I was collaborating and connecting with a great school leader from Mississippi, Mr. Zane Thomas. Zane is the proud principal of Houston High School in Mississippi. He was telling me about a recent presentation he has coming up at a conference, and showed me a prop. I love props, and I love how they prompt thought, inspire action, and help me remember a certain point in a story.
One prop that he uses in his presentation is a tape measure. He asked volunteers to try to measure the greatest distance in the room. They went to the walls, the floors, etc., but none of them were correct.
He then measured the distance from his head to his heart using the tape measure. He said that deciding to do something good for others and being a positive influence on them is a good thing. Deciding to do those actions that benefit your family, your school community, and more: these are some of the greatest distances and challenges we face as parents, leaders, and more. It’s the decision to actually go and do these things that can be the most challenging at times.
Zane and I continued the discussion further. We said the second greatest distance is from the heart to the hand. When we finally take action on those intentions and those items that we do want to accomplish for our teams, organizations, and our families–that is the big step, that is the part that makes things happen, and that is what we need to put into action.
Put that tape measure in your pocket. As you think about your impact on others, and not only make decisions to do it, but also build your action plan and do that wonderful thing you are looking to do for others.
If I can help you or support you on your journey, don’t hesitate to reach out. Keep surviving, thriving friends!
