Learner. Human. Joyologist.
Meetings can fuel our sense of connection, can expand our learning, and can move important work forward. There is some art and science to it but if we commit ourselves to growing our meeting facilitation skills, it can do wonders for how we work together, our happiness levels, and ultimately, what we achieve.
So, when it feels hopeless, thankless, and heavy, let's give ourselves the rest we need. And when there seems to be no amount of rest that can give us the energy we need, let's lean into wholeheartedness. Let's be present with others and ask thoughtful questions. Let's encourage them and nourish their greatest hopes for the positive impact they desire. Let's celebrate their unique individual magic with specificity and a genuine spirit.
The sun was shining and the vibes were high on Friday after work. I pulled into a local gas station which also serves as a convenience store and ice cream shop. A woman ordered an ice cream and upon making it for her and handing it across the counter, the young lady who scooped the... Continue Reading →
Let's make our seconds count by allowing ourselves space to be inspired and to get after only the things that matter most with our whole hearts.
So, let's free ourselves of the crippling pressure of centering ourselves in every narrative. It's often not about us at all. And I find that quite liberating and critical to seeing the work clearly.
This is our legacy as educators. To care so deeply about the future of this world that we are willing at times to bruise our own egos in pursuit of a collective better for our kids and this world.
And sometimes support looks like making copies of the reading for people and subbing in classrooms. I believe so deeply in this work that I am willing to do whatever it takes to remove barriers. I subbed in a classroom last week, and I think I'm a better leader because of it. The further we are from the classroom and the day-to-day of our schools, the less clear we become about the support that is really needed. This is also why teacher and student voices are critical in the continuous improvement process. To my administrator friends, put on your sneakers, get out of your office, roll up your sleeves, and help out.
This work is hard. This work is important. This work is made better when we leverage the strengths of teammates and work together to design learning experiences.
As I mention in my upcoming book, Legacy of Learning, our schools don't need more shiny perfect people. We need more deeply human people. Modeling care, reflection, sincere apologies, and learning, and changed behavior. We need people who see, celebrate, and utilize the strengths of others. People who truly believe we are better together.
Life is hard enough. The pressures of work or being a parent are hard enough. We don't need to make it harder on ourselves by setting unrealistic expectations. Thinking and moving smaller can help us achieve more in the end. It can help us feel better too. You know?
MEGHAN LAWSON 