Top LYS Tweets From the Week of March 3, 2013

A number of you in the LYS Nation are now Twitter users.  If you haven’t done so yet, we want you to join us.  To let you see what you are missing, here are the Top 10 LYS Tweets from the week of March 3, 2013.

1. If you believe morale is about keeping people happy, you are misinformed and misguided.

2. True definition of morale: Unit cohesion in the face of adversity. What does that say to you about your leadership and staff? (By @CabidaCain)

3. AGAIN I'm reminded of the significance of framing lessons with student friendly learning goals... Yet we still inconsistently practice it. (By @jbriannorton)

4. Children feel shame when they don't meet our expectations—another reason to praise effort instead of the person. (By @anniemurphypaul)

5. "Wrong answer moments" are an incredible learning opportunity. Game designers do it. In classroom, it’s a perfect use of Recognition & Reinforcement. (By @S_Snell)  

6. Anyone know where my HS kids can attend training on how to use their cell phones? What? They just figure them out? Weird. (By @Joesanfelippofc)

7. Why is it that we cut education funds, when we all know our future depends on the quality of innovative thinkers in the next generation? (By @DrRichAllen)

8. Inability to act over sequestration is a damning indictment of the way our government functions these days. (By @FareedZakaria)

9. I can't think of a management practice more poisonous than giving any attention to anonymous letters.

10. Tax-credit vouchers simply subsidize tuition for students already going to private school. (By RYHTexas)

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...

• Call Jo at (832) 477-LEAD to order your campus set of “The Fundamental 5: The Formula for Quality Instruction.” Individual copies available on Amazon.com!  http://tinyurl.com/Fundamental5 
• Call Jo at (832) 477-LEAD to order your campus set of “Look at Me: A Cautionary School Leadership Tale” Individual copies available on Amazon.com!  http://tinyurl.com/lookatmebook
• Now at the Apple App Store: Fun 5 Plans (Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan Tool); PW Lite (Basic PowerWalks Tool); PW Pro (Mid-level PowerWalks Tool)
• Upcoming Presentations: National Association of Secondary School Principals Conference (Multiple Presentations), Texas Association of Secondary School Principals Conference (Multiple Presentations)
• Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation  and like Lead Your School on Facebook

A Reader Writes... (Anonymous Letters - Part 6)

In response to the posts on Anonymous Letters, a reader writes:

“Good luck on finding a ‘Brezina type’ leader. I have only worked for one who was close to the archetype and accept for a personal tragedy that would break any man, I never saw him weaken. Every other Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent that I have worked for have paled in comparison to that man and Brezina. As Cain points out, Brezina always walks the talk. Most leaders like to think that they do, up until it is inconvenient to do so. What is inconvenient? For some it may be an anonymous letter, for others it may be whispers heard at church on Sunday. What is your breaking point? Have you been tested by fire? Have you ever had to fall on your sword? If yes, you are not unlike the old school LYS clan.

Does your breaking point leave kids vulnerable? We know that everyone will breaks at some point, but if your breaking point is so low that it will put kids at risk, get out of leadership roles.”

SC Response
This post touches on one of the reasons why the modern principalship is such a great incubator of true leadership. Accountability forces you to choose between the greater good (student success) and the path of least resistance (adult comfort). Those who choose the greater good, move from the ranks of manager to leader. And the skills and experiences gleaned through the actualization of that course of action translate in subsequent jobs and positions. Unfortunately, the opposite is also true. That is why I am always initially suspect of the central office administrator who was promoted from a stagnant or declining campus. Sometimes that person made the best of a no win situation (a good thing). Sometimes they were simply demoted up (the worst thing).

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...

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

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...

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...

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...

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...

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...

A Reader Writes... (Anonymous Letters - Part 3)

In response to the post on Anonymous Letters, a reader writes:

“Amen, brother. You and the LYS Nation are dead on target when it comes to this topic. Fortunately, I have never had to deal with this yet. But I’m saving these posts just in case.”

SC Response
I do realize that I may be one of the luckiest men ever in education. In my first meeting with “The Boss” as a rookie principal, I was told the following:

“I hired you to do right by my kids. You take care of them. I’ll take care of the complaints.”

Why I was lucky is because Robert Brezina (The Boss) always ‘walked the talk.’ Brezina didn’t wilt at the first sign of adversity. He welcomed adversity because it meant that he was taking the path less traveled.

If you don’t work for a ‘Brezina’ type of leader, find one as quick as you can.

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...

A Reader Writes... (Anonymous Letters - Part 2)

In response to the post on Anonymous Letters, a reader writes:

“Of course Brezina is right. I had a similar problem in a district. The problem was that the anonymous letters went to board members as well as the superintendent. I knew what I wanted to do with the anonymous letters, so did the superintendent. However, the letters were unofficially given credibility by the board.

If the anonymous letters get the attention of the weak link in the leadership chain (which can be any level from the principal to the board), they can be swayed. If this happens, I fear there is little that administrators down stream can do about this. I hope the leadership above you stays strong, but based on your letter I wouldn’t count on it.”

SC Response
A significant part of the equation boils down to this:

We will run the district and campus based either on the input and insight of leaders and reflective educators who place the needs of students first; or we will run the district and campus based on the complaints of cowards who place their own needs above all others.

Then you have ask yourself one of two question sets.

1. Am I basing my decisions on the input of cowards? If so, what kind of leader does that make me?

Or,

2. Am I willing to work for the manager that makes his or her decisions based on the input of cowards instead of the needs of students?

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...

A Reader Writes... (Anonymous Letters - Part 1)

In response to the post on Anonymous Letters, a reader writes:

“The funny thing is this... There is always a ‘tipping point’ in the relationship between a staff and a new principal. The ‘tipping point’ signals the shift from the vocal minority complaining about change (or writing anonymously) to the silent majority finally being fed up with the constant negativity. The shift occurs for different reasons - an event, a problem, or just a matter of time. Complainers want to maintain the status quo because it's easier for them and gives them a feeling of power. The silent majority may be challenged by changes, but recognize when they are needed. When you are making decisions based on what is best for students, the silent majority eventually steps up.”

SC Response
What I have learned as a professional change agent is that you can not ignore the fundamental laws of nature. One of those laws is that movement requires friction. The belief that an organization can move without friction is a simply naïve. It also requires more effort to either start movement or reverse movement than to maintain movement. These are some of the reasons why those who have never faced the need to manage true change have no frame of reference of either the difficulty of the task or the skills requisite for job.

Because of this, in the initial stages of change, the superintendent and the principal have to show true leadership. Those above them (the Board for the Superintendent; central office staff for principal) often believe that complaints mean that change is being mismanaged (they are wrong). Those below them generally believe that they are already competent, so change is a waste of effort and resources (they too are wrong).

The leadership crucible is that one must generate enough positive results to sustain momentum before the naysayers create enough discontent to stop progress. You have to decide - will you create a better future for more students today; or will you continue to coddle adults who are actually getting paid to work. In other words, everyday you have to decide if you are a leader or a manager.

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...

Anonymous Letters, the Reboot

Right before our Christmas Sabbatical, a LYS reader sent in a question concerning anonymous letter. The responses started immediately, but there wasn’t enough time to truly engage in the conversation, so I postponed it. So without further ado, here is the reboot.

An LYS reader asks the following:

"Mr. Cain,

Recently our campus has been hit by a rash of anonymous letters. I know that we are on the right track, but it obvious that my principal is concerned. Any advice?"

SC Response:
Instead of my answer, I passed this question to the person who taught me how to deal with the type of trash that you asked about.

Brezina Answers:
Bosses handle anonymous letters is a number of different ways, from ignoring them (the correct way) to reacting like subject of the letter is the guilty party (the wrong way).

I throw them in the garbage because that is what the letters are; unless I keep them as evidence against the letter writer. Anonymous letters are the biggest waste of time and money that I know of and so do the people that are sending them (their goal is to stop progress, without having a legitimate reason). There is just one caveat. If the complaint alleges a criminal act, then a cursory review by a supervisor should be conducted.

Anonymous letters shouldn’t be a problem for your principal, unless your district handles it wrong.

BB

I’m interested in the advice of E. Don Brown and LYS Nation.

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...

A Reader Asks... Anonymous Letters

An LYS reader asks the following:

"Mr. Cain,

Recently our campus has been hit by a rash of anonymous letters. I know that we are on the right track, but it is obvious that my principal is concerned. Any advice?"

SC Response:
Instead of my answer, I passed this question to the person who taught me how to deal with the type of trash that you asked about.

Brezina Answers:
Bosses handle anonymous letters is a number of different ways, from ignoring them (the correct way) to reacting like subject of the letter is the guilty party (the wrong way).

I throw them in the garbage because that is what the letters are; unless I keep them as evidence against the letter writer. Anonymous letters are the biggest waste of time and money that I know of and so do the people that are sending them (their goal is to stop progress, without having a legitimate reason). There is just one caveat. If the complaint alleges a criminal act, then a cursory review by a supervisor should be conducted.

Anonymous letters shouldn’t be a problem for your principal, unless your district handles it wrong.

BB

Now, I’m interested in the advice of E. Don Brown and LYS Nation.

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...