We all have people in our lives--past and present--who we considered “leaders.” And if you’re like me, you have likely spent years striving to be like those people you have admired. But what IS leadership? And how do we know it when we see it? Better yet, what is GOOD leadership, and how can we …
Tag: leadership
Remote Work Environments & Self-Care
This is the fourth in a series of posts written collaboratively by Dr. Michele Andorfer and Mike Haynes. In previous posts, we explored ways to ensure productivity doesn't suffer because of a remote work environment. We also shared strategies that we learned from others regarding ways to build and nurture relationships when working remotely. In …
Plan A
At the beginning of the pandemic in the US, I wrote a post suggesting that we seize the opportunity of what appeared to be additional time that educators had, given schools were closing and students were staying home. Shortly thereafter, however, it became clear extra time was not necessarily available, as most educators, administrators and …
Become a Virtual Rockstar
People who lead understand that effective meetings don’t just happen by chance. Good leaders orchestrate the components of every meeting, including establishing a clear purpose, identifying items that should and should not be included on the agenda, determining who should participate, and utilizing strategies to engage all participants. Meetings that are not planned carefully are …
Maximizing the Effectiveness of Remote Work Environments
Nearly a month ago, many of us were thrust into a situation where doing business suddenly looked very different. The phrase “new normal” has become a popular way to refer to what many of us are dealing with since our working (and learning) environments have changed. This article is a collaboration between Dr. Michele Andorfer …
Continue reading Maximizing the Effectiveness of Remote Work Environments
20 Seconds of Courage
20 Seconds of Courage A number of years ago, I watched the movie We Bought a Zoo. It was really quite good--I found myself laughing and tearing up at the same time. The biggest takeaway for me, however, was during a poignant moment where Benjamin Mee, played by Matt Damon, offered advice to his on-screen …
Who do you want to be?
The memory of the first time that I was asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” is vague. I know that I was very young. But the impact of that question, as well as my experiences for several years following, have had a profound effect on what I considered was my …
Continuum
There’s been a movement in education over the last two or three decades that shifts the paradigm about student and teacher roles. In the 80s, when I was in school, the shift hadn’t begun, or at least I didn't recognize it. What I do remember recognizing throughout my school years was an emphasis on compliance. …
You. Now. Purpose.
I was recently asked to talk to a group of 7th grade students as a part of our area “Leadership Academy.” The invitation was specifically to share my thoughts on “happiness,” which is understandable because “happiness” has been my “schtick” at work for the past few years. At work, I basically have a bully pulpit …
Listen and Learn
A few years ago I was interviewing someone for a leadership position. As we neared the end of the interview, I asked, “Describe what you will do in your first six months on the job.” The response took me back because of its simplicity and brilliance. “Listen and learn” was his response. As I said, …
