PMP:020 Planting, Growing, and Flourishing

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

It’s easy to become distracted in school leadership, and often my biggest distraction is myself.

That’s why it’s so important to keep your focus on serving others. When you do, you’ll find yourself celebrating student learning and remembering why school leadership matters.
In episode 20, I share some ideas inspired from author and speaker Jon Gordon. And I tell a story of a conversation with a student who reminded me how a school community works together in planting, growing, and flourishing student experiences. Go here to read a companion blog post to this audio version.

Here are the show-notes for Episode 20

I heard a great interview with motivational speaker/author Jon Gordon recently where he was asked: What should you do if you find yourself unmotivated to face a day’s work?

He responded by saying: You should plant yourself right where you are and focus on serving those around you instead of on yourself.
I was reminded of Jon’s words when a senior student came by to see me.
She started the conversation by saying, “Neither of the counselors was free, so I thought you’d be the next best thing.” I laughed and asked her how I could help her.
She was a student I had known since she was a freshman. When we had discovered how much she had struggled through middle school, we had placed her on a mentor team.
That first year we also took her on a trip to our technology school partner, Tulsa Technology, to tour their campuses. She fell in love with idea of going to Tech, and as a senior, she is enrolled in their dental tech program.
Now she looked worried.
“I am struggling in math and wonder if I can have a schedule change,” she said.
“Oh, what math are you in this year?” I asked.
“Trig,” she said, “And I am having a hard time understanding.”
Now I was worried. Trigonometry is a tough class, and I didn’t know if she had the skill set for such an advanced class. But I tried not to look worried.
“Well, Trig is hard. But I believe if you can see your teacher for some tutoring, that may help,” I explained.
“Oh, I am already seeing her for tutoring in the mornings, but I am still struggling.”
Now I was even more worried.
“Well,” I explained, “We are already weeks in the semester, so we have stopped making schedule changes. How low is your grade in that class?”
“I’m making a B, but I want to make all A’s.”
Now I was stunned.
“You’re making a B in Trig?!” I said with eyes wide open. “That’s amazing! Trig is a rigorous class with high expectations. If you’re making a B, you are…a rock star!!”
Suddenly, her expression completely changed to one of relief. “Really?” she said with a smile. “But I wanted to make all A’s this year, though, and now I don’t think I will. Do you think that’s okay?”
So I started reminding her of the big picture: The obstacles she had overcome to get here…how great her grades had been once she had committed to a plan…how more impressed colleges would be with a B in Trig rather than an A in an easier math choice.
Suddenly, she was getting excited about Trig. We had a great conversation and ended our talk with a high-five.
I treasured the talk because it was evidence she had grown into exactly the kind of student I had wanted to see her become. She was no longer the “at-risk” student; she had become the high-achieving student.
If you find yourself running low on motivation, look around. Someone needs you to plant a seed of encouragement, vision, or direction for them. Our planting started with this student years before. Her teachers sowed the seeds of hope that she could have a brighter future. Her mentor team, including a teacher an older student, met with her weekly to check on her grades, to congratulate and challenge her. Her counselor coached her to set high expectations on her schedule each semester. We planted. She grew. She’s flourishing.
And now we are reaping the benefits.
Jon Gordon is right. Help others flourish. And in the process, you may find yourself flourishing too.

Now It’s Your Turn

What are ways you have found more joy and motivation in what you are doing? What are some books or resources you would share if someone wanted inspiration to stay motivated?

My Jon Gordon Interview:

Want to read more from author Jon Gordon? Check out the interview I did with Jon.

Sign-Up For Free Updates and Ebook

When you enter your email address below, you will automatically receive Principal Matter posts and a free Ebook, 8 Hats: Essential Roles for School Leaders. Let’s keep learning together!

(function($) {window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array();fnames[0]=’EMAIL’;ftypes[0]=’email’;fnames[1]=’FNAME’;ftypes[1]=’text’;fnames[2]=’LNAME’;ftypes[2]=’text’;}(jQuery));var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true);

Principal Matters Podcast

Check out audio versions of Principal Matters posts at iTunes. Rate PMP at iTunes; when you do, it makes it more visible to others!

Principal Matters–The Book!

School leaders are very busy, so each of the twenty-four chapters is designed as a quick-read and followed with take-action questions for follow-up or reflection. If you want practical ideas on understanding your purpose, managing school teams, dealing with challenges, and leading with courage, action, motivation, and teamwork, go HERE to pick up a copy for you or your team.