I observed a great virtual lesson recently and I loved how the teacher ended the lesson. She asked the students to identify a small goal that they have for the third quarter of the school year. It was their exit ticket for the day, and they had a few minutes to complete it. She said she wanted them to demonstrate on Monday, after the weekend, how they were going to implement that goal.
I thought this was powerful for a few reasons. It was not directly related to academics. It was not about the lesson, but more about their social and emotional wellness. More and more students are struggling to learn virtually than ever before. Instead of asking the big question on how they were going to fix these problems, she asked a more manageable smaller question. What is one small change or one small goal that they wanted to achieve? She was going to be there to support them, and help them to get there.
How can we as educators, parents, and school leaders do this for our people as well? I am finding that people are overwhelmed and just can’t do or take anymore. So how can we encourage small goals and small victories? Not to implement a brand new system or create major changes, but small incremental changes. I think if we model this and create opportunities for our people during this time with small goals it will help.
I like the comparison of the flight that is currently off its path. If the flight was to stay off its path, when it reaches its destination, it would be far off its original final destination. Yet, if the pilots were to tweak the course, they can get back on course without much change. Make sense to you?
So I ask you, and challenge you: What is a small goal that you have set for yourself? What is something that you want to achieve in 2021? Let me know how I can help you.
#KeepRolling. #SurviveThrive
#LeadershipSparks: Making Choices
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Quote:
“Leaders are made, they are not born. They are made by hard effort, which is the price which all of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile.”
— Vince Lombardi,
