In education, how often does data driven mean we become “weakness focused?”  – George Couros

Too often we only look for the negative side of data . . . we only look for errors and failures.

Data driven should be part of a greater growth mindset.  Data driven must lead to reflection and collaboration.  Data driven is understanding that data is often a piece of a larger picture.

Yes, data is important, but it isn’t the only thing.  We are in the in people business . . . use data as markers on the journey.

A true leader doesn’t lead to gain power.  They lead to empower and give power away.  – Jon Gordon

Leadership isn’t about title or authority.  Leadership is earned by our actions and about serving others.  We all know leaders who don’t have the title of authority; we all know those with titles who have no leadership ability.

We are all leaders in our space.  Don’t spend a lot of time worrying about your title; spend your time leading by example and inspiring others to greatness.

Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things.  – Peter Drucker

Too often we find ourselves stuck in the process.  For many, the process is paramount.

For me, doing the right thing is more important than doing the wrong thing right.  For me, life is about relationships and working in teams.  Teams and collaboration help us grow; they help us identify the right things.

Don’t let your life be process driven . . . Be people driven to do the right things.

As you pursue a dream, the person you become is more important than what you achieve.  – Jon Gordon

Where you are going is more important than where you are now.  We are all on a journey . . . life is a journey.  Each day is an opportunity to improve and take a step towards your goals.

Our dreams, our personal vision, continue to evolve.  This is our growth mindset.  The journey is what shapes us . . . the experiences of each day make each of us who we are.

Are you learning each day or are you living life with blinders on?  Live a life filled with dreams with a growth mindset desire to learn on the journey.

If leaders want people to try new things, they have to openly show that they are willing to do the same.  – George Couros

Leaders model the behavior that they expect from those within the organization.  The behavior of the leader is the driver for the culture.  It isn’t what the leader says, blogs, or posts . . . it is what the leader does.  “Do as I say, not as I do” is unacceptable and ineffective.

If a leader wants innovation, the leader must be innovative.  If the leader utilizes “command and control” then those in the organization will lead using the modeled behavior.

Each of us is a leader . . . how do your actions model your expectations?  Is your behavior aligned with you words?

I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship. – Louisa May Alcott

Every storm is a lesson in sailing your ship. Every obstacle and challenge is an opportunity to learn, grow, and develop new skills. Life is full of storms; it is your response to each storm that determines where you eventually end up.

We don’t blindly navigate our lives into hurricanes; we are intentional, purposeful, and skilled in our actions. We know that not every day can be smooth sailing either; life puts storms in our path. We seek to learn and build our skills with each experience. We find our edge, we pursue growth, and we set new expectations.

Don’t be afraid of events that challenge you; learn from them. Don’t be reckless in your navigation, prepare and plan your path. Most of all, don’t forget to enjoy the journey. There are many sunny, clear days filled with opportunities for smooth sailing. Be balanced . . . Enjoy the journey.

Angela Duckworth’s book Grit is probably on many reading lists for educators during this summer break.  Grit – and many of the Social-Emotional Learning attributes we strive to cultivate in our students – is a major initiative in our school district.  Research is clear; the social-emotional strengths of our students are a greater indicator of success than simple academic measures of preparedness.

Duckworth highlights 4 Psychological Assets of Grit . . . I find these fascinating to consider in my own life, leadership attributes, and goal development.  Yes, I have modified them a little, but how do you fair in these attributes of your personal and professional life.

• Interest ~ Do you enjoy what you do?
• Practice ~ Do you have the daily discipline to do it better each day?
• Purpose ~ Do you have the conviction that your work matters?
• Hope ~ Do you know you will rise to the occasion? Can you overcome failures?

As you have time to reflect and prepare for the next school year, or even the next day, do you have the required assets to have GRIT in your work?  In your life?

As Duckworth shares, these are not “either you have it or you don’t” commodities.  You can learn and develop these assets with intentional behavior and known outcomes.  It is entirely up to you.

“Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgement will be surer.”  – Leonardo Da Vinci

Writing these “Life in Focus” posts is a blessing for me.  It seems that I find the right quotes, at the right time, to focus myself on what is important.  As Hilliard’s Superintendent I hope that my perceptions of where we are as an organization is in alignment with where our team, our family, feels we are at any given time.  Generally speaking I write 5-8 posts at a time . . . so I am usually about a week ahead.  I am asked, “Are you really up at 2:00 AM posting blogs?”  Of course the answer is “no.”  WordPress is easy to use – and easy to schedule posts.

During these summer months I will be taking a break from daily writing.  I am sure I will have moments of inspiration and reflection.  My goal is to “get ahead” so that come August 1st I will be ready “to roll” for the 2017-18 school year.

If you have any quotes or ideas for the upcoming year – any material you believe would inspire future Life In Focus posts – please send them my way.  Feel free to send them to john_marschhausen@hboe.org.

Have a great summer!  While we are working during the summer, it is a different pace and stress level.  My hope for you is to make time for relaxation so that when we come back in August we are focused, recharged, and ready to make a difference for the students we serve.

“The role of a leader is not to come up with all the great ideas. The role of a leader is to create an environment in which great ideas can happen.” – Simon Sinek 

When I was a younger administrator, I felt pressured to have all the answers. I think we have all been in place, at a time, when we felt like we needed to prove ourselves. As a school superintendent there are many who think I know everything that happens in our organization. There are times that people look to me to solve problems or have ideas.

In truth, I see my role as often the person that creates the environment for others to solve problems and answer questions. Culture is the key. Cultivating a culture that empowers problems to be solved by the experts is where the magic happens. We believe that our culture drives the behavior in the Hilliard City School District. Our culture empowers teachers and building leaders share and create great ideas.  

No one is the expert in everything, but we have experts in our ranks. As a leader, create the culture where the experts are inspired to create great ideas, where the dreamers are encouraged to dream big dreams. Live your purpose through serving others . . . through inspire others to life the organization to higher levels of performance.

 “We need to internalize this idea of excellence. Not many folks spend a lot of time trying to be excellent.” – Barack Obama

Excellence isn’t a destination. Excellence is a journey. Internalizing the idea of excellence is about embracing a growth mindset. It’s about being excellent every day. It’s about embracing the productive discomfort required to redefine our edge.

For me, internalized excellence is about simply being the best version of me. It isn’t about being better than others . . . it’s about being better than I was yesterday. When I compare me to me . . . if it am constantly building skill and relationship then I am becoming a better version of me.

Take time today to think about areas that you want to improve. How can you be a better version of you? Listen to those around you. Ask those you trust. Today, starting right now, work to be better than you were yesterday.