My Student Hat.... I love to learn!
Still wondering what that magical professional development was??? Drumroll please.........
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
After the training my husband and I purchased the book to read as a couple.
Let's just say I read mine....
The training is different, they give you a set of invaluable resources.
-- 7 Habits App
-- Task Cards
-- A Tracking Book
-- Training Book
-- Talking Stick
Every item is differentiated to meet your learning style and intended to help you reflect on your daily practices. (For the record I said this of my own free will and volition.)
The talking stick I used for Get To Know You Circles. One of my students stole it! I have narrowed down the suspect list to three students. They all claim they didn't do it so I let it go. #dueprocess (Slowly takes off Assistant Principal hat, you know you did it...)
Let me be clear...... out of the 7 habits I have spent the last TWO years on Habit 3, Put first Things First and Habit 7, Sharpen the Saw. That does not mean I have not touched on the other habits however....
CHANGE IS HARD so is BREAKING BAD HABITS!
You have to have a "paradigm shift" as they say in the book, before you can authentically and intentionally embark on the 7 habits journey. Or else you will just say things like, "What a waste of my time!" If that is what you are thinking, you may need to work your mindset.
This video was the start of my metamorphosis for all my Science geeks out there. Watch!
Little did I know my paradigm shift began in 2017 when I went to the AIE leadership conference in San Antonio, Texas.
I had the opportunity to hear Ron Clark speak. Let's just say, he knows how to fire a gal up!
After hearing him, buying all his books, and deciding I wanted to be a leader that runs marathons....... not literal marathons people, you will have to listen to Ron's book, Move your Bus to understand the concept of a runner. I have plantar fasciitis, I'm running nowhere fast people!
The Gist
Let's just say some people run, some people jog, some people walk and others are serious dead weight!
It's even better when you listen on Audio.
Once again...after this conference I decided I was going to be a great leader no matter what and I knew my short comings....planning.
Have you ever bought a planner with every intention of putting it to good use only to have started it, then abort mission after a couple of weeks? You later find it at then end of the year and shake your head. I must have needed a little push, and my work wife, Katie Jo gave it to me. She gifted me the planner below. You won't be able to reference the message if you don't listen to Ron's book by the way! No it is not a Game of Thrones Reference!
My Habit 3 Hat
The year I got this planner I was focused on using it and I did, boy I tell you my writing is terrible. There is so much scribble scratch in this thing a GOLD person according to True Colors would throw up! (Sorry guys, keep shining!)
https://truecolorsintl.com/the-four-color-personalities/ (If you are interested.)
The important part is... I used it. When I received my assistant principal position I purchased my own and planed out what I thought was going to happen that year. I continued to use the planner... continued the scribble scratch and then the evolution or transformation began. I attended the 7 habits training.
My first year as an assistant principal was HARD! Let's call it, The Year of the Fire Fighter. All day, I would run around the building trying to put out fires... I allowed other peoples emergencies guide how my day went. Let's just say, although I kept my head above water, I was drowning and I did NOT like it.
I can recall a conversation with another leader, and I vented, "I got into this career because I wanted to help teachers, and have an exponential effect on student success, not to chase my tail all day! I want to be an instructional leader!"
You know what they said.....
"It's very rare that you get to be an instructional leader as an assistant principal."
My eyebrows scrunched together in true Morgan fashion, What?!!!? I refused to accept this statement as fact, and it further helped me internalize the 7 Habits training.
After the training I was invigorated and decided to switch my schedule to Google Calendar. I made a goal for myself January 2018. Every Sunday I would set aside time to intentionally plan my week and instead of jumping when something went wrong I would assess the concern determine it's importance and continue with my schedule.
As the year continued I went from a generic schedule to a more detailed schedule...
As I continue on my journey in Habit 3, Put First Things First I am now adding notes in the descriptions. I may write what went well, or what information will I need to be prepared for this meeting. I also have begun adding events or occurrences to my schedule as they occur as a way of keeping record. When someone asks me for something, I stop what I am doing and schedule a time to dedicate to that specific task.
I am far from where I need to be on Habit 3 however I am happy to say I have become proficient and have successfully formed this habit. This has had a positive effect on my ability to address Habit 7, Sharpen the Saw.
My 7 Habit Journey Continues in my next blog..... It's 12:47 AM and I have work in the morning.
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