The Intentional Principal

Leadership is never about changing other people. It’s about being self-aware, and sometimes that may mean changing things about yourself. It’s challenging to think that to meet a goal, grow a team or improve a climate that the work begins with you. Blame is easy; self-awareness is hard.

The good news is we all have strengths that have served us in our life. Those strengths have helped us get to where we are today. We should be proud of what we have accomplished and celebrate our successes whenever possible.

Conversely, we also have constraints. I prefer using this word over weakness because weakness defined means lacking strength. A constraint describes a limitation. As leaders, we certainly aren’t lacking strength, but I guarantee we have limitations that get in our way when working towards a goal. Constraints are merely a reality.

I have been blessed to have a 360 profile completed about my leadership three times over the course of six years. Each time I learn something new about myself. I have also received incredible opportunities to work with coaches in my life that have challenged me to continue to grow in my leadership.

Because I want to serve others and be the best possible leader I can be, I use what I know about my constraints to make needed changes to myself. I know that in doing so, I’ll be able to make gains in regards to goals I set forth as a leader. Growing a team or building a culture has zero to do with making anyone else change. It has everything to do with making adjustments to myself.

It’s also important to realize that even our strengths can become constraints! Mind blown! I’ve always been a risk-taker, and this has been a strength in my life and served me well. But when it starts to get in the way of a goal, such as leading a building, it’s no longer helping me. Risk-taking now becomes a constraint that I have to step back and see what I can change, so it’s not a constraint.

Understanding your constraints and then making adjustments to yourself isn’t easy. In fact, it can be hard because our natural reaction as humans is to blame issues on others and feel like we shouldn’t have to change who we are. But the reality is, changing someone else is never going to happen, no matter how much you wish for it. Let me repeat; you will never change another person.

So, it is imperative we look within ourselves. We have to be willing to open to feedback that will help us to see how we can adjust to reach our goals for the bigger picture. What do the people I serve need from me to do for us to move together and achieve our goals?
I ask myself this question daily, and I’ve never regretted changes I’ve made for the greater good.

Every year our district hosts a district-wide professional learning day called the Andover Instructional Framework Conference.  This year we had a tremendous opportunity to hear from Jeff Charbonneau as our keynote speaker.  Jeff is the 2013 National teacher of the year and is both a teacher and an administrator.  In short, he’s the real deal.

Jeff’s message was clear.  What questions should we be asking as educators?  He discussed 12 questions, and all of them resonated with me.  But there was one in particular that really had me thinking.  

The question?

When was the last time you were nervous?

The answer to this question for me was instantaneous.  Every. Single. Day.

Mr. Charbonneau went on to say that if you aren’t nervous, then you aren’t bringing your ‘A’ game.   This reminded me of one of my favorite quotes.  “You can be comfortable or courageous, but you can’t be both.”  -Unknown

I know that I’m comfortable with risk-taking, change and failing forward but I also know that not everyone is and that’s perfectly ok as long as you aren’t digging your heels in resistant to trying anything.

People will always resort to what is easy because it is comfortable and as humans, we like comfort.  I get it, I’m comfortable NOT becoming better at running because it’s tough for me!  I’m slow as a turtle so a turtle I will stay.

However, I’m not ok with not growing as a person, educator or mother, so I push myself out of my comfort zone all the time.  Sometimes I succeed, sometimes I fail, but I always learn, more so when it’s hard.

I hope my teachers know that I support any effort they have to be nervous and uncomfortable.  I hope they know its ok to grow at different times and in different ways.  I hope they know it’s ok to take risks.  I hope they know it’s ok to fail forward.  Most of all, I hope they know I will support them every step of the way.  

Growth will never come from playing it safe.

So I ask you when was the last time you were nervous?

Years and years ago, I started a Twitter account.  I had no idea how to use it or what to use it for.  All I knew is that it was something new and apparently everyone using Twitter loved it.  At the time, I was a principal at a middle school, and I remember seeing other educators like Eric Sheninger (who was also a principal)  using it and thinking to myself, how on earth do they even have time to be on Twitter that much and do they ever work? 

I followed famous people thinking that would be interesting. It wasn’t.  I didn’t know what to “tweet” about, so I didn’t.  I honestly just didn’t understand Twitter and why it was so great.  Frankly, I didn’t really want to understand it.  I believe there were better ways to spend my time, so, I chose to not to use any longer.

Fast forward a few years later to my time at the district office level.  I was in classrooms all the time and really liked the idea of tweeting out all the great things I experienced.  I created a district account to share these classroom positives and realized people enjoyed seeing these tweets.

I took Twitter a step further and started figuring out educators I wanted to follow and learn from.  I started by looking at Twitter profiles of my educator friends to see who they were following so I could give them a follow too.  I also began following publications in education such as Edutopia as well as the KS state department of education and other government agencies and politicians.  Seeing what these groups & people tweeted about gave me even more ideas of how Twitter could be a powerful tool in education.

Eventually, I came to understand what all the twitter lingo was and how meaningful the use of a hashtag was for following chats or groups.  I admit I am not a big fan of chats as they are super fast within a 30-minute time frame, but I am a fan of reading the chats by searching the hashtag and learning from other educators.

What I realized I had done at the beginning of my Twitter experience was thinking it was like Facebook.  I was already using Facebook and liking it, so I thought Twitter would be the same.  For me, they have completely different uses.  I use Facebook as a social tool and Twitter as a professional tool.  This helped me to see the benefits of Twitter as an educator.   There are some people that use both and are able to blend their personal & professional life.  It is really a personal preference but, for the most part, I prefer to keep them separate.  

Here’s the difference for me.  Facebook is where you find people you already know (family & friends) whereas Twitter is where you find people you should know (experts in the field). I use Twitter to find people that will help me grow professionally.  I follow topics that are interesting to me in the field of education.  For example, I follow #ahstrojanfam, #joyfulleaders, #cultureed, #momsasprincipals and many others.  Facebook is timeless and connects you to past memories. Twitter is all about the here and now.  What can I learn that is current?

I am often misunderstood when it comes to my use of Twitter.  My focus at AHS is around two areas; Great Instruction and Culture.  I believe that Twitter supports these two efforts perfectly.   What I hope teachers will understand is that it isn’t about having a Twitter account but how the tool is used professionally.  Twitter is merely the vehicle to so much learning & growth.

The way I see it, we are no longer bound by time or geography to learn what is most useful for us in our professional learning.  Twitter has had a tremendous impact on my learning, and I’m definitely not on Twitter all day long.  Quite the opposite.  Because Twitter is so easy to use once you learn how, I can get what I need in the time frame I’m willing to spend which can be anywhere from 3 to 30 minutes.  

So, here are several ways and why I use Twitter every day.

• CONSUME information – It is the best way to stay current on instructional practices.  I am kept abreast of the latest professional reading in education.  I am able to gain information about workshops, edcamps, conferences, etc.  I’ve been given an unlimited amount of ideas for ways to appreciate the staff.   I read current blogs and articles which I then share with teachers if relevant.  I gain new insights into instructional strategies & ideas from teachers in every content area.  
• COLLABORATE  with other principals around the country – Because of Twitter, I was able to grow an incredible professional learning network (PLN).  I am a part of #momsasprincipals, #wisewomen, #joyfulleaders, and #principalsinaction.  The #momsasprincipals and #wisewomen are two groups that I connect with every day on Voxer, which is a walkie-talkie app where we can talk and listen to one another on our own time. 
• COMMUNICATE to our school community & beyond – I love to share what I see in AHS classrooms!  There is exceptional teaching and learning every single day.  I believe that if we don’t tell our story, someone else will.  I share pictures of what I do whether it be a blog I wrote or something I did for staff.  No, this is not to brag.  I share ideas because I receive ideas from my PLN.  We all give & take what we do so everyone learns from each other.  
• CONNECT with students and experts – I often take selfies with the students.  No, I don’t love taking selfies, but it is a way to connect with them, and they often ask.  I will never turn them down.   I love joining experts in my field whether it be teachers, principals or leaders.  I learn a tremendous amount from them.  
• MODEL how to use social media correctly – Our students are watching us.  How are we modeling digital citizenship?  We know that colleges and business are looking at social media before hiring.  If we, as leaders in education, don’t model appropriate use of Twitter, who will?

I hope that teachers will have the same experience that I have had by connecting with others in their field, sharing their classroom successes and finding professional learning that is quick and ready to be used immediately in their own teaching.  I know that if they try the vehicle that is Twitter, they won’t be disappointed in the journey & destination.

Years ago I was sitting in a workshop, and the presenter asked this question, “It’s common sense, but is it common practice?”  I remember thinking what a simple question yet it really had an impact on me!  How many things in our personal and professional life are common sense but aren’t necessarily common practice?

Every year in my professional learning network, there is a movement to select one word that will guide and impact you for the new year.  I love the idea of one word much more than creating a resolution that I know I’ll break after 24 hours.  I’m always inspired by the one word others choose, as they all give me pause to think about how that word resonates with me.

Keeping in line with the common practice question, my word came easy this year. 

INTENTIONAL

After reflecting on this word and how I want it to impact my year, I decided to start with changing the title of my blog as well as the look and feel of it.  After seeing so many other quality bloggers that inspire me as a leader in education, I decided that a new title should reflect my one word.   My “intention” for this blog is to reflect my passion for teaching, learning, students, and teachers.  And so,  “The Intentional Principal” is now the name of my blog.

I also love inspirational and motivating quotes, so it seemed fitting to add a quote from one of my favorite role models in leadership, John Maxwell.   It states, “The more intentional you are about your leadership growth, the greater your potential for becoming the leader you’re capable of being. Never stop learning.”  This quote epitomizes who I strive to be in leadership.  

Being intentional is about being deliberate and purposeful.  I actually have a list of commitments that I keep near me at all times to help keep me accountable.  Each week I review this list to see how I am doing.  I am certainly not perfect, no one is, but it’s essential for me to try to be better each day.  When I reflect on my commitments, I always see areas I need to work on for the next day or week.  It’s been valuable for me to have them written down as it truly helps me be more intentional.  

• I will maintain a POSITIVE ATTITUDE throughout the day and in all situations.
• I will ENGAGE with 3-5 students, staff, and parents every week in meaningful dialogue.
• I will be PRESENT every day by being mobile, visible, accessible and visiting classrooms.
• I will GREET students & staff with a smile and a handshake.
• I will continue to GROW my Professional Learning Network
• I will BRAG about all the fantastic things happening at AHS through the use of Twitter, Facebook and other forms of communication.
• I will CELEBRATE our staff at every staff meeting and as much as I can in between
• I will MODEL what & how I learn from my own PLN on Twitter and Voxer
• I will REFLECT & LEARN by sharing on a weekly blog
• I will INVOLVE staff to both lead and participate in meetings
• I will COLLABORATE with teachers in various settings & committees
• I will FOSTER collaboration among teachers by:
  • Pineapple Chart/Magnets, providing the time when needed, professional learning time, asking for feedback, walkthroughs with teachers, book studies, etc.

I believe when we are intentional, the most significant impacts are made.

Today was pretty amazing!  Why?  Because I had several teachers that got excited about Twitter!

One teacher didn’t really think learning about this tool would be beneficial as an educator.   It was all just a waste of time.   But, he was willing to TRY.

I saw excitement and passion about how Twitter could be used with students to share their learning. He is excited to TRY it with them.

Another teacher said, “You have really opened my eyes to a new perspective on Twitter today! Thank you for being so resourceful and so generous in sharing with us! I appreciate you!!”  It made her nervous, but she went out of her comfort zone and TRIED.

I heard a teacher talk about how he connected with another educator and built a relationship in their field.   He was excited how Twitter made that possible all because he gave it a TRY a few years ago.

Another teacher already using Twitter said, “I have used Twitter personally for nearly ten years. Committed to using this account in 2018, as an educator.  Thanks for the encouragement.”  You can still TRY and learn something new even if you think you already know what you need to know.

Ultimately, it’s all about giving something a TRY.  As educators, we need to TRY new things as often as we can because you just never know when you’ll have that A-Ha moment of excitement that you can’t wait to share with your students!

What will you TRY next?

Being a principal is both rewarding and stressful.  There are parts of the job that I love and others that just have to be done.  Some days I go home exhilarated and some days I go home exhausted.  There are highs & lows, positives, and negatives but ultimately I can’t imagine doing anything else.  The duality I experience moment to moment in my day is what reminds me that the feelings I have are never permanent and those tough experiences allow me to appreciate the positives so much more.

I am about to embark on yet another time frame of dichotomous emotion.   Our district is rolling out the yearly culture survey.  This survey is given to parents, students, and staff and we use the data from the survey to see how we are doing in several areas.  

Here is where I have to be honest.  It is one of the most challenging things I’ve had to go through as a head principal.  Why?  Because I take my position very seriously. Because I want to do the best job I possibly can. Because school culture is vital to me.  

When I reviewed the survey last year, I went through the gamut of emotions.  At times I felt joy, pride, excitement, delight, and peace.  At other times I felt sadness, anger, discouragement, frustration, and worry.   The culture survey is much like the Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang in which these feelings are so interconnected they give rise to one another.

Because the yearly climate survey is anonymous, it is often an avenue for those who are upset to only make statements that aren’t constructive but are mean-spirited.  I was told last year that I wasn’t “wanted at all as a principal.” That I was “nothing more than a tweeting bird.” That parents were angry “my kids didn’t go to the school” and several more things I just choose to not think about.  I’m not only a principal, but I’m also human, and those statements hurt a lot.  

After my grieving period, I knew that I also needed to look at the feedback that was constructive and address it.  I truly value feedback.  I would prefer feedback to be face-to-face and constructive as I have been in many coaching sessions with professionals that have given me honest feedback.  It isn’t always easy to hear but I listen and strive to do better if I know better.  

Perceptions on the survey comments included that I was “late all the time” and “on my phone all the time.”  These were more constructive for me to address and I did so.  Did I believe I did either of these things?  No. But if the perception was out there, what could I do to help correct those things?  

I started to arrive earlier each morning and I bought a smartwatch so I could have my phone near me but not be looking at it all the time. I also shared the survey and all the comments with the staff.  Yes! ALL the comments. It was tough but it was the best thing I ever did.  I know that if I don’t model how to appropriately listen to feedback, then how can I expect the teachers too?  

So here we are again. Another year later and the survey is being launched.  I will admit my stomach is in knots and I’m nervous.  It’s hard not to be based on last years’ experience!  I also know that research tells us when we have a good experience anywhere, we tell 3 people.  If we have a terrible experience, we tell 12.  I wish we lived in a world where the opposite was true.  

Here is what I hope will happen with this year’s culture survey.  I hope those with a good experience will share their thoughts.  I hope those with a negative experience will be constructive in their views.  I can assure you that all of the input is appreciated and taken to heart.

As the building leader, I only have positive intentions each and every day.  It is my continued commitment to our school that drives me to help our school be the best every single day.  I’m ready for the range of emotions and welcome the feedback.  I hope you’ll take the time to complete the culture survey whether it be in Andover schools or your own school district.  

Welcome back to school and welcome 2018!  I absolutely love the idea of a new year and fresh start.  I always reflect on how the previous year went and what my successes and failures taught me.  It’s always interesting to me that the toughest times or the failures are always what brought me the most significant lessons.  Whenever I learn a new lesson, I know I haven’t truly learned it unless I’ve changed a behavior so I’m always self-assessing and asking myself, “can I do better?”  Not only do I reflect & strive to improve, I know that I need accountability to make sure I am making a needed change.  Accountability and feedback are what we need most in our world to help us become our best self.  I have used many people professionally & personally to help me but providing me feedback, even if I don’t want to hear it.  This is the person I have a relationship with,  cares about my success and is willing to have an honest dialogue.    If we don’t know it, we can’t grow it!  So I challenge you this semester too.  What did you learn?  Have you changed as a result of that learning?  Who gives you accountability and feedback?  Who is your truth teller?  

What I know to be true is that leadership is an action and not a title.  Fortunately, I have been in the presence of a number of outstanding leaders that have helped me to grow as one.  As I reflect on those leaders, I am reminded of how they influenced me..

• Always assume positive intent
• Keep calm and carry on
• Have the courage to have fierce conversations
• Build a high performing team
• Value time
• Find a tribe that supports you
• Be kind, even when they aren’t
• Be vulnerable, tell your story
• Bring food!
• Family first
• Laugh as much as you can
• Reframe difficult situations
• Love your people
• Build relationships
• Highlight the good
• Celebrate successes
• Be a warm demander
• Release judgment and embrace curiosity
• Seek to understand
• Strive for 5 (level 5 energy)
• Admit your mistakes
• Never stop learning
• Stop making excuses
• Empower others
• People first
• Under promise then over deliver
• Stay positive among the negative
• Ask for feedback
• Do better when you know better
• EXCEL every chance you get
• Take care of yourself
• Ask for help when you need it
• Choose optimism
• Don’t exert energy on negative people
• Listen
• Look for opportunities to grow
• Make a difference
• Remember my purpose
• The best days are always ahead

Thank you to many teachers, principals, colleagues, professional learning network,  friends and family that continue to grow my leadership and influence me every day.

How will you influence others today?

Recently I had a coaching conversation that really resonated with me.  

The coach asked me how I was taking care of myself so I could lead a high school.  I honestly had no answer.  

People find it hard to believe that I am actually an introvert.  This doesn’t mean I am shy, it means people take my energy.  For extroverts, they get their energy from people.  I’m in a career where my energy is zapped nearly 24/7.  I am never not the principal and this job is all about people.  I love what I do and the best part of the job is the relationships I build with students, staff, teachers, parents and the community.  I honestly couldn’t think of any other career I would feel this passionately about.  But back to my dilemma of not being able to answer the coaches question.  Admittedly, I have been in a bit of a “funk” to begin this school year and I could not understand why.  The year has started off great, the teachers have given some pretty awesome feedback, the students and parents seem happy, so why did I feel this way?  

Then the epiphany hit.  

I needed to find a way to take care of myself during the school day when I felt that dip in my energy/funk.  Even teachers get a plan time and a lunch time.  I wasn’t giving myself even time to stop and eat lunch as I usually scarf something down on the run.  

After some further conversation with my counselor, we came up with some ideas to help me take care of myself intrinsically so I could be my best self for the staff and students at AHS.  This could be something as simple as closing my door for 15 minutes, meditating,  taking a walk in our outside of the building or even grabbing a quick soda.  I haven’t done any of these things and even though they are out of my comfort zone, I know that I need to do them to take care of myself.  This job isn’t easy and it’s often a lonely one, but knowing I have these options now actually does take some weight off my shoulders.  I may never need them, but I have a plan when I feel that dip/funk?

Now I’m curious…..do you have a plan?  How do you take care of you during your work day?