Modeling Behavior

Leaders apologize, and teach others how to do so

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Matt shares the Quantum Apology Model with Alan; the AAMR method helps leaders – and anyone – apologize with sincerity and grace in order to improve positive relationships and move forward from conflict or misunderstanding. Related post: What if someone rejects an apology?

Things Successful Leaders Avoid Saying (Part 6)

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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

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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

Group Dynamic Primer Chapter Five: Modeling

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It’s cliche to mock the “do as I say, not as I do” leadership failure. That’s because this failure is way too common. Leaders must consistently model the behavior they expect from others. If you expect your front-line folks to provide great customer service, then use the same standards of interaction when you talk to … Read more

Effective Leaders Know When to Ignore the Tone

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“Samantha, please reinstate the afternoon tea and coffee cart for the residents, starting in November.” Samantha [delivered with sarcastic tone and an eye roll] replies, “Well, sure, why not. Last time we tried it, Beth in 4C took 10 tea bags. AND when I wasn’t looking, some of the staff drained the second pot of … Read more

Effective Leaders Take 3 Seconds to Say…

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If the two-word definition of leadership is “Meet needs,” then you have frequent opportunities to be very explicit about that mission by taking three seconds to ask some variation of: “Is there anything I can do to help you with that?” This was referred to in a previous post as the “cherry on top” of … Read more

For those who don’t get it…

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Something that occasionally presents itself in the world of leadership is that there is one person, also a leader, who doesn’t “get it.” Maybe it’s another teacher, a member of administration or your direct supervisor. They see what you are doing, they know that those you lead appreciate what you’re doing, but for one reason … Read more

The Olympics of Dedication

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The Olympics have a way of shining a new light on the meaning of dedication.

The opening ceremonies were comprised of one spectacular vignette after another, with thousands of performers, musicians and athletes knowing exactly where to go and what to do during every minute of their moment in the spotlight. That’s dedication.

Every commercial that runs during the Olympic Games tells the athlete’s tale of foregoing dessert, not watching TV, not skipping a single day’s workout in order to be the best. That’s dedication.

Then there was the Chinese farmer who spent the last two years traveling to London via rickshaw just to see the Olympic games. A little extreme, but yes – that’s dedication.

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