What is a solution? The easiest reply to this question is, a solution is the answer to a problem. So, let’s go deeper. Where do solutions come from? Our brain is what generates solutions; new ideas that solve for a problem. So, how can you leverage your brain’s power to come up with solutions? That’s where the Solution Cycle comes in.

Thoughts create solutions, and what we spend time thinking about impacts the solutions we generate. What we believe is possible or impossible determines the level of solution we are able to offer our schools, so this week, I’m showing you a way of thinking that generates a different approach in coming up with solutions.

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You are here to change the world. That is why you signed up as an educator, to give your students and teachers the best possible chance of making an impact. However, so many school leaders believe they can’t do this work without burning out. But the truth is, success is not a multiple choice problem, and truly anything is possible.

This is your calling. Do not shy away from it because it’s too big or difficult, or you feel you’re boxed in by how you currently believe you need to approach school leadership. So, if your brain is feeding you unhelpful thoughts about your limitations as a school leader, listen up.

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Last week, we discussed the troubles so many principals have around their school vision, why many of you don’t have one, why this is a problem, and how to create a clear vision for your school. This week, we’re taking it a step further and talking about how to get people on board and sell your school vision to your community.

The first step here is communication. To create buy-in from your staff, you need to make your school vision understandable, compelling, and interesting. This isn’t going to be easy, but if you follow the steps I’m outlining in this podcast, you’ll have clarity around the vision you’ve created, and you’ll be able to articulate it to your superiors, your staff, and your whole school community.

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Last week, we dove into teacher evaluations and making the process one that both you and your teachers find enjoyable and valuable. Well, one of the keys to effectively giving feedback is having your teachers be open to it. In other words, they have to be coachable. And as a school leader, you’ve got to consider how you do the very same thing you’re asking them to do. 

If you want your teachers to be coachable, you equally have to be open to it too. However, it’s not as easy as we think. Positive feedback feels amazing, but being challenged or questioned? That brings up a ton of resistance, which is a totally normal human reaction. So, how can we develop more coachability?

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We are in November, which means you’re fresh off of the most difficult month of the school year. October is such a challenging month, and most school leaders are ready for a break right about now. The Fall Dip is real and you are not alone. So, if you’re feeling the burn and you’ve already got one eye on Thanksgiving break, this episode is for you.

The Fall Dip is the mental, physical, and emotional fatigue that comes with starting up a brand-new school year. You’ve been onboarding, preparing schedules, dealing with professional development for yourself and your teachers, you’ve been to all the meetings, and it’s no surprise you’re exhausted. So, what can we do about the Fall Dip?

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