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: