Monday Moanin Thoughts #49 CARE During This Holiday Season

Welcome to the first Monday moanin thoughts of December 2012. The weeks leading up to a long Holiday break can be a challenge for everyone in your organization. There are many outside distractions and responsibilities for all of your community stakeholders. As a leader, you have to find the balance between guiding and leading your organization during this time of year.  To help keep your focus consider the word CARE  to direct your efforts. Put CARE in your urgent column for the next 15 days before break.

Compassion is the initial focus. During the Holidays your community members are filled with many emotions. Having an  awareness on the pulse of your staff is critical. What do they need from you? Pay attention to those in your community who may have suffered loss recently. Be sensitive to the many students that do not look forward to vacations, school may be their safest place. Lead with compassion.

Action is a must during the weeks leading into a break. Keep finding and encouraging the balance in your building between celebration and learning. Maintaining high expectations for quality teaching and learning is essential. Be visible and available daily. Lead with action.

Respect is a key ingredient during this time of year. Demand that others treat one another how they expect to be treated. This is a perfect time to reinforce the  importance  of tolerance and  the acceptance of differences among all members of your community. Be conscious of the messages you send and be inclusive of all. Reinforce your expectations of what is appropriate behavior. Lead with respect.

Energy is something that effective leaders consistently have. They use it to focus on filling the buckets of others. Do not expect others to fill your bucket. This may be a time for less supervision and more coaching and mentoring staff and students. Do not coast into break by publicizing how many days are left till break. Lead with energy.

Lets all get to work leading with CARE, finish strong and find the good stuff.