The recent Forbes article, "Building a Customer Service Culture of Yes," by Micah Solomon explores how Virgin Hotels seeks to provide great customer service by finding ways to solve customers' issues. Their goal is to get everyone in the organization to share the vision of getting to "Yes" with each customer.
Humans struggle with hearing no; in fact, that one small word can create instant barriers or shut down motivation quickly. Our students and teachers need us to say yes more often. What does a culture of "yes" look like in a school? For a culture of "yes" to exist, the leader has to model the affirmative approach to all things. Four years ago, before students had fled Twitter for Snapchat, I proposed that our Student Council create and publish to a Twitter feed to promote the events of the high school. It was quickly dismissed with a "no." Four years later, schools are on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and whatever else might reach students and parents. Leaders have to be willing to let their teachers take risks to support student learning or school culture. School wide, a culture of 'yes' happens when we:
0 Comments
In the summer of 2011, our local newspaper reported that the Ellington Democratic Party was in need of someone to run for the Board of Education. My father suggested to me that I should run; he may have been joking. Considering my nearly ten years in education at that time, I figured it was a position I could win--that and I was running uncontested!
Now in my second term as an Ellington Public Schools Board of Education member, and having completed the University of Connecticut's Administrator Preparation Program so that I can lead in a Connecticut school, I am convinced that Ellington's slogan, "Where Students Come First," might just be the most powerful and important belief we as educators must have in order to grow into the demands of a global, connected, society. As I launch this blog, one that will allow me to reflect on my journey into a full leadership role, it seemed appropriate to start with this core belief of mine. When educators put the hopes and dreams of students first, then powerful learning ensues. |
Author
Educational Leader providing challenging and equitable learning experiences for students. Archives
July 2018
Categories |