To the Point
Prairie Point Staff Newsletter
Issue 18: February 24, 2015
What does "Do a Good Job" or "Do it right" mean?
It's been a while since I've sent you a newsletter. I've had this to-do list for months that just keeps growing, and I've been letting things that are important get pushed to the bottom by things that are more immediate. Big mistake! I've enjoyed putting the newsletter together for you this year - I hope that you find it valuable and useful. I think it's important to have a vehicle for information and communication. It's helpful to have one place to look.
I've been thinking a lot lately about the phrases "Do a good job" and "Do it right." During our Writer's Workshop coaching, the coach made the statement, "Heidi wants you to do a good job." But what does that really mean? I often hear people say, "I just want to do a good job. I want to do the right things. I want to do what I'm supposed to be doing." And I often think the same things when I'm reflecting on my own work. But what does that mean? Are we doing a good job when we hit a specific "rating" on our evaluation? Will I be doing a good job if I make the "distinguished" rating on my rubric? And since I'm not distinguished, am I not doing a good job as a Principal?
I believe that "doing a good job" comes from the mindset we bring to our work and the actions that result from that mindset. In a profession that is always changing, and where we know that as educators we will always continue to grow and our development is never complete, it may sometimes feel as though we're not doing anything "right." A day doesn't go by where I don't worry that I'm not being a good Principal and Leader. Especially in the month of February...
But we are...
I believe "doing a good job" stems from the ENERGY we bring to school each day. I'm reading The Energy Bus, by Jon Gordon and his definition of energy is this:
"the optimism, trust, enthusiasm, love, purpose, joy, passion, and spirit to live, work and perform at a high level; to build and lead successful teams; to overcome adversity in life and at work; to share contagious energy with employees, colleagues, and customers; to bring out the best in others and in yourself; and to overcome all the negative people and negative situations that threaten to sabotage your health, family, team, and success."
I love this quote because it reminded me what's important and how we become successful. I've let myself wallow the last couple of weeks in a state of negative energy - I've been struggling to keep up and meet the demands of each day. I've been tired and crabby. The word of the month for me is "overwhelmed." Most importantly, I've felt as though I am frequently letting people down. And I let myself sit in that messy energy.
If you're feeling like you aren't "doing a good job," don't look right away at what you are doing. Instead, think about your energy. Because, to me, being an educator is about the passionate energy with which we approach our work. We're not expected to be perfect - we're expected to keep learning and growing, keep taking risks, and make an impact through our positive passion, pride, and purpose. To me, that sounds like a lot more fun than "do a good job."
THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO, BRING, AND ARE. YOU MATTER, PRAIRIE POINT!
News & Info
Wednesday Morning Meetings
Next Meeting - Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Topic: PARCC (3-5 and relevant specialists)
Team Collaboration, all others
Please review the agenda prior to each meeting. Wednesday meetings will be held in the Community Room. We will begin promptly at 7:35 a.m.
If you are unable to make it to a meeting, please let us know in advance, if possible. Please see Heidi or Jen as soon as you can after the meeting to find out what you missed.
TEAM Website and Information
If you ever have any questions about TEAM, including how to bring up a student, any member of the team can assist you. Don't hesitate to ask. :-)