Category Archives: Word

What is your AGENDA?

13 Friday Sep 2019

Posted by in Agenda, Honest, Leader, Leadership, Perception, Trust, Word

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AGENDA… Positive or negative connotation? What does it mean to you? That one word can carry a lot of mixed emotions and definitions that can only be interpreted by two groups — the ones who have the agenda, and those that are the recipients of an agenda. Either way…

There is always an agenda… Every leader I know has one, and this is not a bad idea. When an agenda is seen for the overall well-being of a group, organization, the intentions are seen as positive and just maybe, enjoyable. But what happens when agendas do not follow the “positive” route? When agendas become self-serving, the negative connotation shows up and BAM!… you know what happens – trust is broken, chaos abounds, and the air is sucked out of the environment quicker than a time vacuum.

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The questions today that should require you to ponder are:

How do others view the agenda you have as a leader?
Does your agenda positively or negatively impact others?
Who is your agenda for?
What are you trying to “make happen” with your agenda?

An agenda always has an end in sight. Strong leaders make their agenda open and allow everyone involved to participate. Think of it like this… As a leader, this is where WE want to go… Now let’s get everyone involved and see how we can get to that end result. Everyone knows their role, everything is clearly defined, and empowerment is seen and felt. The “after effects” works for all. If we get there, then that means I get there.

Oh, but that hidden agenda. No clarity – fuzzy, hazy, clouded… you get the idea. The one no one knows about… Yea, right… The funny thing about hidden agendas is that everyone can actually see them. Weak leaders have hidden agendas, and they manipulate others to further that agenda.

All leadership agendas connect the dots. Leaders with open agendas connect the dots for everyone to see a completed picture. Leaders whose agenda is hidden connect the dots also. The only problem is the picture they make is circle around themselves. Leadership agendas must help form an alliance instead of isolation.

Becoming a successful leader, attaining a high position in one’s career, gaining “status”… these are not bad. But all of these will ultimately deteriorate, for time is the revealer of all things, if all one does is make their agenda about themselves.

The success of an agenda will always be seen. Will it be seen on the backs of others as step-stones and footstools, or will it be seen with others on your back? Beware of leaders who make their names on the backs of others.

Remember… Think Leadership and Be For Others

©2019 J Clay Norton

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Encouragement… Have You Used It Lately?

08 Friday Feb 2019

Posted by in Actions, Encouragement, Leader, Leadership, Relationships, Teachers, Transformational, Value, Word

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Staying on the educational side of leadership this week let’s touch on the idea of encouragement, and how teachers and leaders* can enhance this characteristic.

*Again, while discussing this idea, you can at any time switch out the words teaching and leading/leadership.

Encouragement

One of the most useful tools a teacher can have is being an encourager. In today’s culture, many things cause students to be cast down, and it is very easy for them to be and become discouraged. They put up a “front,” not wanting anyone to recognize help is needed. They believe they are self-reliant, saying, “I can get through this,” all along knowing they need help. A majority of the time, that help can be nothing more than simple encouragement. You can tell when students are encouraged. They have a new spring in their step and a broader smile on their face.

We have all, at one time or another, needed encouragement. Why? Because we have all had experiences when someone or something failed us. It is at that time encouragement was needed most; wanting to be understood and have someone stand for and with us. None of us can know what lies ahead. For the most part, we do not know what is going  on in the lives of our students. Until we are intentional with our relationships, any words of encouragement become shallow and unfelt. Lip service is never good in leadership.

I have found the best way to encourage students, especially in the classroom, is to just acknowledge their existence in an adult, professional manner. A “hello” with their name at the door, a fist pump, or an elbow tap eases the slightest apprehension a student might have. When you make it where the student understands that you are there for help, it changes their whole thought process. What does not work is saying, “If you need some help, let me know.” Without intentionality, this sounds like a blanket statement, quickly said, so it goes on record.

We must also realize that words of encouragement do not immediately make troubles disappear. However, what words of encouragement do is acknowledge someone needs help. Encouraging words can help a person not live in a room of emptiness. Often, students feel deserted, only painting a picture of loneliness because they do not understand something or feel devalued.

As we continue to educate, make sure you are for your students, and that means, when needed, truly encouraging them. You might be the only one who does.

©2019 J Clay Norton

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Remember… THINK LEADERSHIP!

A Leader’s Word

02 Friday Mar 2018

Posted by in Actions, Authentic, Decisions, Integrity, Leader, Leadership, Trust, Word

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“Knowing what’s right doesn’t mean much unless you do what’s right.” – Theodore Roosevelt

“I give you my word…”  or “I promise, when…” Anyone ever tell you that?  What happened next can only be one of two things…  Either that person’s word stood, or it did not.  There is no “hem-hawing” out of it.

The people you lead have to believe in you and your credibility, and it can only be shown by your words with actions.

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Photo Credit: Behappy.me

Here is a great question… Are you respected and worth listening too?

As a leader, your word denotes everything about you.  As we ponder on that statement, your word characterizes a few things about your leadership.

Ultimately, your word is…*

Your word is your BOND

It should carry an authority that is as good as a handshake of sealing a deal.

Your word is an expression of your NATURE

What you say represents the measure of your image.

Your word is a measure of your CHARACTER

One word:  Integrity

Your word is magnified above your NAME

When we begin to equate our word with our name, it will begin to carry much more value, and we will be more careful of what we say.

Your word is the sole source of FAITH

People must have faith in you and that you are going to keep your word.

Your reputation is put on the line every time you give your word. You are a walking “advertising billboard” that sells your word as being trustworthy.  You place value on what you are saying and hope that others will do the same.

*This was adapted from Ed Cole’s “Five Propositions Regarding God’s Word.”  I have taken four of the points and applied it to my thoughts as it would pertain to leadership.

Remember… THINK LEADERSHIP!

©2018 J Clay Norton

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