Are We Doing The Right Things or Are We Just Doing Things Right?

Sometimes the questions asked by leadership are just as important as the answers we often give.  The questions we ask also show if we are leaders or managers.  How many times have we been focused on or seen people in leadership positions that constantly wanted to make sure everything was done "right"? This is a great question and it's definitely important to make sure things are done right.  But are we asking the important question "Are we doing the right things"? "Are we doing the things that'll get us to where we want to go?" 

In every school,  there are people that are so passionate about their work and helping children.  They're dedicated and work extremely hard.... just not on the things that will yield the greatest impact for the effort they put in.  This is why leadership is so important in making sure the team is doing the right things and not just doing things right.  Time is one of the most valuable resources we have and leaders must ensure we make the the most of the time we have.   What we focus on determines how much we improve and how fast we improve.  

We want to make sure we leverage our time and efforts. The science is out there, but we must put that science into practice.  Many times we don't have a problem in knowing,  but instead a problem of doing.  As leaders,  constantly ask yourselves and your team "Are we doing the right things,  is this right for us and right for us at this time, andis this going to get us where we want to get to?"  Then, don't be afraid to adjust as needed and put the science into practice.  Results are what counts! 

They Haven't Learned How to Quit Yet.......

A new parent went to visit his newly born infant in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).  The baby was born months premature and only weighed about 2 pounds.  Worried about his baby, he asked the nurse on duty several questions.  One question he asked was “How many of the babies in critical condition in this unit survive?”  The nurse responded that well over 90% survive and go on to live perfectly normal lives.  The parent asked the nurse “Did you say well over 90%?  Really?”  The nurse responded “Yes sir.  Babies haven’t learned how to quit yet, all they know is to keep fighting no matter the challenge.”  What a powerful statement and one that resonates with the challenges public school face daily. 

 

Have you ever wondered why some people, when pursuing their goals, face adversity, get knocked down and then knocked out?  While others, encountering similar circumstances, bounce back from their challenges, stay motivated, and remain focused.  The difference between these two types of people is a never quit mindset.  No matter what you do, challenges in life and work are expected; giving up, however, is an option!  People who refuse to quit are driven by commitment.  People with a never quit mindset have made a commitment to stay the course, no matter what. Their feelings may not be consistent, but their commitment can be. Consistent action with consistent commitment is what can set you apart from everyone else.  A commitment is an unbreakable promise to yourself that you will find a way to succeed.

 

Giving up will surely deny you a valuable learning opportunity. Whether you succeed or fail, you can learn and grow from both experiences.  Now a never quit mindset doesn’t mean you won’t have to alter your plans to get where you want to go. Kayambila Mpulamasaka, cofounder of LinkedIn, said “When things don’t go according to plan, plan according to how things go.” Because we live in a world of constant change, be prepared to adapt and adjust.  Certainly, we all encounter difficulties that are not our fault, for which we’re not responsible. Regardless, all of us are responsible for our responses to life’s ups and downs.  How you respond to your circumstances determines the course of your life.  What happens to you doesn’t matter near as much as how you react and adjust to find a way to be successful. 

 

Principals and teachers in today’s schools are facing more challenges than in any point in history.  One of the most important things we can communicate and model, as leaders, is a never give up mentality and attitude.  We expect students to not ever give up on themselves and each other, teachers to never give up on students, principals to never give up on teachers and staff, etc.  Sometimes what we perceive as “failure” is actually a very teachable moment and great learning opportunity.  The key is continuous growth and improvement.