Disciplines, in this context, are habits or patterns of behavior. As such they require conscious effort to develop and maintain, but normally become easier once part of our daily actions. Today’s post focuses on 3 disciplines which we typically know and understand, but often have trouble mastering. Although there are numerous disciplines which district leaders might individually focus upon, I believe these three can produce a high impact for those willing to put in the effort.
Are You Listening, or Just Waiting to Speak?
I think it is natural for our minds to prepare a response when listening to someone, but we must instead discipline ourselves to listen to what is being said. One way to do this is to take a quick note on items you want to come back to in the conversation while continuing to listen to the individual speaking. In Accelerated Wisdom: 50 Insights for Today’s Superintendent I speak to the option of carrying with you a “calendar card”, which is a small sheet of paper which shows your schedule for the day and can be kept in your purse, phone case, or shirt pocket. Once engaged in a conversation you can access the card, jot a quick note, and refer back to your thought when it is appropriate for you to speak. Of course another similar option is to carry with you extra business cards which you can turn over and write on as needed.
Regardless of the option used the concept is to figure out how to quickly record thoughts you want to come back to in the conversation without interrupting, or losing focus on what the person is saying to you. Leaders who use this technique can be good listeners, while also keeping track of items which they want to convey.
Seriously/Personally
One of the bloggers I read on a regular basis is Seth Godin. I find he often has brief, yet powerful points of wisdom which accelerate my performance as a leader. One such post he offered recently spoke to the difference between taking things seriously v. personally.
In essence his point was, as leaders, we need to always take issues which come before us seriously. In fact, as he states, “that is required”. What we must not do is take the issue personally. How often when one of our initiatives or decisions is challenged do we feel a welling up of anger, or defensiveness? I know I often do and frankly it has taken time, as a leader, to back away from these emotions and become more objective. Yes, I am invested in the initiative or decision, and thus will take its implementation seriously, but I must not tie it to myself personally.
Godin goes on to state that it is impossible be professional and take issues both seriously and personally at the same time. So as leaders one of the disciplines we must focus upon to be effective is objectivity when pushing an initiative or making a decision. It is not easy, but will make a significant difference in how you are viewed as a leader if mastered.
Intentions v. Actions
One of the leadership gurus I listen to on a regular basis through his podcasts is Dr. John Maxwell. Dr. Maxwell has been around for years and has written a number of prominent books on the topic of leadership development.
A concept he speaks to, which is a leadership discipline we need to master, relates to how we view our actions compared to the actions others take. Dr. Maxwell points out that we view ourselves through our intentions, but we see others through their actions. I think this is profound from the perspective that we often judge other’s actions based upon our perception of what they were attempting to accomplish rather than determining their true intent.
We see our actions through the lens of our intentions and I believe it takes discipline as leaders to do the same for others. I at times have written on the concept of “researching before reacting”, which is sorely needed today at all levels in our society. The idea that we need to stop, reflect, and talk to others before reacting to what we perceive they are doing or saying.
As stated at the beginning these are not unique leadership disciplines, but they do hold the promise of accelerating our wisdom. Please post in the comments below if you can add to this conversation, or have thoughts around how we can achieve mastery of these items. As always, everyone gains when we share the wisdom of our personal experience, or that which has been observed through working with others.
On a completely different note, please see in the attachments at the end of this newsletter a list of ways you can encourage your legislators to visit your school district. I had promised to provide this information for you in the last blog post and wanted to make sure I did so today.