Alan and Jayson on what it means to “meet needs”
Links: Previous post on this topic. Jayson’s blog.
What’s next? Can you learn something in 90 seconds?
After over 3 years, and over 125 posts, this blog will continue in a new format: the 90-second burn. To learn more about this project, please watch: Got 90 seconds per week? Of course you do! Subscribe at the right and join in the fun, starting next week. Thanks for all the support and input … Read more
Insecurity is Normal?
In April of 2011, I was caught off-guard by a silly combination of factors: Toward the end of one day, a notification popped up during a pre-dinner networking event: Everyone else is just as insecure as you are. I wished I hadn’t seen that — it would be a while before it would be possible … Read more
What if someone doesn’t accept an apology?
A couple weeks ago, I shared the Quantum Apology Formula. Two days ago, someone asked “Yeah, but what if your apology isn’t accepted?” The short answer is: It’s mostly on them. They have to stay “above the line” or “out of the box” to accept. However, only YOU control YOU, so you can’t make someone accept. … Read more
Effective Leaders Say it All…
A true staff meeting story: Tyler turned to Tykeshia and said “I never know where I stand with you.” Tykeshia replied, “Don’t worry. When you screw something up, I’ll tell you. You’re doing just fine.” Tyler look back to Tykeshia and summoned his courage, and said “I’m sorry. That just doesn’t work for me. I need to … Read more
Leaders Know that All Solutions are a Temporary Resting Place
Jill was a jerk of a boss. Her people didn’t like her, mostly because she was bossy, passive-aggressive, and a bad communicator. This all added up to a low-trust, high-tension situation. Jill got good advice: Be nice. Build relationships. Build trust. Avoid bossiness. It worked. For awhile. Until the work started to fall behind. People … Read more
Things Successful Leaders Avoid Saying (Part 6)
Leaders avoid saying things that shut down discussion and communication; some of these are obviously intended to do this, so using them can damage your credibility also. Here are some examples: “…Enough said.” or the colloquial “‘nuf said.” “Last time I checked,” followed by something like “this was still a free country.” “Just sayin’” “No … Read more
Leaders say sorry, and mean it: The Quantum Apology Model
Dear friend, fellow educator, and previous guest blogger Matt Pries likes to share the following model, with is derived from the Quantum Learning school of thought: AcknowledgeApologizeMake it RightRecommit A mnemonic to recall this AAMR model is “All About My Relationships.” And it works. Teach this to others as an antidote to those empty “sorry” … Read more
The coolest thing I’ve heard lately… (and why leaders should hear it, too)
I’m not going to let my worst experience with someone define my relationship with them. Isn’t that great? Sometimes we have a bad experience with someone and think “whoa, now their true colors are finally coming out!” — and that puts us on guard in the future. Once bitten, twice shy (we think). But we … Read more
Leaders let people grieve in their own way
Everyone works through grief and the aftermath of trauma in their own way. Some of us have had success navigating stages of grief, and others have dealt with tragedy in their own, unclassifiable way. It feels safe to say that everyone is different, and everyone ought to be regarded with patience. Sometimes, leaders can be … Read more