“In bad times and in good, I have never lost my sense of zest for life.” – Walt Disney

It starts with you . . . it starts with you managing your 20 square feet. It is personal; only you can control how you respond to the events you will face.

Other people notice your attitude, body language, and spirit. Your zest for life – your energy and enthusiasm – are contagious. When you are positive – in both good times and bad – your positive energy not only impacts your performances but it impacts the performance of the entire organization. Yes, without a doubt, leadership matters.

As a leader you are a multiplier. Your behavior creates the culture. When you are negative, you give permission for others to BCD. If you are less engaged or defeated, others will follow your lead. On the other hand, when you have a zest for life . . . when you have a positive energy . . . you create positive events for your team to experience.

My wish for you – be a positive force multiplier. Just as I seek opportunities to share my enthusiasm and passion, my hope is you will seek opportunities to do the same. In bad times and in good, people are watching. It’s not what you say, it’s your actions. People experience your leadership – make it the experience you want for them.

“Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever.” – Walt Disney

A world filled with laughter, imagination, and dreams – could you ask for anything more?

We are on a journey – a journey together to create the culture we want for our district. Our work with Focus 3 is designed to put a process in place to live our lives intentionally, on purpose, and skillfully. We must also be committed to each other . . . to the joys we experience together, to the imagination we celebrate, and to the dreams we build.

Leadership drives culture, culture drives behavior, and behavior produces results. Your leadership creates experience for others. So I ask you, what experiences are you creating?

Are you creating a world filled with laughter? Are you cultivating an environment that is filled with positive energy? Are you encouraging the imagination of those on your team? Are you a dream builder?

Honestly, this isn’t easy. Yes, it seems simple, but balancing laughter and accountability is hard work. Creating high expectations while cultivating imagination . . . dreaming while facing reality . . . our work requires intentional, skillful leadership. What we desire doesn’t happen by mistake. Great leadership takes work; it doesn’t happen by default. Great leadership is discipline driven.

It’s about building relationships, earning trust through experiences, and sharing your love for those with whom you work. Leadership is personal; it must be happening in you before it can happen through you.