Monday Moanin Thoughts #35 New Year, Focus On Your Strengths

Happy Monday moanin to all of you. Many of you have already started the new school year and the rest of you are probably busy  planning your opening. I was out running this morning thinking about what to write and it became clear I needed to remind readers about something we are not very good at. As you begin a new year,  focus on your strengths.

Most educators and leaders are outstanding at identifying challenges and concerns. As a result, focusing on only the challenges can become detrimental to a leaders focus, energy, and vision. During 2012-13 try something new, focus on your strengths. Over the next week reflect on your strengths and list them. For example if your top strengths are  teamwork, collaboration, and optimism. Plan and find ways to use them more often. Develop, enhance, and improve these areas and your organization will benefit.

Imagine everyone in your organization including administrators, teachers, and students all focusing on improving and using their strengths. I believe that the energy level, collaborative spirit, and overall attitude of your culture will improve and grow. Above all, focusing on your strengths is something that you have control over. Many of your challenges arise from things you have little or no control of.

As you begin the new year, get to work at identifying and focusing on your strengths. What do you have to lose? Good luck and have a great opening. Keep making a positive difference for all of your students and community!

Quote of the week:

It is the duty of leaders to serve the people not the people serving the leader. Leadership is about service! You don’t serve…you can’t lead! Thomas-EL Salome