When everything is important, nothing is important – don’t exceed your capacity Hold people accountable – Inspect what you expect Willing to be mobile – you are never a prophet in your own land Know every child by name, strength and need Be “you” – don’t put on a facade Plan for capacity and sustainability Make sure you are committed to what you are championing Build a hill, climb it and plant a flag Until lions have historians, tales of the hunt shall always glorify the hunter – African Proverb People are not always unhappy because they live in poverty Implementation is where initiatives go to die We are fortunate to be able to serve someone else’s pride and joy Everything that goes wrong is your fault – do everything in your power to make things go right If you come with a problem, come with two possible solutions
Einstein •"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius -- and a lot of courage -- to move in the opposite direction."
•"Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler."
"Every student is someone's pride and joy!" This is important to remember when interacting with parents and guardians. Approach each encounter the way you would want an administrator/teacher to treat you.
Trevor Greene is such an inspirational, practical, down to earth person. I forgot at times that we were listening to THE national Principal of the Year. He was so real. It's easy to see however, that his authenticity is what built the relationships that helped him achieve such impressive feats with his staff. What bounced around in my brain the most? When he said that he let his ideas become "theirs." And, when it becomes theirs, the sustainability factor is much greater. Thank you Glenn and Trevor for another night of great discussions, thinking, and sharing. GO COUGS!
I agree, Elissa. I caught myself thinking that many times. He seemed so down to earth and raw. I think that in itself is a very strong leadership trait. Our staff needs to know that we are in it with them, we are people and we understand the work that is before us all. This, and having a strong and clear vision, is the quickest way to build trust.
What a great night! There were so many points to remember. I loved too that he let his ideas become theirs. He let them take credit for the makings in the school, and most importantly, when he explaining how it evolved, I let the staff take the ball and run with it. There wasn't a push/shove from him, he planted a seed and let them take it. I can see why it's important to champion a cause and believe in it, it's easy to get caught up in all of the happenings but like he said, if you see everything as important, nothing is important. There's no balance. Thank you for the fabulous night! I am so inspired!
Trevor was an absolute pleasure to learn from! So many pearls of wisdom, a few key pieces that will stick with me is to be genuine in who you are and build relationships. With our students we need to build self esteem and confidence in who they are and what they are capable of. As leaders we need to be committed to your mission and vision and maintain focus. Keep changes simple and focus on what is important. "When everything is important, nothing is important" -Trevor Systematically I will remember to facilitate sustainable change with the capacity to grow and develop.
Thank you Trevor, for sharing with us! I have been thinking a lot about his advice for leading new initiatives. Number one, be committed to what you're championing. We've got to figure out what our values are as leaders, choose initiatives that align and make sure every decision we make is related. We've talked a lot in class about getting a key set of people on our side that we can use to "guinea pig" and then share out and lead the rest of the staff. I agree that this is very important. The thing is though, why not spread the love a little bit? I think there is a lot of power in empowering teachers and helping them to believe that they are leaders and they have strengths that we "need" to help our school get better. I think there is a lot of risk in choosing one group of teachers to pave the way. It could potentially lead to other teachers or teams feel "left out" or maybe even bitter that they are not the "chosen few". I would like to try something different. I know it may be more difficult but I know that the more you tell someone that they are a leader and that they have strengths, the more they believe it and the harder they will work for you. Anyway, kind of a tangent but something that I've been thinking about quite a bit.
Great thoughts! I see that in my current building, well, I hear it, I hear about only a certain few teachers getting to attend conferences, or a certain few being consulted about things that affect the whole staff... and some people are bothered by that. So I am sure there has got to be a balance somewhere..
Bethany Hill quote … ““Every child you pass in the hall has a story that needs to be heard. Maybe you are the one who is meant to hear it.” What a great quote to remind us of the value of connections and relationships. I believe that we are placed in certain places and certain times for specific reasons. Taking the time to foster relationships, as Trevor mentioned his staff did through an advisory program, had a significant impact on the success of the students he and his staff worked with. I appreciate the time Trevor spent sharing with our cohort. Humble, matter of fact and acknowledging he could not have done it alone are admirable attributes of a dedicated leader.
That is a great quote! I believe that too, this is all about relationships... and kids need to feel cared for, as do staff. What a great position to be in, in contact with so many kids and adults to strengthen relationships and help kids be successful!
Great night, thanks for having him come to our class. What a great guy- One thing that stood out to me, probably cause I sometimes just want "conflict" to go away... is "There is a small window at the beginning of the conflict to get everyone on same page, if you wait longer can get out of hand." I need to remember that and try to take care of things I become aware of before they get out of hand. I also appreciated his comment, "Give up some control- whatever you delegate, make sure you are okay giving that up… find someone you can delegate to." Right now for me, in kindergarten, that is sometimes my bulletin board, or memory books that I ask parents to work on, and as much as I want them to look a certain way, I really have to let go of some things, and be okay with the effort put in and how they turn out. As a principal, I am sure there are things I don't even know about yet, that I will have to let other people take care of. Finding the right people, making sure they are trained as best as possible and then letting them own whatever it is I need them to do will be important to be able to do. Many people have already commented on his suggestion to have staff come w/ 2 solutions to a problem, I loved that, and I loved even more, his comment before he said that, to "be upfront w/ your staff and let them know you don't have all the answers" I appreciate his honesty, and I am sure his staff appreciates that even more, and may even work hard to come up with workable solutions. Thanks for a great presentation!
So think this was my favorite class so far. I loved the guest speaker. I am a relational person and the things Trevor said really resonated with me. I love that he spoke about love being a value we need...it is honestly what I stated as my core value for Tuesday's assignment. I have always said that when I can no longer say I love what I do then it is time to move on.
I also loved hearing about Sari and Kelsey's Data Culture Plans...It really helped me see where I need to change and scale mine down. Thanks ladies!
One of my favorite guest speakers we've had! Trevor was humble and real...thank you. I had lots of take-away's over the night. Here's what really stood out to me: - Be willing to be mobile - Be yourself - Be optimistic - Show enthusiasm - Connect with students (tough students show up for one reason…the connection) - Teaching and learning should bring joy…HOPE - Make sure you are committed to what you are championing…stay with it - Small window when dealing with a conflict…you need to settle it immediately. Go to the pressure! - Always make the impossible-possible - Respect the culture (honor)
These words have such meaning!
“When everything is important then nothing is important” Try not to overwhelm the teachers...be the buffer.
“Implementation is where initiatives go to die” This is so true, implementation must be done correctly.
“Everything that goes wrong is your fault” Words to live by!
We need to remember that “Every kid is someone’s pride and joy, or wants to be someone’s pride and joy, and it’s OUR responsibility to be that someone for him. I keep thinking, How would I want my kid to be treated? This is how I treat’m!--- Frank Hall
The advice was priceless!
I also appreciated the time to share my data culture plan with my colleagues. Brittane, Paul, and Vince had great comments and questions to make mine better. It was great to see how alike they were but how different the end product actually was. Thank you friends!
ReplyDeleteTake Aways from Tonight….Thank you Trevor Greene!
When everything is important, nothing is important – don’t exceed your capacity
Hold people accountable – Inspect what you expect
Willing to be mobile – you are never a prophet in your own land
Know every child by name, strength and need
Be “you” – don’t put on a facade
Plan for capacity and sustainability
Make sure you are committed to what you are championing
Build a hill, climb it and plant a flag
Until lions have historians, tales of the hunt shall always glorify the hunter – African Proverb
People are not always unhappy because they live in poverty
Implementation is where initiatives go to die
We are fortunate to be able to serve someone else’s pride and joy
Everything that goes wrong is your fault – do everything in your power to make things go right
If you come with a problem, come with two possible solutions
You took my post! I love the last quote. Two solutions for every problem! I am going to build a huge sign with that quote on it for my office!
DeleteNate that's a great idea!! I think I'll do the same!
DeleteHa ha I agree! Nathan, I am so going to make a sign too! It also provides staff the power to solve their own problems!
DeleteSign making class anyone? Sounds like we all ought to have this quote somewhere.
DeleteI love the "if you come with a problem, bring two solutions" too! I am going to start practicing that with my paras!
Delete
ReplyDeleteEinstein
•"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius -- and a lot of courage -- to move in the opposite direction."
•"Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler."
Every student is someone's pride and joy.
Thank you Dr. Malone and Trevor Greene!
"Every student is someone's pride and joy!" This is important to remember when interacting with parents and guardians. Approach each encounter the way you would want an administrator/teacher to treat you.
DeleteTrevor Greene is such an inspirational, practical, down to earth person. I forgot at times that we were listening to THE national Principal of the Year. He was so real. It's easy to see however, that his authenticity is what built the relationships that helped him achieve such impressive feats with his staff. What bounced around in my brain the most? When he said that he let his ideas become "theirs." And, when it becomes theirs, the sustainability factor is much greater. Thank you Glenn and Trevor for another night of great discussions, thinking, and sharing. GO COUGS!
ReplyDeleteI agree, Elissa. I caught myself thinking that many times. He seemed so down to earth and raw. I think that in itself is a very strong leadership trait. Our staff needs to know that we are in it with them, we are people and we understand the work that is before us all. This, and having a strong and clear vision, is the quickest way to build trust.
DeleteWhat a great night! There were so many points to remember. I loved too that he let his ideas become theirs. He let them take credit for the makings in the school, and most importantly, when he explaining how it evolved, I let the staff take the ball and run with it. There wasn't a push/shove from him, he planted a seed and let them take it. I can see why it's important to champion a cause and believe in it, it's easy to get caught up in all of the happenings but like he said, if you see everything as important, nothing is important. There's no balance. Thank you for the fabulous night! I am so inspired!
ReplyDeleteTrevor was an absolute pleasure to learn from! So many pearls of wisdom, a few key pieces that will stick with me is to be genuine in who you are and build relationships. With our students we need to build self esteem and confidence in who they are and what they are capable of. As leaders we need to be committed to your mission and vision and maintain focus. Keep changes simple and focus on what is important. "When everything is important, nothing is important" -Trevor Systematically I will remember to facilitate sustainable change with the capacity to grow and develop.
ReplyDeleteThank you Trevor, for sharing with us! I have been thinking a lot about his advice for leading new initiatives. Number one, be committed to what you're championing. We've got to figure out what our values are as leaders, choose initiatives that align and make sure every decision we make is related. We've talked a lot in class about getting a key set of people on our side that we can use to "guinea pig" and then share out and lead the rest of the staff. I agree that this is very important. The thing is though, why not spread the love a little bit? I think there is a lot of power in empowering teachers and helping them to believe that they are leaders and they have strengths that we "need" to help our school get better. I think there is a lot of risk in choosing one group of teachers to pave the way. It could potentially lead to other teachers or teams feel "left out" or maybe even bitter that they are not the "chosen few". I would like to try something different. I know it may be more difficult but I know that the more you tell someone that they are a leader and that they have strengths, the more they believe it and the harder they will work for you.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, kind of a tangent but something that I've been thinking about quite a bit.
Great thoughts! I see that in my current building, well, I hear it, I hear about only a certain few teachers getting to attend conferences, or a certain few being consulted about things that affect the whole staff... and some people are bothered by that. So I am sure there has got to be a balance somewhere..
DeleteBethany Hill quote … ““Every child you pass in the hall has a story that needs to be heard. Maybe you are the one who is meant to hear it.” What a great quote to remind us of the value of connections and relationships. I believe that we are placed in certain places and certain times for specific reasons. Taking the time to foster relationships, as Trevor mentioned his staff did through an advisory program, had a significant impact on the success of the students he and his staff worked with. I appreciate the time Trevor spent sharing with our cohort. Humble, matter of fact and acknowledging he could not have done it alone are admirable attributes of a dedicated leader.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great quote! I believe that too, this is all about relationships... and kids need to feel cared for, as do staff. What a great position to be in, in contact with so many kids and adults to strengthen relationships and help kids be successful!
DeleteGreat night, thanks for having him come to our class. What a great guy- One thing that stood out to me, probably cause I sometimes just want "conflict" to go away... is "There is a small window at the beginning of the conflict to get everyone on same page, if you wait longer can get out of hand." I need to remember that and try to take care of things I become aware of before they get out of hand.
ReplyDeleteI also appreciated his comment, "Give up some control- whatever you delegate, make sure you are okay giving that up… find someone you can delegate to." Right now for me, in kindergarten, that is sometimes my bulletin board, or memory books that I ask parents to work on, and as much as I want them to look a certain way, I really have to let go of some things, and be okay with the effort put in and how they turn out. As a principal, I am sure there are things I don't even know about yet, that I will have to let other people take care of. Finding the right people, making sure they are trained as best as possible and then letting them own whatever it is I need them to do will be important to be able to do.
Many people have already commented on his suggestion to have staff come w/ 2 solutions to a problem, I loved that, and I loved even more, his comment before he said that, to "be upfront w/ your staff and let them know you don't have all the answers" I appreciate his honesty, and I am sure his staff appreciates that even more, and may even work hard to come up with workable solutions.
Thanks for a great presentation!
Wow, I am bummed that I was not able to make this class. If anyone has notes they would like to share I will gladly accept them!
ReplyDeleteSo think this was my favorite class so far. I loved the guest speaker. I am a relational person and the things Trevor said really resonated with me. I love that he spoke about love being a value we need...it is honestly what I stated as my core value for Tuesday's assignment. I have always said that when I can no longer say I love what I do then it is time to move on.
ReplyDeleteI also loved hearing about Sari and Kelsey's Data Culture Plans...It really helped me see where I need to change and scale mine down. Thanks ladies!
One of my favorite guest speakers we've had! Trevor was humble and real...thank you. I had lots of take-away's over the night. Here's what really stood out to me:
ReplyDelete- Be willing to be mobile
- Be yourself
- Be optimistic
- Show enthusiasm
- Connect with students (tough students show up for one reason…the connection)
- Teaching and learning should bring joy…HOPE
- Make sure you are committed to what you are championing…stay with it
- Small window when dealing with a conflict…you need to settle it immediately.
Go to the pressure!
- Always make the impossible-possible
- Respect the culture (honor)
These words have such meaning!
“When everything is important then nothing is important” Try not to overwhelm the teachers...be the buffer.
“Implementation is where initiatives go to die” This is so true, implementation must be done correctly.
“Everything that goes wrong is your fault” Words to live by!
We need to remember that “Every kid is someone’s pride and joy, or wants to be someone’s pride and joy, and it’s OUR responsibility to be that someone for him. I keep thinking, How would I want my kid to be treated? This is how I treat’m!--- Frank Hall
The advice was priceless!
I also appreciated the time to share my data culture plan with my colleagues. Brittane, Paul, and Vince had great comments and questions to make mine better. It was great to see how alike they were but how different the end product actually was. Thank you friends!