Leadership Transparency engaging Motivation

A leader should be transparent and his/her integrity should be evident.  This is a challenge because when in accuracy emerges from a Leader’s mouth, the trust in his/her ability to lead dwindles.

Therefore, a Leader needs to be detail-oriented.  Notes taken on projects, detailed methodology suggested as to how his staff is expected to pursue their goals, clear expectations, consistent pertinent feedback to employees after individual meetings.

‘Details!’ You’ll exclaim!  ‘I barely have time to complete what I need to do!  It is time consuming AND time is a commodity, I can’t spare!’

Well, the trust in your leadership enhances the productivity.  Time wasted at clarifying your intentions or expectations will be diminished as well.

So yes! Your Leadership may well depend on transparency at one time or another.

Regardless of your presumed lack of time to proceed with a test on the subject, just try it.

During a meeting, for example, employees feel more so listened to when you take notes of what they’re commenting and are asked for clarifications which you also note.  They then feel an integral part of your decision making and provide insight you may well be astonished with.  It promotes creativity and innovation as well.

Leadership is tedious and it’s a lonely place up there!  If you want to stay on top of things, in a good way, try meeting staff individually on a regular basis and apply the above.

It’ll also foster a connection that will, in turn, allow staff to become more open, more involved and engaged in the company’s growth.  A personally given comment on a suggestion will go a long way!  Motivation will thrive and you will harvest the benefits!

Have a nice week.  Happy Trails,

Elizabeth McNally

Mentor & Licensed Certified EI Coach

http://guidancequest.com

info@guidancequest.com

For details on my books:

http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/infoatguidancequestdotcom

Comment on my Blog:

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WHAT STUDENTS NEED TO KNOW PART II

WHAT ELSE DO STUDENTS NEED TO KNOW?

Final article of this serie for Teachers ONLY 

They need to know you genuinely care.  So hear their concerns; Tune into their feelings; Show you really care with your actions.

They need to know you walk your talk meaning if you say it, you do it.

They need a daily dose of HOPE and HUMOUR.  I know you have it in you!  Try anecdotes and laugh with them.  They’ll love it and connect.

They need to see flexibility.  HOW?  Say things like <Your way or My way>, whichever gets you to the goal.  Just make sure you do everything.

They need to see open-mindedness.  HOW?  Say things like < Your ideas are probably as good as mine>.  If I have any qualms or any objections, I’ll explain why this cannot be done in this particular case.

They need to see real attentiveness.  HOW?  Say things like < I’ll listen to you, hear you out, weigh your suggested alternatives and I’ll get back to you.  AND let them vent individually when necessary.

Warning! Sometimes, they need to vent in group.  If so, bring in a neutral observer as a witness.  When too many students are disgruntled in a group, the atmosphere can become poisonous and explosive.

If you have a chaotic group situation, you need one or two observers and a facilitator so that things stay CLEAR and CALM.  This way, they can vent but so can the teacher.  In the end, both, the teacher and the students can reach an

agreement.   When it’s done well and both parties commit to improve or change , they can move ahead positively.

Mediation is always an excellent option to explore!  Read all you can on Mediation.  Get training in it if you can.  It will be the most useful tool you’ll ever invest in as a Teacher! 

Little Wisdoms

1. Impose only when you have exhausted all other alternatives.  Then do it well!
2. Start with choices, alternatives, and LITTLE freedoms.
3. When interrupting their work or discussions, do it with respect.  Preferably with ways agreed upon together beforehand, and gently stating WHY first, then explain whatever you need to.
4. State expectations clearly.
5. Give models for better understanding.
6. Give examples of evaluation grids with clear guidelines.
7. Negotiate alternatives to obtain commitment.
8. Manage the behavior, both yours and theirs!
9. Be genuine, authentic and natural.  Students see right through you!

When Teachers or School Boards hire me to give a workshop on Classroom and Behavior Management, it is a pleasure for me to share my documents and to ease the way, so that the Teachers may create their own.   It is so very important to have TRANSPARENCY when you teach. 

I put my 30 years of experience in this field at your disposition and offer support and follow-up by email as well as by phone.

Have a nice week.  Happy Trails,

Elizabeth McNally

Mentor & Licensed Certified EI Coach

http://guidancequest.com

info@guidancequest.com

For details on my books:

http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/infoatguidancequestdotcom

Comment on my Blog:

http://guidancequestcom-eliprofesseure.blogspot.com/

FIVE Steps to Learning!

SPECIAL FOR TEACHERS ONLY

What do students need to know to want to learn?

1. First, they need to know WHY?

2. Then, WHAT it will give them.  In order words, HOW will it BENEFIT them?
3. This is usually related to careers, jobs, MONEY, GRADES.

4. Followed by, WHAT TIME INVESTMENT they will need, so HOW LONG will it take?

5. Ultimately, will they ever use it again, so WHEN will it be useful?

Your greatest success will come in presenting everything as an OPPORTUNITY!

Should you have the drive to have a fulfilling career in Teaching, then brace yourself!  You will need to reflect on the above question in order to present any content with creativity and spice.  The more you can link it to their present life NOW, the better they will learn.  BASICALLY, you need to inject the curiosity, trigger the motivation by depicting a palpable reality that will be attractive enough to promote good will and determination.

When you succeed, THEY will glow with Pride and so will YOU!

Have a nice week.  Happy Trails,

Elizabeth McNally

Mentor & Licensed Certified EI Coach

http://guidancequest.com/

info@guidancequest.com

For details on my books:

http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/infoatguidancequestdotcom

Comment on my Blog:

http://guidancequestcom-eliprofesseure.blogspot.com/

10 WAYS TO TURN YOUR CLASSROOM INTO A PLAYGROUND

FOR TEACHERS ONLY

1.    PERSEVERANCE:  Happily coax students to stick to it to the end.  They need to be encouraged.

2.    CONSISTENCY:  Be consequential.  Walk your talk!

3.    PATIENCE:  Respect the learning rhythm whether it is fast or slow.   Have flexibility needed for this to happen.  Allow a choice of constructive items to do while others complete the task at hand.

4.    CREATIVITY:  Let novelty be derived from their creativity and suggestions.

5.    DECISION MAKING:  Present what needs to be learnt in a global manner and let them decide on the ways to do that.  Your opinion counts as well.  Present your options for learning tasks as well.  Present the resources and media available.  What they decide upon, they must commit to pursue until the learning is completed.

6.    BE POSITIVE, HAPPY AND ENTHUSIASTIC with the individuals in your classes. 

7.    HOPE:  Remember <Miracles happen everyday>.   Just provide the environment and resources to facilitate this.

8.    MOTIVATION:  Set the stage for motivation to take place and let passion trigger it!

9.    RESILIENCE:  Explain, explain, and explain what Solidarity, Respect, Compassion and Commitment mean.

10.

LEADERSHIP:  Let your Leadership be firm, open and kind.           Yet assert yourself as the leader in subtle ways.

HAPPY TRAILS!

Have a great summer!

Dear Readers,
September will bring a new series of articles.  Have a great summer!
Elizabeth McNally, Mentor
Licensed Certified EI Coach
Compassion Fatigue Recovery Specialist
http://guidancequest.com/

SUCCESS Its demeanor

Success appears when resilience is present whether it be in life or career transitions, in struggles or problem solving, or even in life’s moments of despair.

Your goals are seldom reached in one easy stride.  Life rarely serves Success on a golden platter.  You will need to seek it relentlessly.

It is your capacity to set objectives with determination and pursue these with all the courage and perseverance you can muster that brings Success your way.

As you reap the fruits of your labor, you will often realize that its sweetness will be enhanced by the struggles you overcame.  Conquest has been humanity’s goal through history!  Success is a Conquest!

So, be glad for the opportunities to use and show your skills as you face challenges and manage to be victorious through the difficulties encountered.

Your ultimate trophy will be the knowledge that you have acquired.

As you are molded and sometimes, scalded by events, remember that no matter the outcome, there will be a form of Success.  At times, it will be bitter-sweet.  Yet, Success it will be, in the sense that, you have gained in experience and knowledge which will, in turn, smooth future endeavors, and more than likely, bring you outstanding successes as your competencies strengthen!

Go for it and never give-up!

Have a nice week.  Happy Trails,

Elizabeth McNally

Mentor & Licensed Certified EI Coach

http://guidancequest.com

info@guidancequest.com

For details on my book:

http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/infoatguidancequestdotcom

Comment on my Blog:

http://guidancequestcom-eliprofesseure.blogspot.com/

Join me on Twitter:

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DOUBT & FEAR Dealing with sickness, disability, and death

When sickness or disability is temporary, you will react and adapt to the momentary discomfort by seeking medical council and assistance to rehabilitate.

On a short term, most people do not lose their bearing, unless they are worried of it being prolonged.  Our society is set to provide the services for such instances.  Generally, a person will assess and seek the required help.

The problem becomes more tangible and acute from the moment the sickness becomes chronic or the disability becomes long term or permanent.  Other factors pop-up and the necessity to cope may bring on doubt and fear.  If your imagination is lively and vivid, it can also bring you to see the worst in the occurrence.

Doubt will invade your psyche when you don’t know how debilitating this sickness or disability will be.  Having trustworthy, honest council will help you see where you stand.  Once you know the ins and outs of the situation, it becomes a question of organization.  Do not hesitate to seek help to ease your healing process.  You need to monitor your energy and use it for healing; otherwise, you may prolong the time of your recovery.  The outcome of a temporary disability may often depend on your mindset and resilience.

When permanent disability is encountered, you face a totally different challenge.  Two scenarios are more likely to develop, in this case.  The first is that you know clearly what you will be left with and can plan to take concrete action to live with this.  Even though it is hard to face, it becomes manageable as it runs its course.

The second is that you have no idea how debilitating it will be because no one can pinpoint the exact degree of the final disability.   This is overbearing and crushing until facts can be established.  When your cognitive mind processes the information, you will be able to set your path and move forward. 

Both are learning experiences that will require a great deal of devotion in order to change your way of life and adapt.  Support of your family and friends will ease the path.  Nevertheless, it is you, the main actor that has the capacity to turn the challenges encountered into goals to better reach for a fulfilling life again.

A third scenario may loom as well.  The news of being subject to a terminal disease will again paint a different picture.  In this instance, your readiness and acceptance will help your remaining days to become filled with serenity.  When people face a limit in time to live, they will go through different phases before death claims them.  This may start with disbelief and hopefully reach acceptance and peace of mind in the end. 

It is never easy to see someone close go through any of these challenges. Just remember that it is somewhat harder for the person involved.  So do be kind accompanying and bringing support when you can! Especially when facing death, we face our own vulnerable end.  It is particularly unsettling.  When requiring support, do seek it! It’ll make the whole difference!