Month: March 2013

No Stress Please!

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A psychologist walked around a room while teaching stress management to an audience. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they’d be asked the “half empty or half full” question. Instead, with a smile on her face, she inquired: “How heavy is this glass of water?”

Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz.

She replied, “The absolute weight doesn’t matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, it’s not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I’ll have an ache in my arm. If I hold it for a day, my arm will feel numb and paralyzed. In each case, the weight of the glass doesn’t change, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.” She continued, “The stresses and worries in life are like that glass of water. Think about them for a while and nothing happens. Think about them a bit longer and they begin to hurt. And if you think about them all day long, you will feel paralyzed – incapable of doing anything.”

It’s important to remember to let go of your stresses. As early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down. Don’t carry them through the evening and into the night. Remember to put the glass down!

-Article shared with me by a great school counselor—author unknown–

The Madness of Spring

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The Madness of Spring

Where is Puxatony Phil?  We need to have him up on fraud charges!  Here in Indiana, as I pen this note, we have officially welcomed the crisp renewal of spring with yet the unescapable grips of more snow! Yes, cold temps and snow!
March Madness kicks off today with the NCAA tournament. This energizing time brings back connected memories for me as principal.  As I reflect, please realize I grew up on a farm.  And, as the old saying goes, you can never take the farm out of the boy.
This time of year always brings about a newness.  We are approaching the “planning” season in which we get a chance to listen to the voice of the stakeholders and tend our garden.  What will we plant and what will we pull for next season?  What will the new expected harvest become?
I hope you are like me and can celebrate a great year of school.  But at the same time, I always strive to do my best, be my best.  Reflective pause will lead to note taking, blogging, tweeting, researching and reading.  This in turn will lead to first steps for the “old R and D” to see what roots take hold.
So in closing, welcome March Madness, welcome spring..get on out of here winter..and welcome planning season!

Lessons Learned From the Mouse

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The greatest place on earth, Walt Disney World, sees millions come and visit yearly.  The parks in Orlando are a melting pot of culture, smiles and schedules every day.  I was fortuante enought to be a cast member in 1995-1998.  Driving the monorail, giving tours through the land in Epcot and serving as a lead in Guest Relations yielded many life expereiences.

The average interaction with a guest is 3-5 seconds.  Think how this works with the average time an administrator has to interact with all students on a daily basis.  Is it 3-5 seconds?  As one waves at bus duty, greets and says hello, walks through the cafe, and strolls through the hallway the time with each interaction has to hover around 3-5 seconds.   3-5 seconds is not much time, but enought to make someone’s day or give a smile that can say..You Are Important.

On the same note, different tune, think how quick a  dream can be smothered.  Maybe 3-5 seconds??  A family may save for 5 years for a Disney trip and can have it ruined in a simple, poor cast member interaction.  3-5 seconds is a very valuable time and one that is most precious!

A common Disney philosophy is to always exceed guest expectations.  If you ask for more water from your waiter, he or she may not fill your glass but rather bring your a new glass and take away your old one.   This striving to always stay one step up on guest expectations  has become a reputation that Disney is proud of.  How you can channel this same philosphy to serve your student, staff or families?

Thank you for taking a minute to read my blog and have a Disney Day at your school!

 

Ears back at the Derby Post

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In schools, the months of March, April and May can feel much like a horse at the Kentucky Derby, perched and ready to sprint down the track.  The end of year programs come quickly along with culminating projects by students.  Educators can get rather reflective, especially in those last few days of school.

As administrators, we find our time spent swimming in the pool of end of activities while tipping our toes into next year’s planning.  It is crucial to along the end of year reflective to occur in much needed conversations with teachers so as we can appropriately implement much needed changes for the next year. May the months of March, April, May feel more like a celebration of learning and planning rather than a sprint down the track!  My best to you!