The Superintendent of School in Port Jervis, NY, Mike Rydell, recently forwarded a memo to me. How many times have we all done that? Forwarded a memo out with a note that said: “please read.” Yet Mr. Rydell, like many things he’s done in Port Jervis, took it to the next level. Instead of just forwarding the memo, he sent out a highlighted, PDF copy. For me, this was great because I was able to scan the memo very quickly and see the important parts without having to print it as well as read the whole thing.
I always love helpful new tricks and strategies. I look at them as tools and I “put them in my toolbox.” I will be adding this to my toolbox for sure.
Mr. Rydell took the extra step with this simple task. I think this technique shows a number of things:
- It shows that I as the leader thoroughly read the memo using the close read process.
- It helps those that I am forwarding the memo to shorten their time spent on the memo.
- It lets others know what I think is important and to give a little extra attention to it.
- Lastly, it makes it just a little bit easier for everyone.
While this is not some new technological advancement that is changing the world of education, to me it is a simple display of “a little bit extra” which I am a fan of. I have forwarded “please read” memos countless times with the words: “we will discuss.” I’m going to add this technique to my work and give it a try. I thanked Mike for this and told him while it was a simple technique, I found it helpful. He has created a number of changes during his time in Port Jervis, big and small, which has helped improve many things for our school community, including starting a building rehabilitation project. His vision is to bring us to a premier school district in our area and I am happy and proud to be part of this movement!
What is a strategy that you use to help others? Manage your time? Or just keep surviving and thriving through this time! If I can help you in any way, don’t hesitate to reach out @andrewmarotta21 on Twitter or email me directly at andrewmarottallc@gmail.com, or click below.
#LeadershipSparks: Always Being Recorded
