Dear Colleagues,
This is your final post for the 2009-2010 Blount County PLU--unless you are very far behind and need to catch up. I will award the 2 PLUs at the end of the month, so please be sure that you have caught up on any posts and that you complete your final October Implementation Post. I will send reminders out soon to any of you with missing posts.
For this final post, you have two options:
1) Please add a comment under this post detailing ONE strategy that you are currently implementing or plan to implement at your school that grew out of our work with the Ethics Standards, 7 Habits, or The Leader in Me book study.
2) Add a comment under this post which explores any personal growth that has come from our work with The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, The Leader in Me, or the Ethics Standards.
Remember, if your comment posts above these directions, then you need to remove it and post it as a "comment" under this original post. Again, you do this by logging into your account and clicking on the title of the post or the number of comments underneath.
Thanks for a great PLU kickoff, and I look forward to reaching our destination and awarding these ACLD-approved PLUs!
For me, one of the greatest impacts coming from this work is my re-dedication to "sharpening the saw." None of us are very helpful to our friends, family, and colleagues if we are exhausted and unhealthy. It is a constant battle, but that is part of being "highly effective." It is not an end result but an on-going process. As Lao Tzu said, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." I'm trying every day to live in the moment and cherish this journey and my fellow travelers.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the most helpful attribute that this training has provided is: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood. While setting your goals, you better be able to anticipate and prepare for those obstacles that might prevent you from being successful. It is important to listen to and involve other people within the process, but an effective leader can get his/her people on board with strategies that will ensure the accomplishment of the overall objective or goals. Diagnose Before You Prescribe.
ReplyDeleteThe most helpful concept that I have been reminded of during this training is that trust must be present for desirable change to happen. It is important to ensure that there is a solid core of trust between students, teachers, and administrators. Using the Pyramid of Influence from chapter 8 we find that the base of the pyramid is modeling, or what is seen by others. As school leaders we must prove ourselves trustworthy. To inspire trust in others, leaders must be of good character and competence. If we only talk the talk and don't walk the walk, others will see right through us and negative change will occur.
ReplyDeleteI want to look at each child as an individual rather than gettin so caught up in dealing with discipline issues as rubber stamps. I also want to look at what makes certain kids act the way they act. Right now I am Jay's Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why. It is about a girl who commits suicide and leaves letters to all the people who made her feel like she had no choice. They reasons seem so pointless, but they were real to her.
ReplyDeleteWithout any doubt I think the most important thing I learned is to BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND! This has helped me to not react to situations, but rather to see the long range effect of decissions. I agree with Randy that the trust of others is very important and I see these two going together. With the end in mind and a common goal trust becomes the fule of a great team. I am learning that you can foster support from others, even those who may not fully share your views if they feel they can trust you. I have enjoyed this format and the way that we have all been able to express ourselves on the topics. I have learned so much from all of you and appreciate your knowledge and insight. This has been a great way for all of us to share our thoughts!
ReplyDeleteThe quote "Everything changes when you change" is exactly what this work is saying. Carl Jung reninds us, "Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves." We may be intolerant of another's imperfections and miss the point that this is an opportunity to practice being more tolerant and forgiving. We sometimes don't see things as they are; we see them as we are. We need to spend less time being critical of others and more time on chamging in the areas where we need to grow
ReplyDeleteI have tried to implement a more proactive approach in my daily life. I aim to focus on situations that I can control. It is my mission to disregard as much negative energy as I can. As I am sure this is no surprise, it does become a challenge for me on some days. I continue to try and think this way on a daily basis. Hopefully, this will help me become a better person.
ReplyDeleteI have been working to incorporate Habit 3, Put First Things First. I like the Johann Goethe quote, "Things that matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least." I want to keep my focus on the things that really matter and make a difference to my faculty and students.
ReplyDeleteIn "The Leader in Me" , it states that young people stand at a crossroads; one leads to mediocrity of mind and the other a less traveled uphill path that leads to limitless human possibilities. I am striving to be a leader that leads young people to limitless human possibilities. (pg 207)
ReplyDeleteAs a grandmother of two, I plan to use the strategies learned in The Leader in Me to influence them to realize their worth and to reach their potential.
ReplyDeleteBy participating in the Leader in Me, I have learned to self-examine things I do and say. I find myself pulling the book out to see what it said about a certain thing. My greatest area of need is Sharpening the Saw. I often put others' needs first and have learned that I should take care of myself or I will not be able to take care of others. However, this is an ongoing struggle for me. I truly feel I have grown as a result of this study. I have read the book with both of my girls as well. As teenagers, both of them found things they thought worthy of sharing with their friends! Thanks for the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteWhile all of the Habits and the strategies from LEADER IN ME are important and helpful, I think that beginning with the end in mind is the most crucial for me to remember. As a "doer" I am great with making that list and jumping in to get things accomplished. But, first I need to verify that I know what the outcome should be at the end! With this step, I will, hopefully be more effective and serve the Education Foundation better.
ReplyDeleteTo Begin With The End In Mind is the habit that I must improve. I think that by making a major and minor to do list, the end is something that is constantly in my thoughts. But also being more proactive with this habit make me look at the outcome and reminds me of what I can and cannot control. This sense of being grounded with the end in mind combined with being proactive has made a big difference with sloving problems and not getting bogged down in so many little things.
ReplyDeleteSince beginning the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People & The Leader In Me training, I find myself applying the principles learned repeatedly several times a day. Almost subconsciously, I think to myself, "Be Proactive", or Think Aoout the End Product, before making any decisions, and Listen First: "Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understand".
ReplyDeleteAlthough I try frequently, I have the most difficulty with Habit 4: "Think Win-Win". When I am successful in applying this strategy, it is almost like an internal victory.
I am truly thankful for having the opportunity to participate in this study. I believe it has made me a better person and a more effective leader as a result of the Covey's principles. I am certain that I have less stress, not only as a principal, but in all aspects of my life now than when we bagan the study. Thanks Dr. Beavers!!!
As a result of participating in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Being Proactive has become a very important aspect of my professional growth. In working with the students at our facility, I would like to be able to become a transition person for these students. Obviously, many of them have not been exposed to appropriate conflict resolution. By serving as a positive role model I can guide the students to positive problem-solving techniques rather than getting into additional trouble by overreacting.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the opportunity to participate in this beneficial study.
I have tried to incorporate Habit 5 "Seek First to Understand then to be Understood," into my professional and personal life. Learning to really listen to what people are saying has helped me realize I can not "fix" everyones problems. Many children and adults really just need to talk to someone that will listen. They don't always need to be helped or judged....just heard. Listening has helped me better understand people and the issues they face. It has consistently been a reminder of how truly blessed I am.
ReplyDeleteThe 7 Habits and The Leader in Me have been very uplifting and beneficial. Thank you!
For me, I seem to still struggle with "Sharpening the Saw." I will certainly have fun trying to figure this Habit out throughout my year as a new principal with new people and challenges that peek throughout the day. Like Hargett stated, I too, must utilize Habit 3: Put First Things First. The first thing is: TAKE CARE OF ME. I've got to run and sharpen my saw! Thanks for a great learning opportunity.
ReplyDeleteThe two most valuable habits that I have learned from this study are “Put First Things First” and “Think Win-Win.” I find that by prioritizing my tasks, I am able to get more things completed.
ReplyDeleteAs I discuss issues with other administrators, teachers, students and parents I now try to think what do they want/need to make this a Win for them? We can both win – what does it take to make this happen. At every confrontation I have with school stakeholders I consciously think, “We want the same thing – the best education for the student. “ So Win – Win is now the goal.
I have enjoyed being a part of the group. Thanks for a great year.
The two habits I chose to focus on in this study were Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind - The Habit of Vision and Habit 3: Put First Things First - The Habit of Integrity and Execution. It is a daily challenge to stay focused on the goal when it seems I am constantly putting out fires. I am a work in progress. I am still trying to live by the quote by Johann Goethe, "Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least." This study has certainly made me more aware of habits that need to be practiced in my day to day life.
ReplyDeleteI think "put first things first" is one of the hardest things to do as a principal, since we are constantly having to "put out fires" that have to do with low priority items. However, keeping that focus for our thinking is very helpful. I have been so excited about what we've learned this year and sharing it with my faculty and our students. It has the power to change lives. I am one of those children whose leadership was cultivated at school, and in the words of Robert Frost, "that has made all the difference."
ReplyDeleteFor me the Habit 3 "Putting First Things First" has been influential for me in my life with organizing the daily stresses. It has changed my outlook on letting things stack up against me by just relaxing and taking care of the important and not "sweating the small stuff."
ReplyDeleteI have learned many things as well as found inspiration from Covey's book, The Leader in Me. One of the most profound statements to me was the way visions and strategies were described, "If vision is the destination, strategy is the path." Keeping that focus as a leader is vital in the job we do. This has been a great experience...thanks!
ReplyDeleteHabit 3, “Putting First Things First,” was the one habit that allowed me to have a vision of the components that make it work. Being a visual learner, the illustration of the compass and the clock made a big impact on my perspective. It is so easy to let the day to day appointments, schedules, and numerous activities get in the way of the real mission or focus of what is truly important. Through this study, I have identified ways I need to focus on what is valuable in the overall mission of educating our students
ReplyDelete"Putting first things first," is absolutely the most difficult thing I have to do. The only way I know how to do that consistently is to add time to an already overloaded schedule. No strategies or techniques will reduce the need to meet with people on a regular daily basis, who need to talk with the principal.
ReplyDelete"To maintain and increase effectiveness, we must renew ourselves in body, heart, mind,and soul."
ReplyDelete"Sharpen the Saw" is definately the most beneficial of the seven habits for me at this particular time. Starting the year with a new principal, who is making some positive changes, forced me to look at myself as a teacher and set some new standards and goals for myself and my classroom. "A long, healthy and happy life is the result of making contributions, of having meaningful projects that are personally exciting and contribute to and bless the lives of others."
-Hans Selye This pretty much sums it up. Thank you for the study; I enjoyed it and was benefitted by it.
I have to work really hard to "Keep first things first." In the positions we are in we have so many things trying to pull us in all different directions. We have to deal with budgets, parents, central office requirements, state requirements, federal requirements, buses, lunches, schedules, maintenance needs, computer issues, etc. After we deal with all of that (usually by 8 AM!) it is sometimes hard to remain focused on the fact that our #1 responsibility is taking care of our students academically, emotionally, and physically. Sometimes what is best for the students might not be best for the other areas, but we still have to remain focused and make the hard choices when necessary.
ReplyDeleteThroughout this year, I have tried to "Put first things first" at the forefront of my mind. For me this means to keep what will impact student achievement as the key focus of my day. I have tried to remember that this also means taking care of myself. None of the things that I want to accomplish this year with my students will be possible if I do not take the time to take care of me. Thank you for a truly wonderful study. We are looking forward to getting to complete "The 7 Habits" as a faculty and then with our students in the near future.
ReplyDeletePutting 'First Things First' has been the focus relating to my job. Because often I have found myself sweating over the small stuff and not tackling the bigger issues first. Therefore I have tried to 'Eat the Frog' early in the day instead of procrastinating. My second focus has been 'Sharpening the Saw' so I can be better prepared mentally to deal with difficult situations. This PLU has been beneficial and I have enjoyed reading the comments.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Becky, as "putting first things first" is tough for me. I find myself caught in minutia and trivial tasks that often keep me from what I need to be doing. Even though this is my focus, I often have to remind myself to "Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood". It's easy to give a solution to a problem when it's yours... helping others find their solution often takes time and effort. People are more likely to follow through with a solution that they helped create than your "fix".
ReplyDeleteI believe Habit 2 - "Begin with the end in mind" has had the greatest impact on how I approach issues now. With RTI, I've spent several days pouring over the manual, asking questions, and working to form both an elementary and high school model for our Problem Solving Team. I have an idea of what each should look like, but the methods in which we might arrive may differ. By beginning with the end in mind, I hope to build the procedures for the PST only once.
ReplyDeleteI have tried to eliminate the unimportant things from my daily routines. I am working on putting the important things at the top of my list. Without a plan, it is easy to get side tracked throughout the school day. By having a plan each day, I can stay focused on the most important things. Checklists have also helped me when running or organizing large events. Sometimes, I still find myself focusing on minor things; however, because I have taken the time to have a good plan, I am able to bounce back on track a lot faster.
ReplyDeleteI been thinking on what too say for my final blog. Teaching has been part of my life for 34 years and there are not many things that I would change during that time. People who become teachers should do it for the love of children. Each year we have different students with different backgrounds in which we have to adjust. You should treat each student with respect and too be fair. When I leave this profession, I would like people to remember that I tried to be fair and that I loved each student as if they were my own.
ReplyDeleteThis study of Covey’s Seven Habits has made me really examine so many parts of my life, both work and personal. The most difficult habit for me is “Put First Things First”. I have found it difficult to devote the amount of time needed to do my job to my degree of satisfaction as well as devote the time I feel is needed for my family (the new grandbaby has changed my focus somewhat). Focusing on Putting First Things First has helped in both areas, but I still need to remind myself daily that looking at the big picture is more important than all those little things that seem to capture my attention.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely "Begin with the end in mind." so often I get caught up in the moment and fail to realize the outcome of my reactions to certain behaviors. I try to re-focus my energy towards the final outcome, all the while trying to understand that I may never see the imprint that I might have on the people that I come in contact with each day. I'll leave this blog with a quote that has really caught my attention as I grow as a more experienced educator. “I've come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in the classroom. It's my daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher, I possess a tremendous power to make a child's life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated and a child humanized or de-humanized.”
ReplyDelete-Dr. Haim Ginott-
One of the strategies I have tried to implement is to take a few minutes each day to make a list of tasks that need to be completed the following day. While I seldom get everything completed I do seem to get more completed than I do without taking this time to organize. This stategy tends to help keep me on top of the wave instead of being pounded by the wave and making me feel like I am drowning. I know this isn't as poetic as Brian's entry - but the office is finally quiet and I need to go plan tomorrow!
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