O Holy Night!

The pulse of our life seem to change as the day draws near.  We prepare with material goods, food, organizing gifts, running to the stores, and hoping we did not forget anything or anyone.  There seems to be an underlying pressure we put on ourselves which is very anti-Christmas.  "How did the season get to this?"  Well, it's time to refocus on the message.  That message, to this writer, is a simple one--that the normal interaction between folks is love (anything else is against life).  And that there is a great source of power and inspiration available to all of us--rich and poor, old and young, that highlights the glory in the most common aspects of our lives. 

For millions, his birth marks the turning point in human history.  It marks a moment where new meaning is given to the commonplace.  The King of kings was born in a stable surrounded by livestock because there was "no room at the inn."  The Light of the world came to ignite that same light in each one of us.  How lovely our lives become when we allow the light to guide our path.  Stresses are no longer stressful, anger dissipates, judgement falls, and happiness becomes clearer. Born in a backwater hilltown, our savior continues to light the way!

Not Outhinking Our Common Sense

One thing I love about the St. Louis Cardinals is that they rarely out-think themselves in a sport where managerial adjustments are often characterized as "overcoaching."  "We don't overthink too many things," says third baseman David Freese.  "We just go out there and play hard and see what happens."  David is right in that the Cards entire organization is based on old fashioned common sense.  When Albert Pujols' contract was up, the Cardinals knew they could not meet the financial need of Mr. Pujols (who we all also believe is years beyond his reported age).  Many thought the team would flounder once Albert left, but the organization had other plans.  In fact, the year after Pujols' departure the Cards were one game away from the World Series.  This year, they are in the World Series.  "When you come into this clubhouse, there is just an expectation that 'we will win games here' and everyone gets in line," says backup center fielder Shane Robinson.  The Cards have built a culture of winning and it's evidence when new players come on board and get "in line" immediately.  It starts from the top where common sense is the rule of law and no one is bigger than the whole organization.  Maybe that's why Albert is not around anymore?  Go Cards!

Get Unstuck

How many of us feel "stuck" in some way in our lives? We habitually do certain things each day without thinking of them and never question if there may be a better way.  I have a colleague who was labeled as "stuck" in his work for a few years in a row.  He's a wonderful guy with numerous work-related accolades and could have easily coasted until retirement and fought off his detractors.

The incredible thing, when he was confronted with being "stuck," he never fought it or raged against it and his critics.  He analyzed it calmly,  looked at his work, sought out a respected colleague and began reworking his daily practice.  The results were astounding--improvement all around and a more joyful human being. 

A true lesson in humility, open-mindedness, and professionalism that very few people seem capable of doing. 

After all, seeing ourselves the way we truly are is one of life's greatest challenges.

Here's my colleague's Remedy for Getting "Unstuck"
1.  Listen to your critics
2.  Assume they are 100% right (even if you know they are not)
3.  Fight off any tendencies to lash back and just listen
4.  Bounce the critic's ideas off of a respected, non-invested colleague
5.  Develop a plan of attack to address your deficiencies

Last tip: *Don't waste time vilifying critics.  It's what they expect you to do.  They will be shocked when you take the info and make rapid adjustments.

Forgiving Those We Admire Who Say Hurtful Things

We can all look back with disdain at some childhood memories when an adult we really trusted and looked up to verbally "wronged us."  No doubt there are some acts that may truly be so awful they hold us back for the rest of our lives.  I am not referring to those acts in this blog.  On the contrary, I am referring to those words that may have hurt us and stayed with us into adulthood.  The time the teacher told us that "we were probably never going to reach our potential."  Or, the time our parent was so angry they told us we were "lazy" or "not going anywhere."  Maybe a coach criticized us too harshly in the heat of the moment and we held onto it.  If we allow it, these cruel words can take root in us and affect us years later. 

That's why it's so important to take these statements and turn them around to our benefit.  The only way I know how to do that is to take the bruising words under the following life context:  All people make the best decisions at the time the make them with the information and background knowledge they have.  Our parents and teachers usually do the best they know how...and yes, they make mistakes. 

The only successful response to these phrases is simply one word--FORGIVENESS.  We forgive because it sets us free to move forward and let go of the hurt.  We forgive because it teaches us that all humans are imperfect.  We forgive because it ignites others to do the same for us.  We forgive because it unburdens those who harmed us...and more importantly unburdens ourselves. 

Think of someone who may have verbally hurt you as a youth and ask yourself if you have truly forgiven him or her.  If you have not yet done so, take the step to forgive today

and walk around a little lighter tomorrow.

Blinded by the Light

In recent survey of college professors, when asked if they were above average teachers, 94% said they thought they were.  Now, when their students were asked the same question, only around 25% said they were above average.  The question arises then as to who is correct.  Well, the answer is probably neither.  But, I do know that the professor’s conviction that they are so good, ends up blinding them to the reality that maybe they are not so above average.  But, before we judge the professors, I wonder how many of us would judge ourselves the best student, the best athlete, the best educator?  Our inflated view of ourselves tends to be our worst enemy and blinds us….like that old song says…”blinded by the light”

We all have our blind spots.   It’s important to recognize that sometimes we over, or underinflate, our abilities.  At times it’s humbling to know that maybe we don’t really see ourselves the way others do.  Learning to see the truth anywhere entails a training that challenges our presumptions that we are already in the light

How Can The Same Organization Be So Different?

Why is it that if you go to one establishment, with a number of partner chains all over the city, they tend to differ so much?  I am referring to a local eatery with numerous locations in this area.  They have great food but each individual restaurant is definitely not the same, although they all look identical and offer the same menu. 

What makes the one I typically go to so much better than the other chains I have visited?  The answer must lie in the personnel and management of each workplace.  The eatery I frequent is spotless, has great service and super friendly staff.  The one I recently attended in a different neighborhood was the exact opposite. 

I wonder if people who visit our schools see and feel the same thing?  Most public high schools offer a very similar curriculum, have certified teachers, a custodial crew, a principal, counselors etc...  Nevertheless, we know that not all high schools make visitors feel welcome.   Not all high schools have the "feel" of a place you want to be.  What's the secret to maintaining this positive, supportive and productive climate?

It must, again, lie in the people.  The tone and expectations are set each and every day by the leadership and management of the place.  This bodes true in all organizations--professional sports, education, restaurants and business.  It starts from the top. 

Imagine if you have the best coach in baseball but an inept general manager and owner.  That coach's expertise will be nullified by the incompetent GM and owner.  A poor school principal will cause frustration in even the best teacher and negatively affect his/her performance.  A sloppy restaurant manager will hurt morale and create a culture of carelessness. 

Being intentional is a job that is exhausting at first, but then it becomes a habit and we don't even think about it.  When we get to that point where doing the right thing all the time and going the extra mile every day is the norm, then we have created a special organization that people will want to be a part of.

Here's a couple organizations I can think of that seem to have people lining up to work for them:

Endless Possibilities

I was asked to present with my dad at an upcoming Father/Son event at a local school.  My dad, being a graduate from this school, was a natural selection for this speaking engagement.  I, on the other hand, was not.  Still, what a great opportunity to show my appreciation for my dad and hopefully create a lasting memory for both of us.  As I prep for this talk, I have had to take inventory of my time with dad and it has been extremely worthwhile.  So many stories, events and incidents I recall that shaped me into the person I am.  Nevertheless, when I think of the best my dad always had to offer me it all comes back to the phrase, "endless possibilities."  This phrase resonates because dad gave all of his kids (6 of us) the belief and quiet confidence that we could be, do, and accomplish anything with the proper preparation and work ethic.  I have never doubted I could accomplish what I found to be a worthwhile task thanks to dad and his parenting influence.

I think this is the same thing parents want in a school.  When I ask parents what they want from our school, I never get answers like:  "I want my daughter to be proficient or advanced on the state test," or I hope they have 98% + attendance," or "I want my son to get a an 'A' in Biology."  On the contrary, I do hear that parents want their sons and daughters to "begin to find their passion," to "develop and grow in knowledge and character," and to "learn how to struggle to get to the good stuff."

I hope we are doing this at MRH High School.  I am grateful my dad was there to give me these "endless possibilities."

2013-"Bring It On!"

“I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!"-Dr. Seuss

The great Dr. Suess gets a bit aggressive with this quote and I love it!  Not because of an inference to bat wielding violence, but the idea that he is saying, "I've had enough and now it's time to act."  Most of the time when we get to the point of "having enough" it seems as if we are really fed up with ourselves and our own inaction.  "My troubles are going to have trouble with me," is a call to action with boldness.  We have all faced a point when something rises up inside of us and forces us to do something out of character.  It's an exhilarating and frightening moment in which we cross a threshold and take a stand.  It may be something so simple as not watching that silly show on TV that is really not doing anything positive for you, or it may something so bold as to stand up for someone when no one else is.  Regardless, I think we all have a desire to "take a stand" for something.  Let's be bold enough to take a stand on something that matters in 2013.  As those troubles come our way, as those negative thoughts enter our mind, it's time to welcome them and say, "Bring it 2013!  My troubles are going to have trouble with me!."