A Reader Writes... (Fear - Part 10)

In response to the posts on, “Fear,” a reader writes:

“The ‘Fear’ blogs have really hit home with me professionally. As I have moved into leadership positions, I have found that occasionally the fear monster creeps into my life and steals the passion that I have about education right out from beneath me. However, I am learning that it has not always been a negative experience. Each time that I have moved outside my comfort zone, I have learned from the experience.

It is funny that I have realized that you are never too old to learn simple life lessons, such as your seemingly worst enemies can teach you the greatest lessons. Remember that those that fear you will always find a way to point out your negative attributes…and let’s face it, those are the ones that need improvement if you are to become a successful leader. I have learned to work on making the enemy my ally by finding their most important assets, pointing them out to the person, and motivating them to share with others. Negativism can become cancerous to your staff, so why not work on using their power of persuasion in a positive way.”

SC Response
I have two thoughts that relate to this comment. First, fear is nothing to be ashamed of. Leadership is a huge responsibility. Even in the relatively safe confines of a campus - lives, careers, and futures can hinge on a single decision. Couple that with the fact that the more proactive and aggressive you are, the more you have to rely on incomplete data and information. But as the reader reminds us, there is more growth and knowledge to be gained outside our comfort zone, rather than in it.

Second, I like the idea of using the strengths of your enemies to win them to your side. That doesn’t mean we slow down, but I do understand that an eventual neutral is much more useful than a consistent naysayer.

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...

A Reader Writes... (Conference - Part 4)

“It is exciting to hear this type of feedback from the conference. I did not have the privilege of attending, but I have had the privilege of not only seeing Cain in action, but I have witnessed some of his work in person.

I took an assistant principal with me on one occasion to a DAEP that Cain was doing extensive work with. The AP left feeling inspired and wondering why our faculty did not put that much effort into kids. In fact, the AP said he did not want to go back to such a kid-negative environment after witnessing first hand what was happening at this model DAEP.

I am skeptical of most people who deliver professional development, but I will say this about Cain and E. Don Brown - they walk it like they talk it, and I have seen that with my own eyes.”

SC Response
Thank you for the kind words. It has always been my belief that if people are going to listen to you and put their careers on the line to implement your ideas, then you must be willing to do whatever it takes to make them successful. Brezina, Brown and I never forget that and do our best to live that every day. If you are coachable, we won't quit.

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...

A Reader Writes... (Fear - Part 9)

In response to the posts on, “Fear,” a reader writes:

“Using fear as a motivator is a sign of leadership. Most people are afraid to explore new avenues for fear that they might fail. As leaders, when we embrace fear and overcome the “what-if’s,” it makes us stronger and more willing to change the status quo.”

SC Response
Again, back to the central premise of the original discussion, it is the type of fear that drives leaders, that actually separates them. Great leaders are afraid of “not doing something.”

Average leaders are afraid of doing the wrong thing, which means they often do nothing. In the best case scenario this perpetuates the status quo. In the worst case it allows the slow and gradual decline of the organization.

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...

A Reader Writes... (Conference - Part 3)

"My principal has provided my school the opportunity to work with Sean Cain for the past 3 years. We have implemented the many suggestions that he has provided, including the GAME ON system, and our school has seen a tremendous turn around. Administrator accountability, teacher accountability, and student accountability have all soared.

Sean and his team support school leaders in doing what we often ask teachers to do - CHANGE. It has not always been easy, and sometimes it has been REALLY hard. But, when any professionals from the outside (central office, other schools, universities, etc.) walk into our school (1000 students, bilingual, and 75% low SES), they are simply amazed.

I am proud to say that no one out works our administrators, teachers, or students. I come to school every day knowing that almost all of us are working towards the same goals - STUDENT SUCCESS in both academics and behavior. And those who aren't quite with us on the same page receive constant attention, support and coaching.

During the past three years we have implemented many changes (and will continue to do so), and we are a hair’s breadth from being Exemplary on the TAKS. In terms on student behavior our students outperform the entire district. Currently we are Recognized, but not satisfied (and never will be). Much of this current success is based on suggestions Sean and his team have provided us.

I was able to hear Sean and Mike Laird at the Cy-Fair conference twice. If you were present at the last session on Friday, you were able to obtain some information that if implemented correctly will dramatically increase student performance. You were also able to witness the true passion Sean has for our craft. As I said earlier, Sean has been at my school numerous times, but this was the first time that I saw a different side to him while relaying his message and it was really special and motivating to see it.

Thanks for sharing your passion and providing this blog to post comments on a variety of topics!"

SC Response
First, thank you for the kind words. You give me too much credit for your success. I just made a few suggestions. You and your peers do all the heavy lifting. If you and the staff weren’t willing to work everyday to improve your craft, my suggestions would mean nothing.

Second, this reader’s school is a special place. I have yet to visit a campus that maintains a higher sense of instructional urgency, anywhere. When I worked for the state of Texas, I used this elementary school as a model school for low performing high schools. We would bring secondary school leaders and teachers from across the state to take notes and witness first hand what quality classroom instruction looks like. And they are much better now than they were then.

Third this school works smart: short-term common assessments; PowerWalks data; vertical teaming; Game On; etc. If you have read about something new or are thinking about doing something new, this campus is probably already doing it.

Fourth, this school knows its data and adapts accordingly. Last year they averaged less than five discipline referrals a week and missed being Exemplary by just four individual questions on the science test. How’s that for awareness?

Finally, yes - I actually was speechless at the end of that last presentation.

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...

A Reader Writes... (Fear - Part 8)

In response to the post, “Fear – Part 5,” a reader writes,

“Psychopath you say? Well, put it to good use.

I have an affliction too: I never quit, even when fear (prudence?) says I should. Some people view me as a psychopath (among other words). Keep up the good work.”

SC Response
I know both of these posters personally (yet they have never met or talked, and they are both Brown Guys). They have both made a career out of leading the teams that on the surface offer a bigger chance of perceived failure, than success. Here is what is interesting about the two of them, and other like them. As they achieve success where no one thought it possible, they are driven to tackle the next “impossible” task. What others see as reckless action, I recognize as supreme confidence and complete mission understanding.

I had a superintendent (and early mentor) tell me that there were two types of great principals that every superintendent had to have on staff in order to be successful. The principal that could take a great campus to new heights; and the principal that could get the bad campus out of the ditch seemingly overnight.

These two school leaders are part of the “Out of the Ditch” crew.

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...

A Reader Writes... (Conference - 2)

“I attended both of your sessions at the Rigor, Relevance and Relationship Conference (hosted by Cypress-Fairbanks ISD). Your presentations were direct, explicit and practical. I admire your vision and appreciate your guidance.”

SC Response
Thank you! Like you heard me say, anytime we can align both theory and practice in a way that positively impact students, it’s down right exciting.

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn…