TOP FOUR LEADERSHIP LEGACY SKILLS: #2 AMBITION

One time a man was walking along the beach and saw another man fishing in the surf with a bait bucket beside him. As he drew closer, he saw that the bait bucket had no lid and had live crabs inside.

“Why don’t you cover you bait bucket so the crabs won’t escape?” he asked.

“You don’t understand,” the man replied. “If there is one crab in the bucket it would surely crawl out very quickly. However, when there are many crabs in the bucket, if one tries to crawl up the side, the others grab hold of it and pull it back down so that it will share the same fate as the rest of them.”

Welcome to the #2 of the “top Ten Leadership Legacy Skills”. Ambition often gets a negative connotation in the work force. I have experience it first hand in the past. Despite this perceived negativity, I believe it is a skill that must me practiced, modeled, and shared with adults and students alike to (1) grow, (2) transform, and (3) lead.

Many of us are in the leadership roles we are in because we have ambition. We have a desire to reach a certain goal, support a certain cause, or lead for a change. This ambition helps us (1) GROW as learners. Whether it was taking additional classes, trial and error in solving problems, or watching and observing others, we all used this skill to grow into who we are today. Furthermore, if we want to continue to grow, we must employ this skill to further develop ourselves. It’s okay to have ambition—ambition allows for dreaming, future planning, and goal setting.

Many of us have been in a situation where there is a time in which we feel stuck, lost, or frustrated in each situation. In these challenging times, we must pause, assess, and create a future plan. This future plan helps us (2) TRANSFORMS our dreams into actions. I first learned of future plans when going through a certification training with Ruby Payne’s “A Framework for Understanding Poverty”. This strategy allows for students to think about the future. Dream. Set a goal for the future, and then develop plans in how to get there.

As an elementary student, I knew I wanted to be a teacher –  a principal someday even. I never thought about my doctorate or working for a highly respectable educational company as a director of professional learning. Why? I simply didn’t know it existed. But, I had a dream—a plan in being an educator. Then, after earning my appropriate credentials I achieved that dream of being a teacher and then a principal. Are we talking to our students about their dreams? Are we instilling ambition in our students by having them craft their future story? We should know every one of our students’ ambitions.

When we utilize the ambition that is within us or make a point to help students create a future story, we can begin to plan. We make thousands of decisions daily as leaders. But, are these decisions made in the moment, by happenstance, or are we methodical in our decision making? When we know the goals that we want to achieve, and have created a plan to reach those goals, we are able to be more strategic in the decisions that we make. This allows us to (3) LEAD at a high level of efficacy. Our ambition really grounds are thinking and planning.

Top FOUR Leadership Legacy Skills: #1 Integrity

Top Ten Leadership Legacy Skills
#1: Integrity

Gosh, 2017. What a pain in the butt you were, right? I can hardly begin to put my finger on all the not-so-great events that took place in our world. I’m not sure you’d want me to list them and give my opinion either – we might not be friends by the end of this post if I did. But, here is what I did in 2017 that you are about to learn in this journey with me. Through my observations in US and World politics, journalism, Hollywood, and frankly every other experience that I encountered was an entire series of leadership qualities that we need today in education. I have taken 2017 and created a Top List of Leadership Legacy Traits that are necessary to pull us from the brink of an educational meltdown (and I’m pretty confidence that other sectors of the economic world would also benefit). Are you ready?

Integrity. If you visit my Twitter Account (go ahead and do this – follow me, too!) @adamddrummond you will see that my description begins with: Integrity. [W/O it nothing else matters]. I’ve longed value this trait and believe it serves as my own personal moral compass. Before we explore this trait, please know that I’m not on a might horse looking down and judging. I have my own flaws – ask my wife, children, or parents. They are brutally honest. ALL. THE. TIME. But, I do strive to use integrity in everything that I do.

Why Integrity? Why do we need to have leaders that use integrity? Why is this the most important leadership trait? Why do we need to model this daily? I could give you a thousand more whys – they make great essential questions you know? But, truly why integrity? There are three reasons why integrity is a leadership trait that educational leaders must model to be successful.

The first is DECISION MAKING. I’ll never forget Dr. Marilyn Quick’s leadership classes at Ball State University (Chirp! Chirp!) when studied the Thinking Hats theory. Simply put this theory takes a current problem and positions the leader to examine the situation from multiple perspectives. After examining the situation from these perspectives, the leader can better predict the outcome. So, what does this have to do with integrity. We have an obligation to approach problems with an open mind and examine all facets of the issue. Then and only then, are we able to begin formulating a plan for solutions. Our solutions must be rooted and based in a belief system. The belief system is what helps guides the decisions. When we use our belief system and this theory we can make decisions rooted in integrity. We can develop a well-rounded solution that has been thought out, examined from multiple perspectives, was not concocted in a rash and flippant moment.

EYES ARE EVERYWERE. If we have observed anything in 2017, social media has created a horrific black hole of facts, fiction, and everything in between. Plus, we are all an expect because we have an @ in front of our name on Twitter or an Instagram Account or a like button that has become more powerful than the sword (#ToldYouSo). Now more than ever we must operate within elevated levels of integrity. We must do this because everyone watches how we act as leaders. We are always ‘on’. When I was a principal, I shared with my staff that I always tried to be the “same Dr. D.” every day. This meant that no matter the situation I was approaching that moment in a calm, rationale, level headed moment. Our students (and staff) deserve that. Was I 100% successful? No, but I strived to be darn close. Even when a fifth grade threw his entire tray of food on me (I walked up to the line and was treated to this gift because he thought he was in trouble) I managed to keep my cool in front of 125 other students (#WillPower). You see, more and more students are unable to have experiences where adults are consistent in their own behavior and choose to act with integrity in each situation. We, as educational leaders, must model this and intentionally teach and call out the behavior when it is modeled.

WE ARE UNDER ATTACK. It’s true. Education has become scrutinized in all aspects. State and federal accountability don’t help when we minimize a school’s performance to a letter grade (though that may be changing for some states). Or when we have political leaders continuously criticize teachers and educational leaders. Or when everyone is now an expert because they graduated from high school or college. But, through all this, we must make the right decision for our students. Every. Single. Time. We don’t have any other option. We must act with integrity so that our own decisions and solutions are not questioned. When we jeopardize our integrity to make an easy choice even though it’s wrong, we lose even more credibility. We must operate at the highest level of integrity at all costs for the sake of our students.

If we don’t, who will?

It's Hard to Pour from Empty Cup

Can you believe it is 2-0-1-8? I mean seriously where did the time go? I have thought about this a lot over the last two weeks as we celebrated another Christmas and New Year. Perhaps it’s the fact that my 7^th grader only has five more Christmas mornings where he still at home with us. Or maybe it’s the fact my sister-in-law moved to California in November and this was the first Christmas Eve that didn’t include her in 17 years. Or maybe it’s the fact that my three-year-old daughter is now potty-trained and we have officially ended the baby years. Yet, it could be the gray hair that shows up in the mirror.

Whatever the reason, I have committed 2018 to be the year of me. Yep, that is right I am committing 2018 to be one of the most selfish, Adam-centric years ever. You may raise an eyebrow at this comment or may even think he already does that. But, I’ve decided that I am going to worry about what is important to me and be sure I am prioritizing those areas above the needs of others. [Insert snarky judgement here]. You should do the same.

My Family. I have spent the better part of my adult life ensuring that I am giving back to my community, involved in service organizations, church, activities, etc. These are all noble and worthwhile endeavors. But, have I created a good balance for me and my family? Nope. But, that’s going to change. My wife and children often get the leftovers at the end of the day (and frankly there isn’t much). So, I need to do better.

My Health. Speaking of leftovers, I have spent the last three-year years in a real wind of change from the early arrival of our daughter and job changes. In that three-year period, I have chosen to not prioritize fitness and health. This has taken its toll on me (as I sit here feeling like an achy, old man). I need to recommit eating healthy, drinking lots of water, and exercising (saying that makes me nauseous already). I have joined an online fitness and health nutrition group that is going to be my accountability. I have My Fitness Pal ready to go. I just need a taser for every time I think of eating something bad (yes I know it’s moderation) or really wanting a diet mountain dew!

My Passion. I promised myself after completing my dissertation in 2014, I would not write anything for three years. Why? I just didn’t want to. After a 200-page dissertation, who wants to pick up the pen and doing anything? The problem is I have a story to tell. I have a passion for helping education leaders reach their dreams and goals. It’s time I put all the ideas into a sensible way to share my ideas with others.

Did you see what I did there? I started each of the last three paragraphs with ‘MY’. It’s about me. It’s about what I want and need. I know that if I make every decision based in these three areas I can create new habits that will create a successful and strong 2018. I need this. I think you might, too.

Goals Make the World Go Round

You've heard the phrase, "What gets measured gets done." These little words may draw anxiety, frustration, and anger even. But, what if I told you that transforming this phrase from words to action can make you more productive, more cheery, and more successful? I know -- it's true though!

As educators, we make thousands of decisions daily and answer that many questions, too, perhaps. We allow our schedule to control us and by the end of the day we are exhausted and running on E. Yet, many of have responsibilities outside the school day - our own children to raise, our own parents to care for, our own bills to pay, and house to clean. We can easily become trapped in our own world of expectations.

Allow me to challenge your chalk-full schedule with three simple ideas.

1. Write your goals.
Wake up 15 minutes early and record your goals for the day. Write them down, record them in your phone, or put them on a sticky note. But, record your 3-4 goals. They can be simple, but should be measurable. Such as:

• Grade two class periods of the short stories written in my 11th grade English class.
• Create the three stations for next week's Guided Math/Math Workshop.
• Build next week's course objectives and formative assessments.

2. Build in You Time.
Yes, I said it. And I mean it (I started with And for emphasis!). Give yourself 30 minutes to read something enjoyable, be on Pinterest, watch a show. It can be 30 minutes all at once or in chunks. Make this guilt free time. Your brain needs this down time. You also will be more productive in your work time because you aren't distracting yourself with Pinterest, Social Media, or other distractions.

3. Schedule your Day.
I know this just sounds exhausting just thinking about it. But, if you plan out your minutes you WILL be more successful. We all get 24 hours, 1,440 minutes, and 86,400 seconds. How we use this time creates the ability to succeed, feel dread, or be successful. When you prioritize your minutes to be spent on tasks you deem important, you feel success.

Easier said than done, I know. But, try one of these ideas. Besides time, what else do you have to lose?

Random Results Does Not Create High Performing Schools

Years ago, I completed the Gallup Strengths Finder inventory and found that my number #1 strength was strategic. Gallup believes that when we focus on our strengths we see more success. We can apply these same concepts in our schools.

The more time I invest in education, the more convinced I am that schools who are working to achieve high quality education may be missing one (or all) of three things: structures, processes, and transparency.

Structures. Random implementation produces random results. When schools fail to create structures in the school setting, we tend to spend more energy in handling similar situations in different ways, provide inconsistent communication, and build frustration among all stakeholders. Structures help us handle complex situations with more ease. Structures could be the development of data teams, planning sessions to increase rigor, relevance and student engagement in the classroom, or a rigorous curriculum design process.

Processes. A process is defined as: a series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end. Teachers need processes. We need processes. When we create processes to handle scenarios we are able to be more effective, efficient, and successful in our work. Processes can be used for how we handle email, organize walkthroughs for evaluations, or develop communication tools for working with staff.

Transparency. Very little can be accomplished behind curtains and closed doors. When we ensure transparency happens in day to day operations of running a school, we create buy-in, trust, and student success. When we deal with a student issue as an administrator and we close the loopholes of communication by ensuring the teacher, parent, or other individuals are included, we are to ensure a better resolution and outcome.

Randomness does not create success. Specific and strategic actions ensure that our students receive the best opportunity and chance for student success.

B2S Means Security

(Inhales deeply). There is nothing like the smell of a new box of crayons.

I sit here with a T-Minus 12 days until school starts for my 7th and 2nd grade student. The dreaded 'practice routine' conversations have happened where we tighten up bed time rituals, look at shoes and clothes, and work to offer a bit more structure. Probably the most visual back to school event is the school supply stations set up at your favorite Big Box store.

As I trolled my social media watching teachers comment that they were not ready for the July 5th displays, I found myself reflecting how many children who see these displays and breath a sigh of relief. As a school principal, I personally observed so
me of my students truly panic about school ending -- the daily routine, the ability to make mistakes and learn, and the care given were going to be going away for a series of weeks. The day to day patterns would disappear leaving a void that may or may not be filled by others in the summer months.

As I work with my own second grader who is NOT ready to go back to school, I know there is another 2nd grader who cannot wait to start. Our role in education is beyond academic achievement and state data. It's more than 162 days of accountability attendance and teaching the Common Core (insert your own state's name).

As we prepare for the first day of school, remember to take time to do the following:

1. Enjoy the back to school experience. Have your students smell the crayons and remember that smell. Those unique smells will stay with you forever. (Check out this great link about the research: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK55967/)

2. Build a family in your school. I had a parent recently post that she commonly referred to me as the "school dad" for her child. It really is the truth. We create the culture for our room or school. How are you impacting the culture daily. Just like you lesson plan, you need to culture plan.

3. Tweet daily. Spend time in your classrooms. Take photos of your environment, interactions, and learning. Give your school a hashtag (#LincolnExcels). Brand your learning and families can follow. This creates the sense of family and belonging.

4. Share a piece of home. Give students an opportunity to bring in an item from home that they can keep close by to create the emotional school and home connection. One teacher I observed used contact paper and allowed each student to have a photograph on the desk and covered with the contact paper.

Back to School is challenging at best - we have a responsibility to create the best B2S experience. It's their only kindergarten, seventh grade, or senior year experience. You have the ability to make it special. Make it count.

Caring Counts

Madeline Hunter states, "Kids don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." Think about that statement. We work in a profession where focus is on standards, testing, and data. I think about "The Brady Bunch" and 'Marcia, Marcia, Marcia'. Data, data, data!

I work with a fantastic group of people that truly believe in Ms. Hunter's philosophy. Yet, we struggle to find that balance between state and political expectations. So, how do find the balance.

It's easy. Relationships make the difference. Our kids need to know you care about them. Spend time developing these relationships with your students. So, how do you this? Here's three strategies:

1. 10-4 Good buddy! Over the course of the first 4 weeks in the school year, learn 10 facts about your students that are not related to academics. Take a loose leaf notebook and create a page per student. On each student page, record 10 facts about each student. Learn your students outside the class.

2. Stick it to 'Em! Each evening write 1-2 sticky notes with a positive prompt about 1-2 students. Do this each evening. Imagine what would happen if you do this daily, and how this would improve your relationships.

3. Develop Deep Family Connections! Build connections with your students' families. Make a phone call, drop an email, or make a visit. Imagine if you made this contact once a month for each family. Phone calls and emails take five minutes. Praise points go a long way, especially if you do this repeatedly. Other benefit? When there is a challenge, you know that the parents are going to be very supportive!

Why do we do this? Show your kids your care, and then they will care to learn what you know!

Feel the heart, and you feed the brain. Inside, out!