This first habit really resonated with me. Being proactive rather than reactive is something I've been working on personally for the past few years. As teachers, we are role models, and people are constantly looking to us as examples. Learning to slow down and think about my words and actions has made me a better teacher, friend, partner, and leader. I used to let my red headed temper get the best of me- but I've learned that instead of getting upset, I need to take control of the situation and take action. I think these words came to be at the exact right time that I needed a reminder. Last week I was diligently preparing for the first day of school (tomorrow). Always the week before school starts the faculty has several meetings and we each have jobs that we are assigned to fulfill our "duties". I found myself at certain points during the week getting upset about one thing or another and realized that rather than complaining I needed to take action, have courageous conversations, and take control of the situation rather than sitting back and grumbling about it. I think that being in a school setting it is easy to become upset and complain about things, but as educational leaders we need to be brave enough to talk about issues, stand up for our beliefs, and be proactive in tough situations. From the first week's lecture I learned that leaders need to have confidence. My first year teaching it was so hard to be confident. I constantly doubted myself. After teaching for 3 years I have gained a lot of confidence and find myself being not only an integral part of my school community, but a leader among the faculty as well. From the lecture I also was reminded that in life, we can really only control 3 things: what we think, what we say, and how we behave. It is true that we can only control our own thoughts, words, and actions; but by making conscious choices we have a big impact on those around us. Consequently effecting others thoughts, words, and actions as well. For this school year I've made the decision to be positive and to be proactive. I've decided that every time I feel like complaining to someone about something, I need to stop first and think about how I can better the situation. A wise professor once told me that as teachers, we are the CEO of our classrooms, and that we have the final say in how our classrooms (and teaching lives) are run.
After learning about the first habit, I felt compelled to share it with my fiance,Matt, and my closest friend at work,Bethany. Both of them appreciated the insight and agreed that it is vitally important to make a commitment to being proactive, especially in the work place. I asked my colleague to hold me accountable to this habit all year long - especially if I start to complain or be reactive to issues at work. I know that I will continue to share these habits with my finace and work friend but I've asked my principal if I could present each habit at our weekly faculty meetings. I think that by sharing these habits and making them a school-wide effort, we will see a change in attitude and culture among the faculty and school community. I imagine that my principal will welcome this valuable opportunity. If not, then I plan to teach both Matt and Bethany each weekly habit. I think this first one is a great lesson for my students as well and plan to weave it into my first week lessons.
After learning about the first habit, I felt compelled to share it with my fiance,Matt, and my closest friend at work,Bethany. Both of them appreciated the insight and agreed that it is vitally important to make a commitment to being proactive, especially in the work place. I asked my colleague to hold me accountable to this habit all year long - especially if I start to complain or be reactive to issues at work. I know that I will continue to share these habits with my finace and work friend but I've asked my principal if I could present each habit at our weekly faculty meetings. I think that by sharing these habits and making them a school-wide effort, we will see a change in attitude and culture among the faculty and school community. I imagine that my principal will welcome this valuable opportunity. If not, then I plan to teach both Matt and Bethany each weekly habit. I think this first one is a great lesson for my students as well and plan to weave it into my first week lessons.