Leadership defines the culture but it’s brought to life by everyone in the organization. It’s not a one-person thing. It’s an All-in thing. – Jon Gordon

Our culture is a “we” approach, not a “me” approach. I’ve read far too many books and attended too many conference sessions on “culture development.” In all professions, in all organizations, leaders are looking for a “quick fix” to culture issues. Too many leaders talk about a “culture of inclusion” but resort to a “top down” approach. The organization isn’t motivated by talk; the culture of any organization (of any school) is created by action.

For us, we know we are the leaders of our 20 square feet. We all hold essential leadership positions in our organization. We model teamwork; we live a “we not me” approach. The example we set in our 20 square feet is more valuable than the words we say.

Be a culture role model today . . . live our values and be an example for others. It isn’t the title you have that determines your influence, it’s the life you lead. We need to be “all in” together to create the culture we desire.

Failure is a big part of your path to success. It is not your enemy. It is your partner in growth. It doesn’t define you. It refines you. – Jon Gordon

We are on a journey together. We are on a path to own our future; a path to own each step along the way. Yes, we will fail. If we aren’t experiencing failures, we aren’t trying new things. If we permit our fear of change to detour our path we don’t own the path. When we own it . . . we are creating our future.

Failure is part of our growth mindset . . . each failure is a learning experience. We learn, we grow, we improve, and we retain ownership of our journey. We aren’t defined by the failures, by the obstacles, on our path. We are defined by how we overcome the obstacles, by how we preserver, and by how we grow together. Our relationships, the strength on our team and connections, define who we are and where we will go on our path to success.

Learn to say “no” to requests. Make each moment count, don’t simply count the moments. 

Each of us is a leader. We lead in our space; we lead in our 20 square feet. As leaders, we strive to serve those in our 20 square feet.  

One of my biggest challenges is saying “no” when I’m asked to attend events, take meetings, and speak to groups. I love my job; I love talking education. I am committed to engaging our students, team members, and community. Nevertheless, it is simply impossible to attend every event or meeting. In order for me to be effective, in order to give my time and attention to the events I attend, saying “no” is necessary from time to time.

It’s difficult as a servant leader to say “no” but it is required of us. We must maintain our health, the balance in our lives, if we are to serve at our best. We must be present . . . be in the moment . . . when we commit to events. Stretching ourselves too thin, rushing through our days without ever really connecting, isn’t effective service. Simply attending isn’t service; physical attendance is much different than devoting our full attention. Make each moment count . . . don’t simply count the moments.

Build your schedule to maintain margins. Give yourself time to reflect, rest, and connect. 

During the midst of this holiday season it is important to own your schedule; it is important to take care of yourself. It is easy to pack your daily calendar from early morning until the evening hours. It is a time when the inclination is to cram in every meeting and commitment into the schedule before the holiday break. We also pack our evenings and weekends with holiday parties, concerts, and gatherings.

Margins are the time in our schedules, the time in our lives, when we catch our breath and reflect. For me, I need margins between meetings; I need some “margin time” in my day. Don’t commit to back-to-back meetings . . . add 15 minutes between meetings. Don’t schedule multiple meetings in different locations without comfortable, stress-free, travel time. Don’t overbook the weekend without scheduling time for relaxation and exercise.

Margins are necessary to function at best. Margins keep us sane. Margins are required for us to “be in the moment” and enjoy the season. We must take care of ourselves. We can’t be there for others if we stretch ourselves too thin and wear ourselves out.

There is growing recognition in psychology research that creativity is associated with emotional functioning. – Dr. Tamlin Conner

Yes . . . we are more creative when we are in control of our emotions. Yes . . . we are more creative when we are optimistic and positive. Yes . . . we are more creative when we know we are supported and loved.

For us as adults, and for the children we serve on a daily basis, emotional wellbeing is the centerpiece for success. None of us can do this alone; we function in teams and families. We support each other. Our individual emotional functioning is dependent on having the right people around us; it’s dependent on our sense of belonging, self-worth, and self-efficacy.

Today, as you encounter challenges and embrace our passion for growth, be mindful of your emotions. Your emotions, your mindset, are the barometer of how you perform throughout the day.

Do it now . . . sometimes later becomes never.

When you have an opportunity, when you have the chance to respond, step-up and act. Don’t let opportunities to make a difference slip past you.

Our world is changing incredibly fast. We must live in the moment. Take the time to seize each moment . . . live in the now. As we step-up and make a difference, we are required to act. As we have opportunities to build relationships and make connections; we must be in the moment. Don’t wait until later, don’t put it off till tomorrow, respond now.

Love powers grit! If you love it, you won’t quit. If you love your team you won’t quit on them. – Jon Gordon

We are willing to do more, we are willing to go the extra mile, because we love what we do. Our work isn’t 40 hours a week . . . we aren’t driven by a time clock. Our work is our love; our work is our passion.

When we “think we not me” it demonstrates our love for the team. Our action, our commitment to excellence, is because of our love. Love powers what we do. It powers us through obstacles; it allows us to be positive when others are negative.

I make writing as much a part of my life as I do eating or listening to music. – Maya Angelou

Writing is personal reflection. Writing permits time to intentionally and purposefully consider the present situation. Writing is time to dream, to plan, and to create. From the past, in the present, and to the future writing engages the brain.  Writing turns thoughts into words. When we write, we think for ourselves and others to see.

Make time in your day – or time in your week – to write. Keep a journal, write for colleagues, or send a thoughtful note to a friend. The audience is less important than the process. It isn’t the destination that’s important . . . it’s the journey.

It’s our one-year anniversary . . . what do you think?

It’s the one-year anniversary of Life in Focus. A journey that started as a simple daily email to keep us focused and intentional during the 2015 holiday season, has evolved into a blog, tweet, and for some, a subscription to a daily email. First of all, thank you. Taking the time to write these short messages provides me great time for reflection. The act of writing has provided time for intentional and purposeful focus.

As we complete a calendar year, I am seeking guidance and direction. Would you like to see these messages continue? Do you find value in the daily messages?

I have been writing for a year . . . I am open to suggestions, thoughts, and direction. Please let me know via email at hilliardsupt@icloud.com.

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. – Albert Schweitzer

We have all had people in our lives that rekindled a spark in us. Our lives, our work, require much of us; we don’t live lives of isolation, but rather live in a culture of teamwork and support. There are times when we fall down and need others to help pick us up. There are times we have the amazing opportunity to rekindle the spark in others; the time when we get to pick others up.

Today, take a moment to thank those people in your life who continue to support and partner with you; thank those that rekindle the spark when you felt the stress of the world around you. Make a call, send a text, or personally touch-base with someone who keep you going when times are tough. Let’s not limit our thanks for our victories and successes . . . let’s give thanks to those in our lives who bless us and make us who we are today.