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As a child, I rarely took things at face value. I asked questions. I looked for the exception. I tried to examine an idea from several sides before accepting it. My sentences often began with some version of, “What about this?” or “What if that happened?” or “Okay, but then what happens when...?” The response was not always enthusiastic. I was told more than once that I would be “great on the debate team.” Other times, the question was more pointed: Why did I always have to b

Fall in Love with the Problem, Briefly “Fall in love with the problem, not the solution” is powerful advice. It reminds us to slow down, remain curious, and understand what is really happening before rushing to fix it. We should not live inside the problem forever. Give the problem your full attention for 90 seconds. Ask what is happening beneath the surface. Consider who is affected, what assumptions you may be making, and whether you are addressing the real issue or simply

Why are there mirrors in a dance studio? The obvious answer is that dancers need to see themselves. They need to check their posture, placement, alignment, timing, and technique. They need to see whether the movement they believe they are making is the movement they are actually making. The mirrors are not there so dancers can simply admire themselves. They are there to provide information. A dancer may feel that an arm is fully extended when it is slightly bent. A turn may f

“A good answer is worth reinventing from scratch, again and again.” ~ Richard Powers In education and leadership, the goal isn’t to find one perfect solution and cling to it forever. The real work is in returning to our questions. Reflecting, refining, and responding to new learners, new contexts, and new challenges. What worked yesterday may need to be reimagined today, not because it failed, but because growth demands responsiveness. Strong leaders and educators don’t just

Seasons Shift, Leaders Adapt As the leaves start to change, they don’t force it. They respond to the season. Leadership is like that....

Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action." — Peter Drucker In the...