boundaries of education. We all will benefit from this.

You Can't Fake It

Either you lead or you don't. At the end of the day, you can't pretend and you can't fake it. People are looking toward you with all that they've got. They have chosen this profession to make a difference. The last thing they need is someone with a title that can't make a decision for the sake of the organization. Educators need a leader who can be honest and transparent and a leader that embraces all that comes with the role.

Leadership is an art. It takes more than just a few courses at the local university or through an online class or two. It is not for the faint of heart and it is not intended to be a responsibility that just gets you on more notch in the belt. If you want to be any good at this thing called leadership, then you should consider the following:

Get Off the Fence. For every book I have read, meeting I have attended or conversation I have been exposed to, one sure way to find a leader that has their head in the wrong place is one that can't make up their mind. Yes, there are times for pause, for reflection and for ensuring you are doing what's best for kids and your community. However, when push comes to shove leaders have to know when to get off the fence and make a decision. Due diligence is one thing. Procrastination is another.

Follow Your Gut. Leaders have been given hours of upon hours of life experiences in the real world. We don't get these positions lightly. Believe it or not, whether you want to or not, someone actually looked at you, handed you the keys to that building and said something along the lines of, "You'll be great. Now go lead your staff and students to do amazing things!" Now that you have that shiny key and walk those academic halls, remember that the thing on your shoulders and that pit in your stomach actually can go hand-in-hand. Follow your gut and do what's best for kids, for your staff and for your community. It's not always going to be easy, but it will always be worth it.

Surround Yourself With Really Smart People. We have all heard the expression in regards to "the smartest person in the room is the room". Well, if that is the case then I will darn well make it a priority to surround myself with super smart people when it comes to teaching and learning. They will be at the door, peering in the windows and clamoring on the roof. Many of us fall under the umbrella of "jack of all trades and a master of none". My honesty puts me there. I know my strengths and weaknesses. I would like to think that knowing this is half the battle. At the end of the day, I find those that are not only smart at what they do but also a compliment to how I lead. Too many of the same minds leads to little progress. Get out of your comfort zone and find others that will help you be a better leader yourself.

Give Credit Where Credit Is Due. Truth - most of the really great things that I do in my leadership role in my building I had very little to do with when it comes to the inception. Truth - most of us get our ideas from the endless amount of resources in this global, digital age. If you come across a great idea or concept and want to implement it in your own institution, do us all a favor and let us know where the idea came from. As a leader who depends on trust and honesty, don't get caught with your pants down when a colleague learns that your "brain child" of an activity or lesson really came from someone up the street or across the globe.

Be a Closer. If there is one thing I have learned on this leadership journey it is that you have to close on your ideas and your desire to lead others. Charm and charisma works for a while. However, when the smile no longer does the trick and the handshakes have worn out their welcome you had better be able to close when it comes to all things in leading others. Holding others accountable, being transparent with your staff and being committed to your community are just a few examples of how you can close in on your relationships with others. Build the connections and do the right thing(s).

When it comes to leadership, you need to be "all-in" or you need to get all-out. The reality is that when push comes to shove and teachers are in the trenches or administrators are in the buildings you need more than just a shiny key to the front doors in order for others to believe in you and buy in to you. If you can't lead in a way that does so, move over, let someone else give it a go. and as always be truthful with yourself and don't fake it.

Adjust and Adapt - Part 1 of 3

This post is the first in a three-part series. Adjust and Adapt is the fourth component from The R-Factor from Focus 3 Culture. Introducing change is complicated enough. Talking about it and its implications can be that much more of a challenge. The next post will focus on "Getting Your Mind Right (to change)" and the third post will address our response to change. Credit is given and gratitude expressed to Tim and Brian Kight, founders of Focus 3 Culture, for their expertise and passion for driving leaders.

A new week has arrived and new opportunities will present themselves.

For our community of lead learners, our teachers, we will engage in an intentional conversation about our evolving culture and climate. We will engage ourselves in a conversation about change. The kind of change that moves us to be better at our craft. The kind of change that can be uncomfortable.

Change is intimidating. The thought of taking a constant and adding chaos is frightening. As educators we tend to work through our week knowing the events of each day. We plan our lessons, we set our goals for learning and we push ourselves to support our students.

Success goes to those that respond to change. (Tim Kight)

Change, however, can also be invigorating. It brings excitement. The potential of fresh ideas and a new lens to what could be old and stagnant will bring a pulse to lessons once considered to be scripted and routine. Change allows for our minds to move away from our comfort zones. Our four walls of learning, of teaching, will be expanded if we are open to the idea of change.

With change, we have to adjust and adapt.

Change is a necessary part of life and work. It is a constant reality that it is not going away. In fact, change is speeding up, not slowing down. Your ability to to adjust and adapt in response to change -- and to do so quickly in a positive and productive way -- is an essential skill in today's world. Success belongs to the new people (and organizations) who are able to manage change and adapt to new circumstances. (Focus 3 Culture)

Change is uncertain and unfamiliar. Change is uncomfortable, it is supposed to create growth. Remember, change is inevitable, growth is optional. And, it is how you respond to that change that will define the leader you are and will become. Whether in front of a classroom of students or a room full of teachers, it is how you respond to that change that will measure your success.

How do you deal with change? Do you respond in a manner that will drive you to become better? Do you lead by example? Regardless of our role, we must recognize the need to adapt and adjust. Be reflective on how your actions represent not only your own leadership but also those of your organization, your classroom and the life you live.

Be Daring.

(courtesy wallpaperia.com)

The opportunities are limitless. In your role and the position you have, you make a difference in the lives of children and adults each and every day. The number of interactions you have with others is countless. Every moment of every day you have the ability to influence the mind and spirit of a child or adult and guide them on their journey in learning. It is an amazing responsibility.  

Whether as a teacher of students or an administrator of teachers, be reminded of the potential you have. Recognize the opportunities throughout your day to be bold. Dare to make a difference.

We have a gift. We are a gift. 

We have the gift to bring an experience to another person that is yearning for direction and knowledge. They may not ask, yet we deliver. We have each been tasked to make an impact. Do so with fearlessness.  

My daily checklist includes:

• Take a risk.
• Lead, follow. Change your role.
• Listen when you would typically speak.
• Share where you would normally listen.
• Embrace change.
• Ask questions.
• Follow your passion.
• Teach like you would want to learn.
• Inspire others.
• Foster relationships.
• Love what you do and who you serve.

Be daring. 

Dare to push yourself and be extreme in your teaching and leading. Step outside of your comfort zone. Push yourself personally and professionally. You'll be better for it.