"Yes and ..."

The sun shines bright most days but wow did it find me a couple weeks ago. I was lucky to attend Apple Academy. I learned everything Lion, iWork and iLife that Apple’s professional development team could shove in my head. The tools stand on a pedestal higher than any comparable tool issue on a computer but the real magic behind them is how they open the doors of creation for learners.Apple Academy was a superior forum to learn tools. All of the credit goes to David and Peter (our gifted trainers). They continually tied the tools to educational pedagogy.

One battle all educators fight is the “no”. “No” is crafty and comes in different forms. My time at Apple Academy taught me a GREAT new conversational tactic … “yes and”. This is a challenge I make to you - be a “yes and” person instead of the variations of “no” that poison great thoughts and ideas.

I practiced this “yes and” idea in my conversations, albeit unknowingly, with the listeners. The results of my conversations were staggering. The social and professional lines that defined me as the “pawn” or as the “leader” were blurred. The conversation(s) was solution based, had purpose and all parties were on equal footing.

Not so much of a “Pawn” Leadership post … just LEADERSHIP

Don't say anything (or much)

Image by. TheAlieness GiselaGiardino²³

A great leader even one that is leading from the front is a good listener.  Listen to those around you and formulate your thoughts BEFORE you speak.  There may be a lot more to the story that you don't know.  Your opinion may change once you know more of the details and back story.  The only way that you can get the details and back story is to really listen to what is going on around you.

20 Proven Things All Great Leaders Always Do

This is a great article from the Leadership Freak blog.


20 Proven Things All Great Leaders Always Do

By Dan Rockwell

Voltron

Does anyone remember Voltron? … no not Tron, the movie released this Christmas season … Voltron! Five characters in this 1980’s cartoon operated their own mechanical war beast, shaped like a lion. They were fierce, strong and fought for the good guys (duh). In true cartoon fashion, the five warriors would always tackle the enemy individually and would fail. They were forced to become Voltron in order to best their enemy. The five warriors, and their mechanical lions, would combine together to become a super gladiator. The gladiator was stronger, faster, and better equipped to beat the tar out of enemies … plus Voltron had a sword.

As a change agent, or pawn, we need to be gathering fellow Voltron members together to inspire and work for change in our districts. I know that in the past I have been guilty of fighting for change as a single person. In such efforts I felt my research supported my efforts, I was calm and rational during the presentation, and I showed how the ends would justify the means. Just like the individual Voltron members, I was thwarted in battle. I am beginning to think that when new projects/requests/plans are proposed they need to be done with the force of gladiator Voltron. I cannot be the only person in my district who wants change … we need to find others, rally together and fight.

**While the cartoon Voltron clearly identifies “good guys” and “bad guys” I am certainly not implying anyone in my district should be labeled a “bad guy” … It’s just a good analogy.

image - Humans, By. "Voltron Defender Of The Universe T-Shirt | Cool T-shirts | T Shirts - Shirtlog." Cool T-shirts | T Shirts Blog | Funny T Shirts - Shirtlog. Web. 03 Jan. 2011. .