#reviewandreflect: Supporting Creativity as a Leader

#reviewandreflect: Supporting Creativity as a Leader

by | Oct 27, 2019 | #review&reflect, Creativity, Culture, Daily Habits, District Office Leadership, Education, Engagement, Fulfillment, Innovation, Leadership, Learning to Lead, Organizational Growth, Organizational Leadership, Podcast, Teacher Leadership

Creativity Chart This is TheSchoolHouse302’s monthly #review&reflect, wrapping up our focus on Creativity. Our review and reflect series embraces the powerful sentiment from Soren Kierkegaard: “Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” Take time with this post as we take a deep dive into our leadership content so that you can develop the skills you need to lead better and grow faster.

Skills I need to develop for improved creativity…

This month we focused on creativity, and we introduced the topic through our low-level leadership series. We truly espouse the notion that finding “bright spots” and “soaring with your strengths” are keys to accessing and duplicating superior leadership qualities. However, there is tremendous value in identifying key behaviors that thwart a desired result as well. We often need to know what not to do first, before we can explore what to do.

We liken our low-level leadership series to that of the great vehicle app, Waze, which informs travelers of all kinds of potential obstacles and issues that lie ahead during a drive. By identifying the three surefire “waze” to crush creativity, we provide leaders a navigational tool to help them avoid common hazards.

Passing judgment, over-prescribing recommendations, and limiting risk-taking are all creativity crushers. An effective leader simply responds differently than using any of these three low-level methods. Rather than passing judgment, she supports her subordinates to gain a greater understanding. Instead of restricting thoughts and controlling situations, she collaborates and creates a space to think. Lastly, she rewards the people who are taking calculated and thoughtful risks to support the core of the vision. 

Be Creative

Creativity_Self-Assessment

If you find yourself thinking, “well, it really depends on the person,” then we encourage you to dive into the following great reads. Organizational cultures should not be situational, and organizational norms should not fluctuate based on individuals.

Great leaders are avid readers…

Review: In our #readthisseries we featured books that highlight real people who we can emulate and real wisdom for the courage we need to succeed as leaders.

Our first recommendation is, Steal like an artist: 10 things nobody told you about being creative.. This is a quick read that we feel sparks creativity.

Our second recommendation is from Eric Sheninger and Trish Rubin, BrandED: Tell your story, build relationships, and empower learning. This is a terrific book for school leaders looking to brand their school or district and truly bring their story to life. It offers practical yet creative advice.

Our final recommendation comes from Sir Ken Robinson, Creative schools: Revolutionizing education from the ground up. The bottom line is that Ken’s message challenges us as educators. Only read this book if you are serious about change, creativity, and alternative to the current system of schooling.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQTAMFF_0nk?list=PLEDYf65jBDzZGq4wt4rPO7dsjq9Hi36ti&w=962&h=541]

You can’t miss our #readthisseries on 3 books you need to read now.

Who should I follow…

What does an expert have to say about creativity? If you want to dig even deeper into the mind of a creative thinker, you’ll want to listen to our #onethingseries this month, which featured creativity expert and author of Steal Like an Artist, Austin Kleon. One simple but magical act you can do each day, according to Austin, is to take a walk. We champion this sentiment because it encourages the need to find our center, to find “me” time, to enjoy nature, and to open the mind to creative thought.

Austin Kleon

Action: This month we asked you challenge yourself through TPA: A Framework for Growth Through Reflection

Think - Plan - Act

To learn more about supporting the people you lead, complete this #ThreeMinuteChallenge.

To become more collaborative, complete this #ThreeMinuteChallenge.

To become better at rewarding risk-taking, complete this #ThreeMinuteChallenge.

Please subscribe! Listen to the entire podcast on iTunes, One Thing Series, and please rate and like (it helps). That’s our #review&reflect for Creativity. Take a look back to take a step forward. TheSchoolHouse302 is about getting to simple and maximizing effective research-based strategies that empower individuals to lead better and grow faster. Please let us know how our leadership posts are working for you, what you are reading to improve yourself, and your thoughts on leadership and growth here on our blog and Twitter. Follow our #onethingseries podcast on iTunes and our #readthisseries on YouTube. Joe & T.J.
#readthisseries: 3 Books You Need to Read for Better Employee Engagement

#readthisseries: 3 Books You Need to Read for Better Employee Engagement

by | Sep 16, 2019 | #readthisseries, Leadership, Learning to Lead, Motivation, Motivation & Retention, Organizational Growth, Principal Leadership

#readthisseries

Don’t miss this vblog on books you need to read to lead better and grow faster. We recommend three titles that are must-reads on the topic of employee engagement. You can find our catalog of great leadership books at dereka206.sg-host.com — click on #readthisseries.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucT7pGItRr0&w=560&h=315]

Crowley, M.C. (2011). Lead from the heart: Tranformational leadership for the 21st century. Bloomington, IN: Balboa Press.

Gordon, J. (2010). Soup: A recipe to create a culture of greatness. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Pink, D. (2018). When: The scientific secrets of perfect timing. New York: Riverhead Books.

As always, please like, follow, and comment. If you have books that we should read and recommend, please let us know that as well.

Joe & T.J.

 

#onethingseries: Employee Engagement w/ Mark C. Crowley, @MarkCCrowley

#onethingseries: Employee Engagement w/ Mark C. Crowley, @MarkCCrowley

by | Sep 8, 2019 | #onethingseries, Engagement, Fulfillment, Learning to Lead, Motivation, Organizational Growth, Organizational Leadership, Results

 

Don’t miss this leadership podcast with Mark Crowley.

Mark C. Crowley spent over 25 years in the dog-eat-dog world of financial services, an environment known for its heartlessness and “take no prisoners” attitude. Twice, he held national-level responsibilities – most recently as Senior Vice President-National Sales Manager for Investment Products at one of America’s largest financial institutions, where he was named “Leader of the Year.” After much success, Mark decided to leave the financial services world and devote himself to fully answering the question:

“What happens inside of people that makes them fully committed to doing extraordinary work?”

His research led to the publication of his first book, Lead From The Heart, which we believe has a very powerful message.

Recognized globally as a workplace thought-leader, Mark is a regular leadership contributor to Fast Company Magazine and has been published in the Seattle Times, The Huffington Post, Reuters, CEO Magazine Great Britain, USA Today, and by the Great Place To Work Institute. He has interviewed CEOs and senior executives at innumerable high-performing companies (including Google, SAS, Gallup and the Cleveland Clinic) who are models for “managing the emotional side of work.” And his profound conclusion draws on new scientific research which shows that the human heart is a source of remarkable intelligence:

What people feel in their hearts has tremendous influence over their motivation and performance in the workplace. “The heart is the driving force of human achievement.”

His interview with TheSchoolHouse302 is enlightening as it challenges many conventional ideas about leadership. He provides practical ways for leaders to  effectively manage through care and high expectations for great employee engagement at work.

TheSchoolHouse302 · One Thing Series: Employee Engagement w/ Mark C. Crowley

  • Listen to Mark debunk the fears of “soft management” and how tactics like fear and intimidation simply don’t work effectively.
  • Mark talked about psychological safety and the importance of honoring people for who they are and how he follows the work of Harvard Professor, Amy Edmondsons.
  • He also discussed the power of “thank you.” Don’t miss what he says.
  • You definitely want to hear his thoughts on why we resist change when we know things aren’t working.
  • We were thrilled to hear him talk about the power of “knowing thyself.”
  • You have to hear how his thoughts on how people should lead and the wisdom he acquired over his years leading others.

Please follow, like, and comment; it really helps. Use #onethingseries and #SH302 so that we can find you. For more great leadership content, follow dereka206.sg-host.com.

Joe & T.J.

#onethingseries: Leadership & Motivation w/ Kaley Klemp

#onethingseries: Leadership & Motivation w/ Kaley Klemp

by | Aug 11, 2019 | #onethingseries, Learning to Lead, Motivation, Organizational Growth, Organizational Leadership, Principal Leadership

 

Don’t miss this leadership podcast with Kaley Klemp.

Kaley Warner Klemp is a sought-after facilitator, speaker, and coach. She is an expert in small-group dynamics and leadership development. She leads “offsites” to help teams end drama, and, instead, communicate and interact in ways that achieve their strategic objectives—even in the face of challenging circumstances.

Kaley is an Enneagram specialist, helping organizations outperform their competitors by unlocking a deeper understanding of what motivates and drives people. A favorite with Young Presidents Organization (YPO) forums and chapters, Kaley has facilitated retreats for more than 300 member and spouse forums throughout the world. She is known for guiding groups to the next level of depth.

Kaley is the author of 13 Guidelines for Effective Teams and a co-author of The Drama-Free Office and The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership. In addition to her study at the Gottman Institute, the Hendricks Institute, and Byron Katie’s School for The Work, she is a certified YPO Forum Facilitator, Enneagram Institute Teacher, TEDx Speaker, and Shadow Work Coach.

She is a graduate of Stanford University, where she earned a B.A. in International Relations and an M.A. in Sociology, with a focus on Organizational Behavior. Kaley is an avid athlete, spending time skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and practicing yoga. Kaley lives in Boulder, Colorado with her husband and daughter.

Her interview with TheSchoolHouse302 is fun and engaging. She provides tons of key takeaways for leaders, focusing on the topic of motivation but diving into much, much more.

TheSchoolHouse302 · One Thing Series: Leadership & Motivation w/ Kaley Klemp

  • Listen to what she says about the difference between “content” and “context.” Don’t miss out on taking an Enneagram test; listen to what she says about it.
  • Let’s all follow Nate Klemp for mindfulness. And, don’t miss what she says about Oprah and Brene Brown.
  • She talks about our need to “create space.” Super important for leaders.
  • Listen to what she says about learning to balance the digital versus the human touch. Wow!
  • Don’t miss what she says about the value of having a coach. We all need one.
  • Her thinking around “possibilities” is evolving. Super cool to hear.

Action Step: Sign up for one of her courses here.

Please follow, like, and comment; it really helps. Use #onethingseries and #SH302 so that we can find you. For more great leadership content, follow dereka206.sg-host.com.

Joe & T.J.

#SH302 — The Three Cs of Motivation: Clarity, Consciousness, and Commitment

#SH302 — The Three Cs of Motivation: Clarity, Consciousness, and Commitment

by | Aug 4, 2019 | #SH302, Daily Habits, Learning to Lead, Motivation, Organizational Growth, Planning and Preparation, Reflect

Carpe Diem

Good, better, best. Never let it rest. ‘Til your good is better and your better is best. ~ St. Jerome

Knowing ourselves and what it means to give our “good, better, best” for any given task is not easy. This understanding requires a deep level of self-awareness, which is only gained through self-reflection. In ancient Greek writings, “know thyself”  comes as a command to look inward. Hobbes uses the Latin translation, nosce teipsum, referring to the need for humans to study themselves to find out more about what influences our inner thoughts and what motivates our actions. This level of consciousness is necessary for us to improve in all facets of life, allowing our good to get better and our better to be best.

But even with this deep level of personal awareness, we can get trapped by the fact that knowledge alone is not a motivator. Something else from inside of us must crave change. Real improvements are drawn about by the desire to live a life in pursuit of the best we can be. Not a better you, but the best you. In fact, it has been said that hell is only your future realization regarding all that you could have accomplished in life but didn’t. The thought that so many people are disengaged with life and work, unmotivated to do their best (upward toward 70% of the workforce), is dispiriting. It’s downright unproductive and wasteful.

The world is desperate for us to be more and give more, for us to follow our dreams and lift from within. Whether it is in service to others, building a business, innovating in a new space, or challenging the status quo, every ounce of us–our intellect, spirituality, physical being–will fall short if our motivation is inconsistent or frail. Regardless of the reason–fear, rejection, doubt, or discomfort–the key is to find that magical point where we are truly motivated to accomplish what we want from every moment of every day.

Undoubtedly, a climatic event or situation can cause this to happen. Richard Rohr describes this as the coming of our second selves. It occurs when we experience something so powerful that our outlook and attitude toward life is immediately altered. But outside of such a drastic scenario, motivation is the result of what we call The Three Cs of Motivation: Clarity, Consciousness, and Commitment. Using these three Cs can help you find your motivation and stay consistent so that you can achieve your goals. 

Motivation Model

Regardless of the area in your life where you need greater motivation, whether that be parenting, starting a business, teaching in the classroom, or leadership of any kind, these three Cs are the foundational elements to get you moving.

#1: Clarity of Purpose–The first step is always to identify what you truly want to achieve, your why.

#2: Consciousness of Ourselves–The second step to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses. This allows us to see where we can take advantage of our natural abilities, and it helps to forecast any potential pitfalls or missteps.

#3: Commitment to Accountability–The third step is to hold yourself accountable, both by having the will to continue after you fail and by systematizing a way to ensure that you stay consistent.

That’s this month’s model for motivation. Stay tuned for challenges, nuggets of wisdom, reflection questions, and more. Follow us at dereka206.sg-host.com to join thousands of others who get alerts, resources, podcasts, and more.

Let us know what you think of this #SH302 post with a like, a follow, or a comment. Find us on Twitter, YouTube, iTunes, Facebook, & SoundCould. And, again, if you want one simple model for leading better and growing faster per month, follow this blog by entering your email at the top right of the screen.

TheSchoolHouse302 is about getting to simple by maximizing effective research-based strategies that empower individuals to lead better and grow faster.

Joe & T.J.

#5thSunday: Year-End Reflection Infographic–R.E.F.L.E.C.T.

#5thSunday: Year-End Reflection Infographic–R.E.F.L.E.C.T.

by | Dec 30, 2018 | Communication, Daily Habits, Data, Disruption, District Office Leadership, Education, Energy, Equity, Excellence, Failure, Feedback, Fitness, Focus, Fulfillment, Goal Setting, Innovation, Leadership, Learning to Lead, Listening, Long-Term Decision-Making, Modeling, Motivation & Retention, Networking, Organizational Growth, Organizational Leadership, Planning and Preparation, Positivity, Principal Leadership, Professional Dialogue, Reflect, Relationships, Self-Efficacy, Service Leadership, Systems Thinking, Teacher Leadership, Teamwork

Every month at TheSchoolHouse302, you get a blog post with a leadership development model, a podcast with a leading expert, a “read this” with three book selections, and a review and reflection tool–all on a particular topic of leadership to help you lead better and grow faster. Posts are always blasted out on Sundays so that leaders can think and prepare for the week ahead. In months when we have 5 Sundays, we also provide an infographic to help visualize and solidify the concept. This month, as we end our year, we want to R.E.F.L.E.C.T. on several powerful concepts to propel our success into the future of 2019. We hope you enjoy and Happy New Year. R.E.F.L.E.C.T._Infographic As always, please like, follow, and comment. If you have topics of interest, guests you want us to interview, or books that we should read and recommend, please let us know that as well. Joe & T.J.