A Window into Your Leadership…

20 Friday Sep 2019

Posted by The Book Chamber in Appreciation, Authentic, Culture, Facade, Leader, Leadership, Relationships, Transparent, Trust, Value

≈ 1 Comment

The role of a window is to let the light shine through it… and the role of your leadership should be transparency.

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Two ways not to let light in; put curtains up or just keep a wall up… either way, transparency is blocked.

Why do you think this is? Why are some leaders transparent and others not?

I believe it has to do with a trust issue. Trust and transparency exist only with the help of the other. How many times have you been a part of an organization where “shade” was consistently thrown? For the most part, people do not like surprises, especially when it comes to their work environment. As a leader, you are responsible for letting, not allowing, people to see with greater clarity. As a leader, you are responsible for eliminating the “behind the scenes” actions and be proactive in creating an atmosphere where people want to belong.

The more I look around, I am beginning to believe more and more that people leave an organization because of leadership; the lack of. No one I know wants to be associated with weak, insecure leadership, and that precisely is what lack of, or no transparency gives. Who wants to lose good people?

Having transparency as a leader is not a weakness. Actually, it is very powerful. It allows you to connect on a level that promotes trust, that goes both ways; for you and others. Some leaders are not transparent because they feel it will lessen their “rule,” their “status” will not be appreciated, or they do not want to have shared-leadership. Each of these limits the productivity everyone can have – relationships become fragile, trust is not developed, and the suppression of reality creates fake leadership.

The need for transparency in leadership is at an all-time high. Too many leaders “close the curtain” or “put up a wall” when it comes time to lead. The authenticity of having a window to let others into your leadership does not exist, and ultimately it is the leader who loses.

Transparency is open and honest. More importantly, it is real. It inspires hope and promotes an opportunity for all. As you continue to lead, let the window do what it is designed to do… let others see your leadership. It is the one key element you have to cultivate the culture where everyone is on the same page.

Remember… Think Leadership and Be For Others

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These are the times that try educator’s souls…

23 Friday Aug 2019

Posted by The Book Chamber in Achieve, Affection, Appreciation, Choice, Crisis, Decisions, Future, Ideals, Inspiration, Leader, Leadership, Purpose, Reflection, Servant, Teachers, Useful

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Thomas Paine penned these words in The American Crisis, dated December 1776, to convince people at the time to continue to support the American cause of the Revolution.

“THESE are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.”

As I have read these words and thought much about them as of late, it seems that we are almost in the same spot when it comes to where we are in education, not only as a nation but as a state more importantly. As educators, who are in the schools, are our souls troubled? Yes. Do we need an educational revolution, per se? Yes. Education and educators need quality representation.

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As we break down each one of the sentences of Thomas Paine’s great thought, let’s look at it through the lens of educators. We are at a point where it is time for those who make educational decisions to be convinced to support the cause of education.

THESE are the times that try men’s souls

Yes… These are the times that try educator’s souls. Why? Too many tests, too much time spent on paperwork, and too much anything else that gets in the way of actually allowing teachers to teach. It is too much, too many, too often, too… And let us not forgot that as educators, we have to pay for our on raises by completing the requirement for higher degrees or certifications.

The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.

Let’s replace solider and patriot with educator… Yes, education, as a whole, is in a crisis, and many educators who are disheartened or contented fall away from its service. But oh, how we need educators who regardless of the crisis, will stand for what education should be – that is to educate truly. When that happens, yes, educators deserve the love and thanks of all.

Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.

I am not saying that where we are in education is suppressed by tyranny, but I will say it is very hard to conquer where education is right now. The tyranny I see is that we have non-educators making educational decisions. Educators are the ones who need to have the voice for what education should be. However, the consolation – for what it is worth… the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph of educators today as they continue to rise and meet the demands set before them. Those who continue this good fight are worthy.

What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value.

There might be some who really think that because teachers teach, they cannot do anything else. Too cheap – esteem too lightly? Well, my question would be to those who think this way… Why is there a teacher shortage? Why is teaching not valued by others? As long as there are teachers who care, education will have value, an intrinsic value only. Teaching is not easy – those who can, do, and they hold it dear.

Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.

Let’s replace freedom with education… Heaven knows how to put a price on proper goods? Yes, I believe that. I believe that education is a proper good, deserving of all, and it should continue to be highly rated. If educators decide not to teach, who will?

Many times we stand at a crossroad in our lives, and it is at those times, our soul is troubled. As we remember that education is for the future, we should be able to find some solace, knowing we teach for others. The future can only measure the value that educators bring. We need quality representation to hear our voices to make sure our souls are not troubled in the future. There are too many other “things” in life that try our souls… education should not be one of them.

Remember… Think Leadership and Be For Others

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Teaching, an Appreciation?

10 Friday May 2019

Posted by The Book Chamber in Appreciation, Future, Inspiration, Relationships, Trust

≈ 1 Comment

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How do you answer the title question? Not just today or this week (it is teacher appreciation week by the way) but every day.

Is teaching appreciated? Probably not the way it should be…
Does teaching need to be appreciated? You bet!

I believe the role of a teacher and education for that matter is at a crossroad, and it is crucial where we go with it. One thing we cannot do is just sit in the middle and let others decide for us what they want education to be. Who better to make educational decisions than educators?

I say that, to say this… There are reasons why teachers and teaching should be appreciated, and it is essential for everyone else to know why. The value of being appreciated is significant for people in all walks of life. Daily recognition and a “thank you” carries an intrinsic feeling that personalizes job satisfaction. For the most part, great teachers know they are teaching the way it should be. However, not that teachers need public affirmation, it sure is nice to hear it from others.

So, why should teachers be appreciated? Here you go…

Teachers help change the mindset of the future.

How else do students choose a career? Teachers look actively for excellent work and brilliant ideas of today’s youth and help channel that into a possible career choice.

Teachers are walking unofficial psychologists.

I’ll call teachers this… mood-changers. How many students’ mood changes for the better when they are surrounded by people who care and provide a positive impact for them? Teachers are sometimes the only ones who say, “You can do this.”

Teachers challenge the mind of students to a higher level.

Teachers have the innate ability to take a student from “here to there” over time. Incremental development is a fascinating concept to watch take place. Where else can you find “growth” of a person in five to six different areas all in a days work?

Teachers build trust and relationships.

This is a funny concept. It’s intangible, and it is hard to see and find. But when it takes place, a bond between that of student and teacher takes on a whole new meaning. The value of it trickles into others, and it creates an environment where many want to belong.

Teachers provide inspiration.

I have had a few teachers in my life to do this, and I sat in awe of them and their ability to transform my mind. Inspiration taps something inside our soul and mind to make us want to be/do better than before. Society will stand in line to put you down; students need someone who will not.

Every student has a story to tell, and it covers all genres. Teachers are the ones who help write those stories. Teachers are the last of a stable foundation that seems to be crumbling. Teaching is the last stronghold and line of defense that separates society with the notion that somebody cares about where we are going with those who will be our future.

Daily appreciation is worth the time it takes to say it. Say it often and say it loud. Find a teacher and recognize them. A little appreciation can increase a teacher’s effectiveness and provide a smile that stays on the face.

Teaching, an appreciation? YES… All day, every day – THANK YOU, TEACHERS!

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