Monday Moanin Thoughts #178 Forget The Challenges, What Is Going Well?

Happy First Monday Moanin of October 2015 to all of you. Over the first four weeks of the 2015-16 school year, I have met with several building administrators to discuss their work. As a result, I come away with many impressions and perceptions.During these meetings, one common theme has emerged. Most  reflective administrators are very good at identifying the challenges and struggles they are facing. However, when the conversation shifts towards discussing their highlights and strengths, there is caution and a reluctance to share or even identify them. Why is it that challenges are easy to discuss and highlights are a struggle?  Could it be that challenges tend to be more urgent? Could it be that leaders do not receive positive comments or feedback?  Maybe it is that challenges tend to drain energy and can steer individuals and teams into a negative frame of mind.  How do you combat this trend towards caution and negativity?

Keep it simple and doable. Through self-reflection ask yourself, What did I do well this past week? Then as a team reflect and discuss, What did we do well this week?  Keep a journal of  your answers and refer to them often over the year. Highlights and things that went well are areas that you and your team want to build from. Lets get to work, your positive leadership is needed.

Have a great week and keep finding the good stuff.