SamTastic Weekly Tip: 9/2/25 - Try the SPA Approach.

This week’s tip: Try the SPA approach

SAM teams know that celebratory feedback requires specificity, authenticity, and two-way communication.  Getting the recipient to talk about the win is a key element in creating lasting impact.

Daid Horsager, Trust, Inc., has presented at several National SAM Conferences.  He has a great way to frame celebratory feedback:

Want to Show You Care? Take Them to the SPA.

And no, I don’t mean the relaxing kind with cucumber water and a massage table. This one’s a little easier to get to—and make time for.

One of the most effective ways to show compassion in leadership is through authentic appreciation. Not the generic “Good job!” or the occasional team lunch—but real, thoughtful acknowledgment that shows others how much they matter.

That’s why I teach what we call the SPA Method for appreciation. It’s a simple three-step check you can apply anytime you want to recognize someone:

S – Specific

Generic praise doesn’t land. Be clear about what they did and why it mattered.

Instead of just saying “Thanks for your help,” try:

“Thanks for staying late to fix the report before our client call. That extra effort helped us keep the project on track.”

Or: “I appreciate the way you see things in a way I don’t—especially when it comes to implementation. We are a better team because of what you bring to the table.”

When we share the details, we reinforce clarity, consistency, and capability - all essential pillars of trust.

P – Personal

Tailor your appreciation to the person. What motivates them? What kind of recognition means something to them?

For someone who values growth, you might send a book tied to a recent accomplishment.

For someone private, a handwritten note goes a long way.

For someone who hasn’t been recognized in a while, a public moment of genuine praise can go further than you think.

Whenever possible, make it personal. Recognition hits differently when people feel seen—not just acknowledged.

A – Authentic

Most importantly, mean it. Appreciation that feels forced or performative can do more harm than good. Take a breath. Reflect on what they truly contributed—and why you’re grateful for it.

Being authentic is just as much about presence as it is about praise. It’s showing someone they matter enough for you to pay attention.

It doesn’t have to be grand. It just has to be real. Because people always know the difference.

So the next time you’re tempted to rush past appreciation, ask yourself:

• Have I been specific in my feedback?

• Have I made it personal to the person receiving it?

• Have I authentically shown that they’re valued, not just for what they did, but for who they are?

David’s website is:  https://davidhorsager.com/  You will find the impressive keynote he gave the 2025 National SAM Conference here: https://bit.ly/3JAANfc

Registration is open for the 19^th Annual National SAM Conference.  Use this link:  https://registration.samprocess.com/  You will also find a registration link at www.SamProcess.com

Finally, enjoy the comments about your work from NSIP Board member David Sechler, below.  Nice!

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My name is Dave Sechler, and I am a former teacher, principal and school board member.

In addition to being an NSIP Board member, I am a Time Change Coach, a mentor for other coaches and a SAM Implementation Specialist.

When the board met in July and reviewed the results of the spring’s rubric assessment survey I was struck once again by how effectively you have used the SAM process to achieve important instructional goals. As a group you devote 57% of your time to instruction, as compared to an average of 13% for non-SAM principals. Not surprisingly, you are getting results in the work that matters most. You are using the SAM process to structure your time so you are in classrooms frequently and you are seeing lots of instruction. You are blocking time to give specific feedback to teachers in a timely manner, and you are meeting with teachers, staff members and other constituents to reflect on and improve instruction. As a result, 95% of you can connect your time to improved teacher practice and 92% of you can connect your time to improved student performance.

This is wonderful stuff! I am proud to be a SAM board member, and I’m honored to work with such dedicated and effective educators as you.

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To access the 2025 SAM Team Performance Report:   http://bit.ly/44MbQ8t

To access the Executive Summary, 2025 SAM Team Performance Assessment:  https://bit.ly/4fh2V2k 

The annual National SAM Conference is a time of renewal, learning, reflection, celebration and fun.  It is unlike any other national conference. It is designed to make you feel like the important person you are.  Your dedication to doing the best for students, staff and community is impressive and honorable. 

Why do SAM teams want to come back every year?  What do they take home?

✅ Proven Strategies – Learn how school leaders across the country are using SAM practices to maximize instructional leadership time.

✅ Practical Tools – Get hands-on with TimeTrack® and other resources that help principals shift from management to leadership.

✅ National Network – Connect with hundreds of principals and SAM teams who share your challenges and successes.

✅ Expert Voices – Hear from nationally recognized keynote speakers and thought leaders in education.

✅ Inspiration & Renewal – Leave recharged, with new ideas and a clear plan for impact back at your school.

A few things to consider when planning to attend:

Ø The conference is January 15-18. 2026.

Ø To be eligible to attend, you must be a SAM team member doing the process with efficacy, NSIP staff, Board member or presenter.

Ø The conference will be in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Marriott Harbor Beach Resort

Keynote Speakers

·      Will Parker, Principals Matter: Living your Best Life as an Educator

·      Will Bowen, You Can’t Complain Your Way to Success

·      Tracie Swilley, The PrinciPAL Effect: Setting the Vibe, Energy, and Excellence Every Day

·      John Antonetti, Personal Response: Am I safe to share my thinking?

·      William Martinez, Signing the Song: The Power of Belonging

Pre-Conference All-Day Workshop Presenters

·      Jim Masters, Beyond Why and What – Getting to How School Leaders Make a Difference

·      Ken Williams, Better Teachers, Better Results: Where Students Learn Because Of US

·      Willow Sweeney, Top 20 Moves for Building Effective Staff and Student Relationships

·      Executive Speaking Coaching Seminar, New York Speech Coaching