The Batter's Box (part 2)

Evan Gattis is the back up catcher for the Atlanta Braves.  He started the season in that role.  He wouldn't have had the opportunity without the off-season surgery of the Braves' starting catcher Brian McCann.  The Braves now have a good problem on their hands.  McCann is a multi-year All Star.  Gattis happens to have worked his way into the most valued batting position in the line up, fourth.  Gattis has already hit several home runs this season and seems to be on a streak.

Those who knew Gattis before he was a Brave didn't think this would happen.  Gattis was an outstanding high school baseball player.  When he didn't get drafted to play for Major League Baseball in 2004, he went into somewhat of a tailspin.  He moved around from job to job not even looking at baseball.  Encouraged by a family member, Gattis played college ball at a small school.  He was noticed by the Braves and drafted in 2010.  He was probably never thought to be more than a "fill-in" player.

Now when Evan steps into the batter's box each time at bat, thousands of fans have the highest confidence that this man will hit a homerun.  The great thing also is that Evan feels the same way.

Do you have confidence that you can get the job done?  Others have the highest confidence in you.  Don't think of failure.  Consider your opportunity and hit a homer.

The Batter's Box

Baseball is such a great sport.  I had the opportunity to play baseball as a child.  My eleven year old son is playing again this season.  I enjoy watching the game being played.  There's something special about watching teams of youths giving such great effort to play.

Many baseball movies are successful because of this same theme.  The main character may be in a slump or the team may be struggling going into the post season and someone mentions the idea of play.  The person or team suddenly remembers how the game can be fun and success is inevitable.

All of us can really do the same.  In my situation, an elementary school administrator, I sometimes think of the great memories of my childhood school.  It helps me remember how certain adults were always there for me.  I also remember that I wasn't always such an angel either and use my moments with children wisely teaching them how to make good choices.

Spring

We all live our lives by the season.  As I go for a run, some of my neighbors must show the change of season by mailbox covers.  One has pictures of scarecrows and bales of hay.  Another has pictures of snowflakes.  This season is official by the display of a mailbox cover with pictures of pretty flowers in bloom.  

Even retail stores begin to tell us when we should change our thinking.  Seasonal items are displayed a month or two in advance.  Television advertising becomes a mass of commercials telling us what we need to purchase.  All of the "one uppers" gather their items in a hurry so they can be the first to display the new season.  

A change in season can lead to a change in heart or mind.  Teachers begin to think about end-of-the-school year activities.  Greens keepers and car wash owners begin thinking about an increase in business.  Whatever the change, let it be positive.  Have dominion over your mind and force yourself to see the positive outlook on every situation.

A few thoughts from Lincoln

I am always inspired as I travel to Washington D.C.  There's so many inspirational quotes attached to various memorials.  The Lincoln Memorial is no exception.  Across from Ford's Theater, the infamous place where President Lincoln was fatally shot, is the Ford's Theater Center for Education and Leadership.  This attraction houses a stack of books that stands 34 feet high.  Each of these books are written about President Lincoln, and many of them are about his leadership.  Lincoln was certainly an inspirational leader to the United States during his lifetime.  However, we also can find use for his wisdom today.  Lincoln was determined.  Once his mind was set to do something, the task was all but done.  In a letter to Isham Revis, Lincoln advised about becoming a lawyer.  Isham was told, "If you are resolutely determined to become a lawyer, the thing is more than halfway done already."  Those words tell me that the first and most important step in any task is to determine in your mind to complete the task.  Everything afterward is just a process.

You can do it, we can help

It doesn't take a sensitive nose to smell the plants and trees that are currently in bloom.  Some have a great scent while others can curl your nose hairs.  Along with nature's signs of Spring, more pedestrians fill neighborhood streets and country roads.  It seems as if we are all coming out of hibernation.  It is a most wonderful time of year!

Many individuals, like myself, begin thinking of the next home improvement project.  My sights are on building a pergola.  I started with scanning the internet for examples to find the style I like.  Next, I research how to construct a pergola or arbor.  This process usually takes a person like myself a few months so I can be sure I want to do things the right way.  It is a different story when construction begins though.  I have my mind set on project completion.  This can sometimes be great because the task is completed in a timely manner.  Other times it can be a bad thing due to mistakes and causes me to start over for correction.
We can apply the same strategies to our professional development (PD).  Whether the PD is self-driven or suggested by another, the objective is improvement.  The old days had professionals attending workshops, seminars, and continuing education courses for this kind of improvement.  We've grown so much since then.  Today, we can simply open our favorite Social Media App to "research" the How-To's of whatever area we are trying to improve.  Once we find a plethora of options or suggestions, we determine the best way to move forward.  As we plan and implement next steps, we need to remember to proceed with caution.  Like the home improvement project, sometimes too fast isn't always a good thing.  At the end of the day when considering improvement, remember the slogan (adjusted) - "You can do it, someone can help."

Balance

The other day I was complimented on my recent blog posts.  One person asked where I found the time to write.  I explained that I purposed my time to do so.

I recently attended a professional development session with Dr. Jan Harris.  Dr. Harris is Superintendent for Cullman City Schools.  She is a devoted educator and gifted speaker.  During the session, she gave an overview of her book The Principal's Office, A Primer for Balanced Leadership.  In her book, Dr. Harris explains how we should develop balance in four areas of our life. Her advice applies to everyone, leader or not.

The lessons I've learned from Dr. Harris have allowed me to live with a little less stress in my life.  When I purpose my time, I don't let one area of my life take too much away from another.  What I found as I began to purpose time is that I had been giving too much time to personal laziness while trying to call it "family time."  Another truth discovered is that each of us have different lives that we lead.  I have a busy life with two children involved in sports activities.  Someone else may have small children or aging parents that require attention.  However, we must purpose the time we have in order to accomplish all we want with little stress.

Recently, The Karate Kid (1984) has been on TV.  My son was watching a few days ago and asked me to join him. The karate teacher, Mr. Miyagi, teaches karate in a most unconventional method.  While learning karate, Daniel learns lessons about life.  In my opinion, the most important lesson taught was about balance.  Mr. Miyagi said, "Better learn balance. Balance is key. Balance good, karate good. Everything good. Balance bad, better pack up go home. Understand?  Lesson not just karate only. Lesson for whole life. Whole life have a balance. Everything be better. Understand?"

What's tipping your scale?

POTUS Inspiration

In honor of Presidents' Day, I took some time to read through some famous quotes from Presidents.

"I have had many troubles in my life, but the worst of them never came."  - James Garfield

How many times does this happen to us?  We stress over some situation and it is never as bad as we pictured in our mind.  Usually, we've taken all precautions to prevent bad situations anyway.  Whatever your next stressful, dreaded situation may be, remember that it probably won't be bad after all.


"You ain't learnin' nothin' when you're talkin'." - Lyndon Johnson


You know that person. You may know more than one of them. Someone who is always talking like he/she knows everything. In reality, they are like Johnson says in the quote above. Most of the time this person either is covering up for lack of knowledge or just has a lack of etiquette.  I sometimes have a habit of being too eager to speak what I know.  Let's challenge ourselves to learn more from others before we blab on and on.  Covey says it like this, "Seek first to understand, then be understood."


"We need a spirit of community, a sense that we are all in this together. If we have no sense of community, the American dream will wither." - William "Bill" Clinton

Face it, we can't survive alone.  We need others to help us achieve.  All of us are dependent on others to function in life.  My goal is to contribute more to my school community.  I cannot stand the thought of our community withering.  This is also stated in a different way by Covey.  He calls it synergizing.  How will you synergize today so your community won't wither?




Read more: Presidential Quotes — Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/spot/presquotes1.html#ixzz2LC8xD06t

Frank Buck's Tickler File System

If everything Frank Buck does is as good as his tickler file system then we should all buy his book Get Organized! I've been using the file system in whole for about 3 weeks.  It has changed my work habits tremendously.  At the beginning and end of each day my desk is clear.  By the way, a clear desk help keep a clear mind.



You may think "Sure, he doesn't have much to do then."  I would vehemently disagree.  I have plenty to do.  I've just followed the file system and voila, a clear desk.

I recently attended an Assistant Principal's Conference presented by CLAS.  I learned much during the two day conference.  One of the break out sessions was offered by Frank Buck.  During the session, he described his system in detail (along with other valuable bits of advice).  Here's how it works.

Empty two file drawers (mine are on the left and right side of my desk).  Place hanging file folders in each.  On one side label the file folders with letters of the alphabet.  In this file drawer, place folders of all the tasks you do (textbooks, technology inventory, assessment, etc.) in the corresponding letter.  Anytime you need to review the information, you can easily find the folder and information.  This file drawer helps keep up with those tasks that are woven throughout the school year.

In the other file drawer, label the hanging files folders with each month of the year.  The month you are in should be in front.  Additionally, you will use 31 manila folders labeled 1 through 31.  Place those in the current month file folder.  If you are currently past the first day of the month, the current day should be in front (example: today is February 11 so this morning the folder 11 was in front).

Then sit at your desk and begin picking up the papers from your desk.  Once you determine the due date, task begin date, or alphabetical category, begin filing.  Within 10 to 20 minutes, your desk will be clear.  It couldn't be easier.

Power of the Positive

What drives us to do things?  All of us have some motivating factor that makes us function.  In every situation, we do because of some motivator.  Fear, embarrassment, pride, and success can all be motivating factors.
Throughout my tenure as an educator, I've heard on numerous occasions about the power of positive praise. Yet, how much positive praise do educators practice on a regular basis.  I realize for some, it is a daily habit to tell students how well they are doing something or how impressive their attitude has been.  But for others, praise is almost non-existent.  Think about which works best for you.
I've tried using positive praise with those around me.  If nothing else, it sure makes me feel better.  I'd much rather be telling someone how great of a job they are doing than pointing out the simplest error.  That only stresses both of us. Legendary basketball coach, John Wooden, said he'd rather lead with a banner out front than from behind with a whip.

How many times each day are you positive?  I try to remember to be positive, but I sometimes fail.  I've even chosen everyday things to serve as little reminders to stay positive.  Kindergarten students are almost always positive.  Certain parents in the afternoon Car Rider Line are always positive.  Hallway displays and classroom displays generally reflect the positive.  If I forget, these little reminders keep me focused.

I Hate That Y'all

I attended The Leader In Me Symposium today.  Ron Clark was the afternoon Keynote Speaker.  The information he delivered was inspirational.  In addition, he is one fantastic public speaker.  Two hours flew by and I was waiting for more. 
Ron talked about various issues educators deal with today.  One particular point he made was about rewarding students.  Many times, educators are encouraged to reward the average to entice the below average.  Ron doesn't agree.  He told the story of baking cookies for his class. The first time he baked a batch of cookies, he passed them out to those students who worked really hard during the previous week.  Keep in mind that Ron told the class that he would do this.  While walking around passing out cookies, he skipped a girl on purpose.  He simply told her that she hadn't tried hard enough that week and expected more from her.  As all the other students enjoyed their delicious cookie, the girl who didn't try hard enough sat salivating.  Disappointment was written all over her face.  The next morning, Ron was called to the Principal's office.  The girl's mother was livid and discussing her disgust with the principal.  Ron said the mother ranted and raved on and on about how he was picking on her daughter.  He explained that he knew she could do better, but the mother wouldn't hear of it.  Finally, the principal spoke up and told the mother that she supported Mr. Clark in his decision.  Ron stated that the mom left extremely upset.  During the week, however, the girl who hadn't tried hard enough became a model student.  She sat up in class, responded to questions promptly, and appeared to enjoy each class.  At the end of the week, Ron again baked cookies for the students who worked hard.  This time the girl received a cookie.
Ron explained how we too many times coddle children and provide them with lowered expectations.  We give every child on a ball team a trophy.  We allow all students to receive an award at Award's Day.  Ron said, "I hate that y'all."  He went on to explain that our acceptance of average will eventually lead to an average nation.  I agree.  We can't afford to allow this practice to continue.  Reward great.  Punish bad.  Do neither for average.