INVEST in People...NOT Programs

So many times in education and in other fields, we have an abundance of programs, initiatives, and new mandates that we have to fulfill in our line of work.  Sometimes it really sucks for multiple reasons; you don't know the, "why" so you feel as if you have no voice in the decision, or it has cycled around multiple times, so you wait for it to pass. We all know what I am talking about, if you have been in education for more than a split second.

The programs themselves mean nothing if we don't invest in the people that we are asking to carry out the tasks and that are in the trenches every day. We as leaders MUST believe in the people that we lead, so they will have faith in us as leaders. If we believe in PEOPLE, anything is possible.

The concept and struggle of "buy-in" can go to the waste side, if trust is established between the leadership team and your valued staff. Without the trust and support of our teachers, we have NOTHING!!! Those relationships must be established, nurtured, and valued. They must be based on trust, open communication, and respect. Again, relationships are at the center of any change that needs to occur. 

I was that teacher. If I didn't understand the purpose, didn't feel like my opinion was valued as a professional, or didn't feel supported or trusted by my leadership, I would nod my head yes, and then shut my door, and do whatever in the hell that I wanted. So, needless to say, "I get it!"

We as leaders need to provide our staff with the purpose of the changes, programs, or mandates through transparency, honesty, and open communication. If we fail to do so, we will not see the effective changes that we want to see, but resistance, resentment, and defiance. It is imperative to set the groundwork and pave the path to success and include our staff in the process. Inform them of changes, adjustments, or feedback so that all of us are batting for the same team at all times. Take time to listen to suggestions, improvements, and complaints, to make whatever it is BETTER!!!!

As always, KIDS must be the center of anything and everything that we do. They are the reason that we have jobs and they are the reason I get out of bed every morning. WE are in the business of KIDS, and they NEED us to show up every single day!

PEOPLE...They are PEOPLE, our PEOPLE, and we need to love each of them, every minute, of every day!

Happy Sunday Folks,

LMR