SamTastic Weekly Tip: 10/23/23 - Express What You Believe as a Leader

This week’s tip: Express what you Believe as a Leader

In 1966 Robert F. Kennedy inspired South Africans in Capetown by stating “…like it or not, we live in interesting times. They are times of danger and uncertainty; but they are also the most creative of any time in the history of mankind.”

We certainly live in interesting times in 2023. Basic American principles of equality, diversity, inclusion, even fairness and democracy, are under siege. How you react as a leader impacts not only today, but tomorrow.

NSIP Director Mark Shellinger traces his belief in the power of education to improve society to American philosopher John Dewey, 1859-1952.

Dewey believed:

“The aim of education is to enable individuals to continue their education.”

“Education is a social process; education is growth; education is not a preparation for life but is life itself.”

“If we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow.”

“Every great advance in science has issued from a new audacity of imagination.”

“Learning is not the product of teaching. Learning is the product of the activity of learners.”

“The only freedom that is of enduring importance is the freedom of intelligence, that is to say, freedom of observation and of judgment.”

“The good man is the man who, no matter how morally unworthy he has been, is moving to become better.”

How you react to the “interesting times in which we live” has impact beyond what you can see. Reacting with intentionality, to improve the lives of your students and people in your community, should align with your beliefs. How you react matters.

If you haven’t viewed the music video, I am a SAM, you are missing out. The video has gone viral with thousands of views in the last six days. It is a joyful, delightful and inspirational expression of the work of SAM teams. Please consider reposting the video on your social media accounts and following NSIP on FaceBook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Music Video: I Am a SAM https://bit.ly/48OCjCm

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Executive Summary:SAM team Success: https://bit.ly/3rIWkZT

SamTastic Weekly Tip: 10/16/23 - Be a good boss.

This week’s tip: Be a good boss.

Are you a good boss? In schools we don’t usually think of the principal or principal supervisor as the “boss”. As a noun, a boss is a person in charge of a worker or organization. As a verb, “boss” means to give (someone) orders in a domineering manner. As an adjective, a person who is “boss” is impressive.

Most SAM school leaders meet the definition of a boss when the word is used as noun and try hard not be “boss” as a verb. If they are successful, they get to put the word, boss, in front of their name as an adjective: “I have a boss SAM principal.”

Inc. magazine shared 21 specific things a great boss does every day. Can you find two that you’d like to emphasize in your daily work?

1. You listen without distractions. Employees will be motivated when you listen attentively and ask thoughtful questions.

2. You genuinely care about and believe in your people — which in turn, will create a loyal team that is willing to do their very best for you.

3. You make time to personally connect with your employees. One-on-one meetings can dramatically change relationships for the better.

4. You empower others by involving them in decisions whenever possible.

5. You trust people to make the right decision, boosting confidence and mutual respect.

6. You show appreciation. Even a simple “thank you.” Praise equals validation.

7. You create opportunities for employees to advance and develop new skills.

8. You regularly ask for feedback.

9. You replace blame with responsibility.

10. You are empathetic and strive to maintain the self-esteem of others.

11. You understand that by our human nature, people want to be part of something great and aspire to make work rewarding, and meaningful.

12. You communicate often and schedule opportunities for your team to connect.

13. You are emotionally resilient and know how to handle high-stakes conversations.

14. You are open-minded and not quick to judge. You come to understand a situation or behavior by asking questions.

15. You show genuine concern for your employees — the whole person, including their life outside of work.

16. You are authentic and honest. When you are not at liberty to reveal something, explain why.

17. You endorse health and wellness programs and self-care practices.

18. You welcome new ideas and value collaborative efforts and are willing to shake things up once in a while.

19. You are not afraid to ask for help and admit mistakes.

20. You are aware of your impact and strive to see things from the perspective of your employees.

21. You are able to detach from negativity and let go of control when necessary.

So, boss, what can you schedule today in TimeTrack that will make you better?

Executive Summary: SAM team Success: https://bit.ly/3rIWkZT

SamTastic Weekly Tip: 10/9/23 - Teach ~ Learn ~ Care

This week’s tip:Teach ~ Learn ~ Care

Can you connect each student with one or more caring adult in your school?

Time Change Coach Travis Mackey did so when he was a SAM principal at Geneseo High School in Illinois. He knew school is more than academic content. He knew paying attention to each student’s mental health is key.

Through connection exercises students list adults they trust. Adults take a list of students and mark each person they believe they have a strong, trusting relationship. A sociogram is then created showing the number student/adult connections. The staff then works to build connections with students who are missing trusted adults in their lives.

Sound hard to do? Actually, it is easy and costs nothing. We even have a six minute HD video to show you how. https://bit.ly/3zjKVBy

Travis will be one of 40 breakout session presenters at the 17th Annual National SAM Conference in January.

Another Time Change Coach, Steve Seid, asked last month if he could begin a podcast featuring SAM teams he coaches. Steve, a former SAM principal and SAM superintendent, found podcasts to be an effective way to connect with his school community. He wondered of a podcast featuring the SAM teams he works with would be valuable for others SAM practitioners. Here’s a link to the first edition of SAM SeidNotes with guest Robert Studly, SAM Principal, Zenith Accelerated Learning Academy, Kissimmee, Florida. https://bit.ly/46EqaOx

Executive Summary: SAM team Success: https://bit.ly/3rIWkZT