LEADERSHIP COACHING: SANCTUARY OF EXCELLENCE
As I drove up to the school, a banner the size of semi-truck jumped out at me. It was hanging above the main entrance to the school and it read, “School of Excellence!” To say I was jazzed to visit the school was an understatement. I had heard many wonderful things about this AZ elementary school and I couldn’t wait to soak it all in. After all, I love learning from others and seeing excellence at work.
I walked into the main office and approached a long wooden counter that went from wall to wall. Off to my right was a young man standing there looking through his mail. The office staff, three in all, were sitting at their desks. I found it unusual that not a single one of them greeted me, stood up to approach me, or at the very least, acknowledged my presence. I could hear the one closest to me gossiping about another staff member. Although I couldn’t hear the two furthest away from me, I could see the body language of one of them who was on the phone and it didn’t exude positivity. I remember thinking the conversation she was having was annoying her, especially after I saw the eye roll she aimed at her colleague next to her. Suddenly, I heard a voice, “Do you need something?”, asked the person closest to me. “Yes, I am here to see the principal. I have an appointment,” I responded. “Take a seat and I will give him the message.” No, How are you?, May I tell him who is here?, Can I get you some water?, Nothing. Just take a seat. And so I did. I had just sat down when a young boy ( I later found out he was in 3rd grade) came into the office and sat next to me. I could tell he was upset about something. “Hi there. I like your shoes. They are cool,” I said. He looked up at me and in a quiet voice he said, “Thank you, you are nice.” “Thank you. You are welcome,” I responded. The young man who had been going through his mail turned and started to leave and as he walked by he stopped, looked down, and said, ‘What did you do now Arturo?”
And just like that, I thought to myself, hmmm….school of excellence?
Scenarios like this play out each day in schools across the country. If you have ever experienced such an interaction you know what I am talking about. That sinking feeling in your gut when you walk out of an office, classroom, or building not feeling valued or appreciated. Or when you observe an interaction that leaves you heartbroken, at a loss for words, and in some cases, angry. How is this possible? What happened to that school that hung a banner that screamed excellence? How did it end up back in average, and in this moment, below average? It’s another reminder that we are all responsible for the culture and climate of our schools, regardless of the position that we hold.
Each week I share out 1 Reflection, 2 Ideas, and 1 Resource for you to consider that I hope will encourage you to explore new and better practices in your daily work. My aspirations are to support you and others in developing your skills and shifting your thinking so you will invest in your own development and maybe, just maybe I can inspire you to want to live your excellence so you can bring your best self to school every day!
Live your excellence…
Jimmy
SANCTUARY OF EXCELLENCE: 121
1 REFLECTION
As school teachers and leaders, it is our responsibility to prohibit average from becoming the standard. We must take time to reflect on and be willing to be vigilant in examining our school cultures through the eyes of the students, staff, parents and guests whom we serve.
2 IDEAS
My belief is that the staff at this AZ elementary school never realized how their own behavior was impacting the school culture. I don’t believe their intentions were ill-intended to bring a level of negativity to me, Arturo, or to anyone who had interactions with them that morning. However, their behavior left an impression and quite frankly, a negative impression on not only me, but they left it to chance that it impacted others as well. The teacher’s comment, augmented by his tone, “What have you done now Arturo,?” led me to believe that this child had been a visitor to the front office before which unfortunately, left him stamped with a label, at least so with this one teacher.
The next time you get an opportunity, take inventory of your office climate by examining it with a critical eye. Be transparent and let your team know that you have asked a trusted colleague from another school to give you critical feedback on how they were treated as they entered the main office. Then meet with your team afterwards to discuss the feedback with an emphasis on growing from the experience. Repeat several times throughout the school year.
School offices must serve as sanctuaries where people can come to have their spirits boosted, not suppressed. As a space that sees hundreds of interactions per day, the school office atmosphere can either diminish or enhance the experiences of members of our school communities. Setting the tone begins with all of us and it up to us to live the guiding principles that serve as a model of how we want others to be treated.
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In my book Culturize, I share these key questions that you can use to gauge the climate in your main office:
· Take notice of the faces of those who both work and visit your main office. Do their faces shine bright or do they appear stressed and burdened?
· Listen to the words being spoken, but more importantly how they are being spoken. Is the tone kind and sincere or harsh and tempered?
· Are conversations positive and focused on how they can help others, or are they self-serving and negative?
· Are telephone calls and guests greeted in a manner that leaves the other person feeling welcomed and valued?
· Are all students welcomed with a sincere and friendly “Hello, it is so good to see you!”? Even those who may be there for disciplinary reasons?
· Are the walls, desks, and counters adorned with authentic items that celebrate student success?
· Does the look of the environment present itself in a professional way that represents great pride and a tradition of excellence? The main office gives the first impression of how well the rest of the building is maintained.
· When you finish rating the climate of your main office, follow up with the rest of your offices throughout the building.
One thing is for sure, if we are not able to create a sanctuary-like culture in the main offices of our campus buildings, which by all measures should be the hub of our school communities where people are taken care of and served in a kind and caring way, then how will we ever achieve the culture of excellence that our students, staff, and parents deserve in our classrooms, libraries, cafeterias, or at school events? We can talk about excellence all day, but in the end, our school cultures will not be defined by a sign, banner or marquee that self-proclaims excellence, but by our own behavior that demonstrates we are willing to do more than just talk about excellence, but strive to live our excellence…every day.
1 RESOURCE
Here are 5 powerful videos, each inspirational in their own way, that you can share with your team or staff someday to remind them of the impact we can all have on others.
Connected Leaning Alliance:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFdzz26g-EE&feature=youtu.be
People Are Like Garbage Trucks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4NW-Cqh308
Think Before You Judge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmto3iaf-OU
Never Give Up
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBtciQzIl2g
Can One Person Really Make a Difference?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9I36WiLn78
DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO CHANGE YOUR CULTURE!
There is still time to REGISTER for my on-line workshop this week on Hiring for Excellence
in order to improve your overall school culture.
Dates: May 5th and 7th, 2020
Time: 9 AM to 12 PM CST
During the two sessions, participants will learn 12 strategies for Hiring, gain access to resources, and take next steps for growing, developing, multiplying and honoring staff so they continue to bring their best selves to school, every day.
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