Teaching Resilience

The ability to be resilient cannot be understated in life. Things happen that go beyond our scope of understanding and many times well beyond our control. We have all heard the adage that life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react (Cooper, 2002). The reason we have all heard the saying is because it resonates with us. Resilience is all about bouncing back from setbacks and adversity.

Mentors and colleagues in general can play an invaluable role in guiding others by showing emotional and psychological strength during difficult times. Life is fraught with challenges, and building resilience is a critical life skill. Effective mentorship entails not only imparting knowledge but also instilling in mentees the techniques and strategies to navigate adversity with grace. A mentor can empower their mentees to face life's challenges head-on, ultimately enhancing their personal and professional growth.

Resilience is a well-documented psychological concept, crucial for both personal and professional development. Carl Folke (2016) introduces the idea of ‘resilience thinking’. Before this research, the term resilience has been used in a very narrow sense, referring to a return to a state of equilibrium after some sort of disruption. There are other forms of the definition, but the focus is on recovery.  The Folke’s research, he reports most ideas of resilience has an implicit focus on trying to resist change and keep control of it to maintain a level of stability. Resilience thinking is more of an approach that is a complex adaptive system of how to embrace change and make positive use of it. 

Some strategies a mentor can use to guide their mentees in building resilience begin with trust and interpersonal communication. Positive self-talk should be encouraged as self-affirmation can bolster any frame of mind. Mentors should also provide tips of problem-solving skills. When face with adversity, being able to solve problems to find practical solutions is all part of resilience. A partner to problem solving is finding healthy coping strategies. If navigating adversity is important, then coping must be equal to the task. Mentors can also help by providing stories sharing their own experiences. It is easier to walk through a dark tunnel when the one you are walking with has been there before. 

Though we all want to have positive engagement, there are times when we fail. Failure is a part of life and being resilient is about learning from it. Mentors can help teach that setbacks and mistakes are opportunities for growth and development. 

Teaching resilience not only benefits the mentor-mentee relationship but also the organization. A workforce skilled in resilience is better equipped to handle change, adversity, and uncertainty. This, in turn, contributes to the organization's ability to weather challenges and adapt to evolving circumstances. The ripple effect will be noticed. 

Until next time...

A Tapestry of Perspectives

Tis the season to see things through a different lens. Empathy, the delicate thread that weaves the tapestry of human connection, is a multifaceted gem that reflects the intricate hues of our shared existence. It is a profound capacity, transcending boundaries and inviting us into the diverse landscapes of others' emotions and experiences. As we embark on a journey through the various perspectives of empathy, we uncover its transformative power and the profound impact it has on individuals and societies alike.

At its core, empathy is an emotional resonance, an ability to understand and share the feelings of another. It's the bridge that spans the chasm of isolation, fostering connection and forging bonds between individuals. From a psychological standpoint, empathy is a complex interplay of cognitive and affective processes. It involves not only recognizing and understanding another person's emotions but also experiencing a parallel emotional response.

From the lens of neuroscience, empathy is illuminated as a symphony of mirror neurons firing in tandem, creating a neurological dance that allows us to vicariously experience the joy, pain, and myriad emotions of those around us. This neural ballet blurs the lines between self and other, erasing the illusion of separateness that often plagues human interactions.

Yet, empathy is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It manifests in various forms, each offering a unique perspective on the shared human experience. Emotional empathy, characterized by feeling what another feels, is the heart's compassionate echo. Cognitive empathy, on the other hand, involves the intellectual understanding of another's emotions without necessarily sharing in the emotional experience. Both are essential, complementing each other like the yin and yang of human connection.

Cultural and societal perspectives further enrich our understanding of empathy. In collectivist cultures, empathy is often deeply woven into the fabric of community, emphasizing interconnectedness and mutual support. Conversely, individualistic societies may place a premium on personal autonomy, challenging the boundaries of empathy and self-interest. These cultural nuances shape the way empathy is expressed and received, illustrating the intricate dance between the individual and the collective.

Empathy is not without its challenges. The very act of opening oneself to the emotions of others can be emotionally taxing, leading to empathy fatigue or burnout. Striking a delicate balance between compassion and self-preservation becomes a nuanced art, requiring introspection and self-awareness.

In the realm of literature and art, empathy takes on a transformative role. Characters in novels become our companions, their struggles and triumphs resonating with the chords of our own experiences. Artistic expression becomes a mirror reflecting the kaleidoscope of human emotions, inviting us to step into the shoes of the creator and their subjects.

As we navigate the labyrinth of perspectives on empathy, it becomes evident that this capacity is both a gift and a responsibility. It invites us to transcend the boundaries of our individual narratives and embrace the rich tapestry of humanity. Empathy, in its myriad forms, serves as a compass guiding us toward a more compassionate and understanding world, where the echoes of shared emotions reverberate across the interconnected threads of our existence.

Until next time...

Lead by Example

In my new book, "Impact Mentoring: 200 Ways to Make an Impact as a Mentor and Colleague," I discuss the power of role modeling. Sometimes the best way to inspire another is to lead by example. People notice when behaviors and qualities resonate with them and they try to emulate them. 

Role modeling, a concept studied by Bandura (1977) in his social learning theory, underscores the impact of observing and emulating the behaviors of others. In the mentoring context, leading by example allows mentees to witness the practical application of principles and values. By embodying these qualities, mentors not only convey their commitment to the mentorship but also illustrate the benefits of embracing these attributes.

This happens whether is a mentoring situation or not.  I can tell you that early in my administrative career I always wore a white pressed shirt and tie to school. I didn't do it to be noticed, I did it because I like to look nice with a pressed shirt. A colleague came to me one day and told me how she noticed how I 'always' wore a pressed white shirt to school and it made her want to dress more professionally. I obviously thanked her, but the incident didn't fall on deaf ears. My attire made an impact.

In another area, if a leader or mentor encourages punctuality and consistently arrives on time to work or meetings it will send a clear message to everyone about the importance of this value. Others will be more likely to adopt a similar stance. 

Leading by example not only imparts values but also inspires mentees to strive for personal and professional growth. When mentors exhibit qualities such as resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset, they encourage mentees to embrace these traits as well.

As psychologist Albert Bandura stated, "In learning through modeling, people ascertain the boundaries within which they are to regulate their behavior." By observing the mentor's success through these qualities, mentees are motivated to explore and expand their own boundaries.

The impact of leading by example will influence the broader workplace culture, fostering a climate of positive behavior and values. When mentors consistently demonstrate qualities like teamwork, integrity, and effective communication, they contribute to an organizational culture that reflects these principles. This, in turn, benefits the entire workplace by promoting cooperation, trust, and professional development.

Ultimately, leading by example is a commitment to paving the way for others to follow in the journey towards excellence. It is a simple choice.

Until next time...

Encouraging Adaptability

It is so vital to emphasize the importance of being flexible and adaptable in changing environments with new teachers. With things changing around us so rapidly, it is so important to be flexible and adaptable. Change is never easy and those that can roll with the changes find more success. Adaptability is a key determinant of success. Research, such as that conducted by Tugade and Fredrickson (2004), highlights the importance of psychological resilience and adaptability in facing adversity and change. Mentors should recognize that their mentees will encounter evolving landscapes, both in their careers and personal lives. Mentors can help to empower their mentees to embrace change, respond to challenges, and thrive in dynamic environments.

Adaptability begins with a mindset shift. Mentors should encourage their mentees to view change as an opportunity for growth and learning. Embracing change allows individuals to gain new experiences, develop innovative solutions, and expand their skill set. Mentors can share their own experiences of adapting to change and highlight the lessons they've learned. These stories serve as practical examples of how to navigate uncertainty and leverage change for personal and professional development.   

Mentors should emphasize the importance of flexibility and open-mindedness. Encouraging mentees to be open to new ideas, willing to change course, and adaptable in their thinking fosters innovation and creativity. Mentors should also provide guidance on how to be flexible in their work approaches and open to alternative solutions. This practical advice helps mentees become more agile in their decision-making and problem-solving.

Until next time...

Weight Loss Secrets or not

Since I have been losing weight, I have been asked about my 'secret'.  Really, I don't have one. Once I exited the hospital after COVID almost took my life, I became an insulin-dependent diabetic. Daily injections were the norm until my doctor told me he wanted me to try a new medication which is a weekly injection.  He said it was Monjaro. I was in total agreement with anything that allowed me to not inject myself daily. There were side effects including loss of appetite, which certainly has helped but it is not the only reason I have lost over 75 pounds in the past year. The secret is in calories and exercise. 

Energy balance is at the heart of weight management. The concept is simple: the calories we consume (calories in) should match or be less than the calories we burn through physical activity and your body's metabolic processes (calories out). Calories in + Calories out = weight gain or loss. Understanding this balance is crucial in achieving your weight loss goals.

To shed excess pounds, it's essential to maintain a calorie deficit. This means consuming fewer calories than your body needs for daily activities and basic functions. When your calorie intake is less than your calorie expenditure, your body turns to stored fat for energy, resulting in weight loss. It takes roughly 3500 calories to make a pound so do the math.  A calorie deficit of 500 calories a day will mean a loss of 1 pound a week or a significant 52 pounds in a year. For me, I added daily workouts.  I run a minimum of 2 miles a day and have been going non-stop all year. Recently, I have been jogging 3 miles a day which keeps me in a caloric deficit.  

No doubt, willpower comes into play.  The easy part for me is that I am a diabetic. I can't have sugar, and carbs in excess are not good either.  I limit myself to proteins and fats, which is another good choice that was forced upon me. Needless to say, successfully navigating your weight loss journey hinges on understanding your daily caloric needs, achieving the optimal balance of calories in and calories out, and the significance of meal timing and frequency. My book on all this is about finished where I discuss all of these points. Stay tuned.

Until next time...

Building a Team

Teamwork is the most important thing we can build in an organization. While leadership plays a pivotal role in guiding an organization, it is the collective efforts of a well-built team that truly can propel organizations to new heights. When a leader focuses on building a team, they prioritize bringing together individuals with complementary skills, expertise, and personalities. Through effective team building, leaders ensure that each member's strengths align and complement the weaknesses of others, thereby creating synergy. Synergy is the phenomenon where the combined efforts of a team result in an outcome greater than the sum of individual contributions. This synergy leads to increased innovation, problem-solving capabilities, and productivity within the organization.

Teamwork fosters an environment that encourages diverse perspectives, ideas, and solutions. By incorporating different viewpoints, team members can generate a wider range of ideas and innovative solutions to complex challenges. Collaborative brainstorming sessions and open discussions enable teams to tap into the collective knowledge and creativity of their members, which can lead to breakthrough innovations and novel approaches. This collaborative environment nurtures a culture of continuous learning and improvement, driving the organization toward success. 

An effective team allows for the distribution of responsibilities and workload among its members. When tasks are shared, individuals can focus on their areas of expertise, leading to higher-quality outputs. Additionally, shared responsibilities foster a sense of ownership and accountability within the team. Team members feel motivated to perform at their best and meet or exceed the expectations set for them. This shared sense of responsibility promotes a positive work culture and increases the overall efficiency of the organization.

The bottom line is together we all succeed, divided we fail. It's good food for thought.

Until next time...

If Nothing Changes, Nothing Changes

Change, a fundamental force that shapes our lives and societies, has been a subject of contemplation and action since the dawn of time. I'm sure Caveman was disrupted when a tribesman suggested another way to forage. No doubt, it has been disruptive from the beginning. Change is a dynamic phenomenon that propels us forward, yet its implications extend far beyond its surface. As an educator, entrusted with the responsibility of helping to steer the course of our educational institutions, I stand firm in the belief that change, if harnessed purposefully, can be a catalyst for growth and progress. However, let us remember the adage: "If nothing changes, nothing changes," and heed the wisdom that cautions us against changing for change's sake.

The very notion of change inherently suggests a departure from the status quo, a departure that seeks to improve, refine, and adapt to the evolving landscapes of knowledge, technology, and societal dynamics. It is a reflection of our innate human capacity to envision a better future and take action to bring that vision to life. However, the pursuit of change requires a thoughtful approach, one that is grounded in intention, strategy, and a clear understanding of the underlying motivations.

Change for the sake of change is a perilous endeavor, akin to a ship setting sail without a destination. It may lead us astray, leaving us disoriented and uncertain of our purpose. Therefore, as we traverse the uncharted waters of transformation, it is imperative that we do so with a steadfast commitment to purpose. This commitment compels us to analyze the present state of affairs, identify areas of improvement, and craft a vision that is rooted in our core values and educational mission.

Until next time...