Habits 1 - 3 had to do with “private victories,” with an internal focus. With “Be Proactive,” I remind myself that I am responsible for choices I make and the direction of my life. I am the driver. Habit 2, “Begin with the End in Mind,” reminds me to write down my short and long term goals. Habit 3, “Put First Things First,” helps me to prioritize the most important things in my life; then spend most of my time on those items and not trivial matters. This week’s habit is called “Think Win-Win.” Instead of focusing within, I will focus outside of self and work on relationships with others. In my work environment, I do a good job making connections and take time to talk with my colleagues/students about teaching and non-teaching matters. I’m friendly, provide a listening ear, and help when I can. Effective leaders are conscious of how they relate to others in their sphere of influence. I can’t help but think about a politician, who shakes hands and takes pictures with babies. But unlike a politician, an effective leader sincerely wants to build relationships and doesn’t try to beat the other person. The idea of a “win - win” relationship, is that instead of one or the other being a loser, you try to have mutually beneficial results. The workplace can be a competitive place. People try to outshine and outdo others, so they can move up the ladder. Sometimes, there are obvious winners and losers. As a leader, it’s important to find the outside the box solution - the thing that will make both parties happy. Personally, I think that I do well in this arena. In my 9 years of teaching, I have worked with difficult people who challenge me. I learned from those interactions. As a leader, I’ll continue investing in relationships. I’ll be courteous, actively listen, and ensure that my expectations are clear. I know the importance of building a leadership team and having a community (teachers and staff) that works together for the betterment of students. As a TOSA, I attend monthly collaborative meetings. I enjoy networking with other service providers. When I announce that I help teachers connect with guest speakers, I get wonderful summaries about what each organization does. Hands down, this is the best part of the meeting - the end, when we exchange business cards. As a teacher, I find myself functioning as a counselor, social worker, cheerleader, mediator, etc. Whenever there is a problem with a student, I address is with light humor. Usually this communicates the issue while not shaming them. If it requires more attention, I talk to the student privately. I emphasize that the classroom environment needs to be as free from distractions as possible. I learn my students’ names. I ask about their families. I try to find out what is important to each of them. On the other hand, while I am so busy with work relationships, I have neglected nurturing friendships. I have done pitifully in this area. Beyond Facebook and texting, I go months or years without seeing some of my closest friends. When I think about this it makes me sad. I know I can do better. My goal is to spend time with three friends before Christmas. I’ve thought about them, emailed, texted, and called. In some cases, we’ve scheduled and rescheduled. But, I will make every effort for this to happen this time. With the colleague I’m coaching, I’ll share my ideas and goals. I will ask her what relationships (work or otherwise) she has neglected. I’ll challenge her to do something similar; then, follow up for the results.
3 Comments
Bill Robinson
9/26/2015 01:53:11 pm
Sheila,
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Sheila
9/28/2015 10:17:58 pm
Prof. Robinson, I think it does have a lot to do with getting older. I watched my son graduate high school in June. That was a big life even that marked the passing of time. I don't want regret not doing "such and such" if it can be helped. But, I see that spending time with friends must be purposefully done or it won't happen at all.
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David
10/4/2015 02:41:49 pm
Sheila,
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Sheila L. DavisPassionate Adult ESL Instructor at Grossmont Adult School. Seeking to learn new habits and unlearn bad ones. ArchivesCategories |