Chapter 7 Putting it all together

This was one of the best books I have read in the program.  It was so helpful!  It was easy to read and connect to and provided lots of insight and great suggestions.  It was very good at illustrating how each of the elements are linked and how things can go astray if even one of the pieces are not working.  I think this book should be a "must read" for all brand new administrators.

I really liked the last chapter, it was a touching and simple was to tie to all together.  We should all be so lucky as to have the career Jeff had and the make a difference in so many people's lives.  I like how they allowed us to take the "journey" with him as he remembered all the good times only to then begin to worry about the mistakes he made along the way. This was a great way to say, that even the "great ones" make mistakes.  The reception and all the people he encountered throughout his career came forward to honor him.  That was very powerful and I have to say I got a tear or two in my eye :)

I give this book a "two thumbs up" :)

Blog #8 - Face-To-Face Class Meeting Oct. 24

I did appreciate the information presented by Roberta Rowe and Dr. Kevin Torosian.  Much of the information they presented included situations I have dealt with  as an administrator.  The area of ed code and the required documentation is so important- it was nice to be able to ask clarifying questions to ensure we are in compliance.  It is always helpful to hear about updates to various laws and practices to ensure we are all in compliance and operating within those policies and laws. I also liked the hand-outs provided by both of the speakers, they are great resources to use in the future.

The effective meeting management information presented by Dr. Hauser was very informative and offered practices I can implement immediately at my school site.  I really appreciate the tools presented and shared that would allow me to make our meetings much more effective and relevant to everyone.  We are always talking about working smarter not harder and this is a perfect example of how to do exactly that.  It was also beneficial to talk with other educators (from other districts) and get various perspectives on meetings and practices used in their districts.

On the negative side, I would recommend we find a way to have classes during the week - many of us use the weekends to get our homework done and we get behind when we are in class all day Saturday.

Leadership Connector - Trust

I know I state this every post, but I really like this book.  I think it is a great book and very helpful for  up and coming administrators, but really, these principles can be applied to any field, job, and even our own personal lives! 

I like the point the author makes about how it takes time to build trust and yet in some cases it can be destroyed in seconds!  That's the tough part, but this point also reinforces the importance of being conscious  about how we  interact with our staff, students and parents.  In the section on perceived betrayal there are some suggestions to avoid betrayal and perceived betrayal and they are:  Never talk negatively about anyone, think before you open your mouth, listen more than you speak, be positive rather than negative, stay away from negative people, their problems, messes and ugliness.  I think those are GREAT points in which to be guided by, especially when thinking about the statement above that it takes time to build trust and seconds to destroy.

As if it is not hard/bad enough to lose someone's trust but then to know that the likelihood of ever regaining that trust is "unlikely".  This adds a whole new level to the importance and focus we must place on trust if we want to be an effective leader.  As I take this information and apply it to my own role as a leader, I know the area I need to consciously think about is the "perceived betrayal"...the point of getting busy and unconsciously doing something that someone perceives as a betrayal... that is where I need to slow down and consciously be aware of what my actions and words are conveying.  This was a great chapter which provided tools and suggestions to improve my leadership skills and overall relationships!

Leadership Connector - Continuous renewal

This was a great chapter.  I really like the direct statements regarding priorities, health and emotions.  I can honestly say finding a balance is not my strength at this time.  I recognize that I am "out of balance" yet can't seem to find the hours in the day to do all the things that need my attention.  I have done a better job this school year of delegating. 

The section regarding "picking one's battles" it is important to recognize not everything requires you immediate attention or may not be a battle that needs to be fought!  In the beginning, I didn't do this, I felt I have do give EVERY situation my individual attention.  I now tend to listen and observe, then get involved if it is needed.

I strongly agree with the importance placed on visibility on campus.  I find that problems are reduced if not eliminated just be being present and vigilant.  By being visible, I am not only reducing certain behaviors of students but it also allows me time to interact with students, staff and parent volunteers - building those relationships and having those little conversations go a long way reducing behavior problems and parents like to see their child has a positive, personal relationship with the principal!

I can honestly say, my personal life is WAY out of balance.  I have a wonderful husband who is very supportive and understanding.  The focus is for me to "survive" until I finish school and then work to "realign" my time and priorities.  My children are older and are a big help:)  As far as exercise, I haven't been to the gym  in months... thank goodness, I am a pretty organized person, my office is neat and I have a prioritizing system - that does help to regulate my stress level at work :)

Leadership Connector - Competence

I know I keep saying this in each post, but I really like this book- maybe it is because I see so many parallels to my job as a relatively new administrator.  One of the first things my mentor told me last year when I was hired as a new principal is that "nobody expects you to know everything, and it is alright to say you aren't sure and need to check on something and get back to the person".  That was good advice, because there were times I was faced with questions and situations in which I didn't immediately know the answer - it is much easier and more respected to say you need to check on something rather than to spout off some random answer and have to "back track" to correct what you said when you provided incorrect information.

I really like the list of eight items the book outlined on "What Do I Really Need to Know and How Can I Learn It?"  I think the important part of that section is the "how can I learn"....that is a big part, because recognizing "what I don't know or need to know" is pretty easy...who to go to and how to find out how to do something in a little harder. 

The liked the section on self-efficacy - transitioning from one position to another can be a big leap at times.  The belief that you are capable of successfully accomplishing the tasks associated with the new position is very important.  I like the recommendation outlined in the story about Oscar, to "listen, observe, reflect and analyze" and also to find a knowledgeable person to mentor him.  I think with those steps in place the responses we make to either give up or seek to do the task is manageable. 

I really enjoyed this chapter on competence!