IN VISION
#NCCVTWORKS
12/20/19
NCCVT MISSION
To provide superior Career and Technical Education enabling all students to achieve their aspirations.
CTE Prime
In order to draw attention and shine the light on what we do, should not be done by program comparisons. Actually, comparing can compromise those things we do exceptionally well. What we need to do is highlight all of our strengths and continue to build on those things that live out our mission.
Challenge: Identify those particulars that enable NCCVT excel and make them are common part of what you say to everyone.
Weekly Brief
1. We are continually working on systematizing key operational aspects of what we do. The power of systems is that they create freedom to spend time on critical matters that represent goal attainment. One thing we are working on is detailed CTE calendar that identifies work that is done every month. This would range from creating the CTE dashboards to career advisory meetings. Much of this is in place, it is just not clearly identified on a calendar. So, if we need to review particular programs this process and when it would happen, would all be spelled out.
To that end, Colleen submitted and it was approved for us to offer Early Childhood and the Teacher Academy at Howard. That is only the initial step and there is significant more planning, but this is great news.
Up Ahead: Winter Break
Personally, in an odd way this helps me keep perspective and remind me that circumstances don't need to dictate my reality. A set of researchers, identified 6 basic types of stories predominantly told:
1. Rags to riches – a steady rise from bad to good fortune
2. Riches to rags – a fall from good to bad, a tragedy
3. Icarus – a rise then a fall in fortune
4. Oedipus – a fall, a rise then a fall again
5. Cinderella – rise, fall, rise
6. Man in a hole – fall, rise
As we approach the end of 2019, I ask, "what's your story?" We all face ups and downs. Honestly, if you're not facing a challenge, you're probably not really living. It's how we handle them that is important. For example, you cannot be negative, complain, or find fault and be happy and satisfied. Our "world" is very often a manifestation of our thoughts.
The following can be perceived as a bit dramatic or even a little dark, but it resonated me with me the first time I heard it and I've listened to it several times thereafter. It's from Les Brown.
"Imagine being on your deathbed and being surrounded by the ghosts of your dreams, ideas, abilities, the talents that were given to you by life. And, for whatever reason, you never went after those dreams, never used those talents, or never used those gifts. And, there they are standing around your bed, looking at you with large angry eyes saying, "we came to you, and only you could have given us life, and now we must die with you forever."
The question I ask myself often is, "am I using all the talents and gifts given to me?" Very often, I don't like the answer, but I reassure myself that life is marathon and we are given great opportunities to demonstrate what we have to offer each day.
So my question to you is, what are you going to offer in 2020? Are there dreams and goals you've had that have never manifested, despite thinking about them day-after-day or even year-after-year?
Please, don't think I am only writing about material things or professional titles. I'm also asking, if you are the friend people need or the colleague others respect or the significant other that gives unconditionally?
Take the Time to Climb: Principle L -- Leadership
"Act the way you want to be and soon you'll be the way you act."
Les Brown
Going Beyond...
Identify the areas of your leadership that are strong and those areas that need to be strengthened. Create a plan of action to double down on your strengths and manage your weaknesses. If you are curious on how to create an action plan, take about an hour and dig into Ben Franklin's 13 Virtues.
Important Dates
- Schools Reopen 1-2-20