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Once again in is time for world’s toughest game… LYS Jeopardy!
Alex, I'll take ‘Incompetent Executive Leadership’ for $2,000.
What is, "I say I want my schools to change, but instead of addressing the obvious weaknesses of upper management, I hold middle and lower management accountable for system issues for which they are not responsible. Thus, shifting everyone’s attention away from my incompetence.”
SC Response
Schools fail because systems fail. Systems are the responsibility of leadership. The more catastrophic the system failure, the further up the leadership chain the responsibility lies. It is this simple fact that school boards, assistant superintendents and directors do their best to ignore. Average to great Superintendents understand this, but they like Head Coaches, expect to be fired at some time.
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Your turn...
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Brown Writes - More Anonymous Letters (The Catch 22)
I do support and have practiced the destruction of anonymous letters. However I will add that there is a risk in destroying any information (even anonymous) without review. The review process is to protect you, the organization, and possible victims, based on legal issues that may come into play regarding the content of the letters. Alleged issues such as sexual harassment, embezzlement, and other illegal acts carrying the potential of harm and/or responsibility must be considered. I have often said "the only thing you cannot do with this type of information is nothing".
My bottom line is that I have trashed numerous anonymous letters, but there have been some that I acted upon when it was the prudent thing to do. Never say never when you are dealing with thousands of students, hundreds of parents, and dozens of staff under your leadership.
EDB
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Your turn...
My bottom line is that I have trashed numerous anonymous letters, but there have been some that I acted upon when it was the prudent thing to do. Never say never when you are dealing with thousands of students, hundreds of parents, and dozens of staff under your leadership.
EDB
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Your turn...
Thursday, January 14, 2010
A Reader Writes... (Anonymous Letters - Part 5)
In response to the posts on Anonymous Letters, a reader writes:
“There is a saying, ‘Sticks and stones will break my bones but words can never hurt me.’
I don't know who wrote this, but words do hurt. At the same time, I hope that once I've had the chance to think the situation over that I can release the hurt I felt and look at what was said to me through new eyes. For me, words said in person hurt me much more than words said anonymously in a letter, on some message board, or through some other media.
Something I am learning about myself through Lead Your School is that I feel more compassionate toward a person who offends me personally. It's that when I perceive someone’s words are offensive to someone else, or a group of people, I become more passionate and assertive about expressing my beliefs from a place of power that comes from within.
So while at first we might read someone’s anonymous words and give some credence to those words unconsciously, I would hope that through careful thought and introspection that one would regain their own power and use it for peaceful, thoughtful resolution.
SC Response
As the target of many anonymous complaints, I don’t give them a second thought. I live by my words, ideas, and actions (as do most Principals). I share them freely and I will discuss and debate them with anyone, at anytime. But if someone doesn’t have the courage, fortitude, conviction and/or intelligence to state, defend and debate their case, they have not met the professional obligation necessary to receive a fair forum for their issue. Interestingly, I once had a Superintendent tell me that in my case, anonymous letters were legitimate because I was so quick and well read that in a fair debate, I always won. Needless to say, I wasn’t surprised when he was fired.
However, like the reader, if someone signs the letter, or even better, stands up and speaks in person, I will take notice. I may not change my course of action, but at least I am empathetic to their concern. And due to their conviction, I am more likely to seek out their input in the future.
As a leader, I generally don’t have to look very far to find someone who will agree with me. Throw a rock and you will hit somebody. On the other hand, a person with a well-reasoned, contrary position is worth their weight in gold. Or as Dr. John Sawyer told me in one of our first meetings (when I worked for him), my primary job was to keep him from inadvertently walking off the cliff. You can’t do that effectively with an anonymous letter.
Think. Work. Achieve.
Your turn...
“There is a saying, ‘Sticks and stones will break my bones but words can never hurt me.’
I don't know who wrote this, but words do hurt. At the same time, I hope that once I've had the chance to think the situation over that I can release the hurt I felt and look at what was said to me through new eyes. For me, words said in person hurt me much more than words said anonymously in a letter, on some message board, or through some other media.
Something I am learning about myself through Lead Your School is that I feel more compassionate toward a person who offends me personally. It's that when I perceive someone’s words are offensive to someone else, or a group of people, I become more passionate and assertive about expressing my beliefs from a place of power that comes from within.
So while at first we might read someone’s anonymous words and give some credence to those words unconsciously, I would hope that through careful thought and introspection that one would regain their own power and use it for peaceful, thoughtful resolution.
SC Response
As the target of many anonymous complaints, I don’t give them a second thought. I live by my words, ideas, and actions (as do most Principals). I share them freely and I will discuss and debate them with anyone, at anytime. But if someone doesn’t have the courage, fortitude, conviction and/or intelligence to state, defend and debate their case, they have not met the professional obligation necessary to receive a fair forum for their issue. Interestingly, I once had a Superintendent tell me that in my case, anonymous letters were legitimate because I was so quick and well read that in a fair debate, I always won. Needless to say, I wasn’t surprised when he was fired.
However, like the reader, if someone signs the letter, or even better, stands up and speaks in person, I will take notice. I may not change my course of action, but at least I am empathetic to their concern. And due to their conviction, I am more likely to seek out their input in the future.
As a leader, I generally don’t have to look very far to find someone who will agree with me. Throw a rock and you will hit somebody. On the other hand, a person with a well-reasoned, contrary position is worth their weight in gold. Or as Dr. John Sawyer told me in one of our first meetings (when I worked for him), my primary job was to keep him from inadvertently walking off the cliff. You can’t do that effectively with an anonymous letter.
Think. Work. Achieve.
Your turn...
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Brezina Writes... Comment on Anonymous Letters, Part 4
Well said, by both.
BB
SC Response
I’m just going to savor that compliment for the rest of the day. And since Brezina just gave it his sign of approval, you should review yesterday’s post.
Think. Work. Achieve.
Your turn...
BB
SC Response
I’m just going to savor that compliment for the rest of the day. And since Brezina just gave it his sign of approval, you should review yesterday’s post.
Think. Work. Achieve.
Your turn...
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
A Reader Writes... (Anonymous Letters - Part 4)
In response to the posts on Anonymous Letters, a reader (an assistant superintendent who has dramatically improved both high school and district performance) writes:
“I have been exposed to this situation 5 times in the last 15 years (only once was I the target). I have been able to watch it play out each time. This is what I have learned.
First, do not blame the letter writer, they are not the coward. Actually, they are just playing a weak card (probably their only card) and hoping for the best. To sign their name to it would be a dumb move. So once again, they are not the coward in this story, they are just a savvy game player.
It is the reaction of the leadership who received the letter that determines the effectiveness of their play (and the blame, if handled incorrectly). The only correct response is to ignore anonymous efforts, thus ending the game.
If the leadership gives credence to the letter and uses it, shame on them. They are buying into a gambit that is all “downside” with no “upside.” If they use it as a reason to change direction, or force others to change directions, then they become the coward in the story.
As the superior, if they want you to change directions they should just tell you so; after all, that is their job. They do not need the excuse of an anonymous letter to justify their action. By using the letter, they are the coward. They are hiding behind a letter that there can be no response to, and substituting that for their legitimate authority. That is why the term coward applies. If ‘coward’ is too strong a term for you, let’s just call it weak (sad, pathetic, etc.) leadership.
As the target, this is how I would interpret this situation. The obvious weakness of the anonymous letter writer's gambit is just confirmation that your efforts are working, so take heart and ignore their play.
If your supervisor responds to the anonymous letter, you are lucky. You now know that you are in the wrong district. This is a simple indicator that you are working in a weak system and for a weak leader and unless you decide to join them, you have now have ability to find your next job while still working."
SC Response
That was an excellent, measured comment and one that reminds me of some advice that a very successful entrepreneur shared with me early in my career. He said,
“Do not punish sheep for being sheep; they can not help who they are. Punish the shepherd who led his flock astray due to self interest, lack of foresight, or lack of integrity.”
It seems to me if you are a school leader responding to anonymous letters, you are like the shepherd who responds to the bleating of irritated sheep. If this behavior is unacceptable of a shepherd, why would one consider it acceptable for a school leader?
Think. Work. Achieve.
Your turn...
“I have been exposed to this situation 5 times in the last 15 years (only once was I the target). I have been able to watch it play out each time. This is what I have learned.
First, do not blame the letter writer, they are not the coward. Actually, they are just playing a weak card (probably their only card) and hoping for the best. To sign their name to it would be a dumb move. So once again, they are not the coward in this story, they are just a savvy game player.
It is the reaction of the leadership who received the letter that determines the effectiveness of their play (and the blame, if handled incorrectly). The only correct response is to ignore anonymous efforts, thus ending the game.
If the leadership gives credence to the letter and uses it, shame on them. They are buying into a gambit that is all “downside” with no “upside.” If they use it as a reason to change direction, or force others to change directions, then they become the coward in the story.
As the superior, if they want you to change directions they should just tell you so; after all, that is their job. They do not need the excuse of an anonymous letter to justify their action. By using the letter, they are the coward. They are hiding behind a letter that there can be no response to, and substituting that for their legitimate authority. That is why the term coward applies. If ‘coward’ is too strong a term for you, let’s just call it weak (sad, pathetic, etc.) leadership.
As the target, this is how I would interpret this situation. The obvious weakness of the anonymous letter writer's gambit is just confirmation that your efforts are working, so take heart and ignore their play.
If your supervisor responds to the anonymous letter, you are lucky. You now know that you are in the wrong district. This is a simple indicator that you are working in a weak system and for a weak leader and unless you decide to join them, you have now have ability to find your next job while still working."
SC Response
That was an excellent, measured comment and one that reminds me of some advice that a very successful entrepreneur shared with me early in my career. He said,
“Do not punish sheep for being sheep; they can not help who they are. Punish the shepherd who led his flock astray due to self interest, lack of foresight, or lack of integrity.”
It seems to me if you are a school leader responding to anonymous letters, you are like the shepherd who responds to the bleating of irritated sheep. If this behavior is unacceptable of a shepherd, why would one consider it acceptable for a school leader?
Think. Work. Achieve.
Your turn...
Monday, January 11, 2010
Brown Writes - Anonymous Letters
I have very much the same advice that was offered by Bob Brezina. I always glanced to make sure the there were no legal implications of the words written. The only thing you cannot do with legal issues is nothing. I made a brief mental note and immediately filed it in file #13, better known as the shredder.
In addition I took further steps to prevent individuals from passing along gossip about others by simply saying that I did not want to hear it and that if something needed to be done they should write it down and sign it. It became official business at the time it was signed.
Strong leaders do not seek or act on gossip, inferences, or innuendos dealing with the individuals or the school.
EDB
Think. Work. Achieve.
Your turn...
In addition I took further steps to prevent individuals from passing along gossip about others by simply saying that I did not want to hear it and that if something needed to be done they should write it down and sign it. It became official business at the time it was signed.
Strong leaders do not seek or act on gossip, inferences, or innuendos dealing with the individuals or the school.
EDB
Think. Work. Achieve.
Your turn...
Sunday, January 10, 2010
A Reader Submits... More Jeopardy
"Alex, I’ll take ‘Incompetent Organization Practices’ for $2000"
"Managerial Fear."
What is "Change is scary and I won’t hire movers and shakers that will make me look bad."
SC Response
They say that the participants on Jeopardy are the smartest contestants on television. I’m beginning to understand why. These are tough questions that most people seem to avoid.
Think. Work. Achieve.
Your turn...
"Managerial Fear."
What is "Change is scary and I won’t hire movers and shakers that will make me look bad."
SC Response
They say that the participants on Jeopardy are the smartest contestants on television. I’m beginning to understand why. These are tough questions that most people seem to avoid.
Think. Work. Achieve.
Your turn...
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