For those keeping up with the books in our graduate program -
Are you starting to see some common themes?
We had the 6 senses in A Whole New Mind, learned about the Five Minds for the Future, were told the Six Secrets of Change, and let's not forget Transnational Leadership. This list will go on.
I would consider myself a "rookie" investor. I have been able to contribute to a variety of savings, retirement, and investment opportunities over the years. However, I discovered a secret that wasn't even stated as a secret in the The Six Secrets of Change. In the Secret One chapter, Michael Fullan talks about a book titled Firms of Endearment which lists companies who make the cut as "FoEs". They are listed on page 29. After looking at the list, I realized not only are these companies successful, they are ones I have enjoyed doing business with in the past - Amazon, Costco, Google, Southwest, Whole Foods, etc.
What do all of these companies have in common? They all "endear themselves to stakeholders (customers, employees, investors, partners, and society)." They realize that loving the customer is important, but loving the employee is also vital to any change or long term success.
How does this translate for us as educational leaders? We must invest in all of our stakeholders, especially our teachers. We must focus on relationship building. We must help those we lead find purpose and meaning in their work. I am learning that the theories and strategies we seek to do this are found in the books we are reading and the relationships we are building within our cohort.
So do don't forget to invest in these "FoEs" companies now. You will need the extra money to pay off this degree in 3 years!
"We must help those we lead find purpose and meaning in their work."
ReplyDeleteThis one is huge for administrators. The trials and difficulties of teaching can be disconcerting for everyone. One of the greatest battles for administrators is to keep teachers focused and not distracted & discouraged by the day to day struggle.
We have a saying at AIS...Embrace the Struggle. We know it's going to be difficult but we have a purpose and we all have to remind one another about that from time to time.
Relationships are the key to staff and student success. It is the key term that I hear from everyone when talking about what they like about their school. The books we read continue to emphasize this point as well. Great insight Keith!
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