SamTastic Weekly Tip: 5/4/26 - Be Present

This week’s tip: Be Present

When you meet someone for the first time, you work hard to give your full attention and focus.  You are intentional about demonstrating interest.  You want to make a good impression.

What would be different in your approach if you did the same thing today with a teacher you are committed to helping improve?

Communications guru Jefferson Fisher shared this story and advice:

“My daughter taught me a secret handshake this week. It took about four tries to get it right. But somewhere in those four tries I was reminded that communication is much more than words. It's how you show up. When you show up. Whether you put down your mental to-do list and give them your full attention. Presence is a form of communication. Sometimes it's the loudest thing you can give.”

The first rule in working with others is to make them feel important.  Over the years, I have enjoyed meeting four US presidents:  Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.  Each made me feel I was the most important and interesting person in the room.  This is not just charisma.  Instead, it is a combination of intent, curiosity, interest, focus and presence.   Each held eye contact.  Each asked questions.  Each was present and in the moment. Each made me feel me feel valued.

Think about what you would need to do differently today to make a teacher feel that way.  Would you need to disconnect from your tech?  Would you need to limit your focus to the person, rather than the activity nearby?  Would you have to listen with the intent to fully understand and connect? 

When then Senator Obama asked me what I did, I told him about the SAM process.  As I did so, he smiled, nodded and became more animated.  He touched my shoulder and said:  “Mark, do you know that the work you do supports the people who do the most important work in the country?  America works because of its schools.  Schools work with great principals.”

And here’s the thing.  There was no doubt in my mind he was sincere.  

Try it today.  Pick a teacher, other staff member or student.  Give them your full undivided attention and focus.  Be present.  It builds hope.  It can build trust.  It can lead to the improvement you seek.

---

It is budget time in most schools and districts.  Be sure to include your SAM services for the 2026-27 school year.  You can request an early invoice now by using this link: https://bit.ly/40GtA33  

Consider budgeting for the 20^th Annual National SAM Conference, too.  The conference provides an opportunity to learn from SAM teams across the US and an amazing array of national and international speakers, authors and thought leaders in leadership, education, and psychology.

20^th Annual National SAM Conference announcement video: https://www.wevideo.com/view/4003300281 

What does a SAM conference look like?  https://bit.ly/4cxGEw7