So I signed up for, and officially missed, the national Blogging for Education Day--November 22. But I figure any day is a good day for blogging about education, so here I go.
The problem is, as usual, where to begin. I have so many problems with our current education system--and yet I feel so strongly about championing the teachers and administrators who continue to try to improve it, against all odds. It's not that anyone involved is party to its complete failure; there are some--many--great people trying to make it work. It's just that I think it's a hopeless cause.
I've had some very good friends argue that we are, generally, succeeding at providing education for the masses. In some respects, they can make their argument, but it is primarily centered around their own experiences. Likewise, my own opinion is centered around my experiences.
My experience: being too smart far too young. I was a July birthday, then I skipped Kindergarten, and did Matteo Ricci--graduating high school and college with a B.A. in six years rather than eight. I never fit in. Although I was challenged academically, the difference in my intellectual abilities and emotional maturity were marked.
My husband's experience: being smart, but not "book smart." Jim grew up thinking he wasn't very smart because he was a visual learner in an auditory environment. When you need to see it, and all people are doing is talking to you--good luck with that. Thank God he was a hard worker and persevered despite the challenge. A small adjustment would've shown him how smart he truly is.
My oldest son's experience: near genius IQ, barely passing grades. ADHD makes it challenging for him (mine went undiagnosed until adulthood). Despite mastering the content, if he doesn't jump through the academic hoops, his grades have never reflected his intelligence. Once again (like Jim), a kid who feels not smart because of grades that don't reflect his intelligence or value.
My youngest son's experience: so observant, so in touch, yet so turned off to learning and school. A perfect candidate for project-based learning, he wants to see the correlation between theory and reality. He can manage his own work, can be self-motivated, and is capable of great work--but is frustrated by being "talked down to" and not having his ideas respected in a traditional classroom. A highly intelligent kid who is bored.
So, four great minds, capable of great thoughts, great plans--yet what has our school system done to support us? To encourage creativity? To teach concepts in ways that we might understand? We are, I think, pretty indicative of how we are failing kids. Sure, we may be providing a basic education, but if you have ANY challenges--good or bad--you have to figure out your own way. As an adult educator, I know that we have known for years about different learning styles, yet we are still teaching kids as if we are preparing them for an Industrial Age. The fact is, the Information Age is far different, and requires different skills and abilities.
I, for one, don't have any confidence, whatsoever that our current system can change enough to meet the current and future needs of our children, and our country. It's why I've always advocated for charter schools. And, while the opponents of charter will show you statistics that they "don't work," the fact is there are plenty that do. Every day that we spend trying to turn the Titanic is a day another child drowns in the frigid waters of our current system. Let's look for new, innovate solutions, reward teachers who use innovation to achieve success, and train teachers and administrators to set up schools that will educate ALL of our kids for the 21st Century and beyond.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Well that was an election, wasn't it?
I pride myself on listening to all sides of the stories. I listen to Glen Beck, Bill Maher, FoxNews, CNN, MSNBC. I read People. Newsweek, Time, and occasionally, Huffington Post. I have a strident desire to find middle ground. The problem is that "compromise" has become a word with negative connotation. It means giving up something you believe in. Which, in some ways is true, but I love Steven Covey's concept of finding a third, better way.
I know politics is an "off limits" topic, but anyone who knows me knows that I'm a little fuzzy on the term "off limits." I think we DO need to discuss politics. I think it's sad that we no longer can enter into serious discourse because we've become so divided. I WANT and feel we NEED to find some common ground and search for ways to move forward.
The funny thing is, in all other areas of our lives, we do compromise...and we don't usually think twice about it. Do you hold a hard line at work and refuse to give? Not likely, because it could mean your job (which is a treasure in this day and age). Do you hold a hard line with your spouse, your friends--no matter what? Not likely, because the relationship is more important to you than winning the argument. Do you hold the hard line every time with your kids? I know we don't, as much as we try. Truth is, there is nowhere in our lives that we refuse to compromise, except when it comes to politics, and yet, it's so critical for us to move forward as a country.
If we continue to refuse to "give in", to refuse to find common ground, we will not move forward. We will continue to see elections where people vote Dem, Rep, Dem, Rep...and so on, and so on, and so on...just like the old shampoo commercial. The fact is, we have different ways that we believe we need to achieve the same thing, but as long as you hold yours and I hold mine, we'll never move forward. If each of us, just for a moment, lets go of what our "ideal" is and looks for a way that we can connect and find solutions, perhaps we can get out of this stalemate. Because, the reality is, an ideal is just that...an ideal. Ideals don't work because reality gets in the way. So the answer is somewhere between what you believe and what I believe.
If for one moment, we would be willing to let go of our agenda and "yes, and" someone with a different ideology, could we not--even by happenstance--find a third, better way? I assert that "compromise" is not a bad word. It is a neutral word, and a necessity sometimes.
I'm not professing that I have anything figured out, but I'm sick of being afraid of putting ideas on the table for fear of being attacked. What if...instead of attacking ideas, we opened our minds, regardless of who put the idea forward? What if...instead of taking sides, we took the same side? What if we took the time we invested in trying to be right, and invested it in trying to understand and figure out something new?
Sorry, I'm an idealist. Actually, on second thought, I'm not sorry at all.
I know politics is an "off limits" topic, but anyone who knows me knows that I'm a little fuzzy on the term "off limits." I think we DO need to discuss politics. I think it's sad that we no longer can enter into serious discourse because we've become so divided. I WANT and feel we NEED to find some common ground and search for ways to move forward.
The funny thing is, in all other areas of our lives, we do compromise...and we don't usually think twice about it. Do you hold a hard line at work and refuse to give? Not likely, because it could mean your job (which is a treasure in this day and age). Do you hold a hard line with your spouse, your friends--no matter what? Not likely, because the relationship is more important to you than winning the argument. Do you hold the hard line every time with your kids? I know we don't, as much as we try. Truth is, there is nowhere in our lives that we refuse to compromise, except when it comes to politics, and yet, it's so critical for us to move forward as a country.
If we continue to refuse to "give in", to refuse to find common ground, we will not move forward. We will continue to see elections where people vote Dem, Rep, Dem, Rep...and so on, and so on, and so on...just like the old shampoo commercial. The fact is, we have different ways that we believe we need to achieve the same thing, but as long as you hold yours and I hold mine, we'll never move forward. If each of us, just for a moment, lets go of what our "ideal" is and looks for a way that we can connect and find solutions, perhaps we can get out of this stalemate. Because, the reality is, an ideal is just that...an ideal. Ideals don't work because reality gets in the way. So the answer is somewhere between what you believe and what I believe.
If for one moment, we would be willing to let go of our agenda and "yes, and" someone with a different ideology, could we not--even by happenstance--find a third, better way? I assert that "compromise" is not a bad word. It is a neutral word, and a necessity sometimes.
I'm not professing that I have anything figured out, but I'm sick of being afraid of putting ideas on the table for fear of being attacked. What if...instead of attacking ideas, we opened our minds, regardless of who put the idea forward? What if...instead of taking sides, we took the same side? What if we took the time we invested in trying to be right, and invested it in trying to understand and figure out something new?
Sorry, I'm an idealist. Actually, on second thought, I'm not sorry at all.
Friday, October 29, 2010
You Can Want What You Want
Most likely you've heard some version of Steven Covey's habit of highly successful people, "Begin with the end in mind." After all, if we don't know where we're headed, then how will we know when we get there? Once you know where you're going, though, have you thought about why you want to get there?
Recently, I've noticed in many facets of life--business, education, our personal lives--we have an end in mind, but we don't seem to know why we want what we want. Case in point: I am working with a large electronics company this month and the executives wanted to post a long, un-engaging video, followed by a test, for their sales training people. When I--as an experienced curriculum designer--suggested a more engaging video, in smaller segments, with an element of interactivity, they immediately pushed back. Not because of money, but because they are concerned about their sales people hearing every bit of content. Forget that these are sales people who very likely don't want to sit and watch a video anyway. Forget that sitting and watching/listening to video is the least likely way that anyone is actually going to learn anything.
Then, they wanted to add safeguards so that people couldn't skip the content and just pass the test. Um. Huh? So what is the point of the test? To make sure they understand the content. If they understand the content and can pass the test without watching the video, what's the point of making them watch the video? They had a clear "end" in mind, but was their "why" really in the best interest of the people they are claiming to serve?
Haven't we really gotten to the same place in education? We have an "end" in mind--every kid can pass these ridicu...I mean, uh, state tests. So we put little tests and exercises in place that will ensure they pass the state test. Forget if the kid understands the concept or not--it's important that he or she put the time in doing mundane activities, because after all, isn't that what life is about? Isn't that how the U.S. is going to regain it's role as a leader and innovator? If we have a bunch of kids who are really great at doing hours of sitting and listening to lectures, and then doing pointless exercises? Again, tests in themselves can serve a legitimate purpose, but why is doing well on the test the end we have in mind?
And finally, how many times have you caught yourself--with your kids or your spouse or your friends--insisting that something needs to be a certain way? As someone who prides myself on being "out of the box", I find myself quite frequently insisting that something needs to be like this or that, until I stop for two seconds and think, "why?" Pretty much 10 times out of 10 I discover that whatever parameters I've put around the situation are self-imposed and there's no good reason that we can't get to the "end" a different way.
You can want that your salespeople will sit and listen to a boring video and take a test.
You can want that our nation's kids (and therefore, our nation) will achieve success by listening to lectures, performing mundane tasks, and getting great test scores.
You can want that your husband, or kids, or friend will do what you want them to, the way you want them to do it.
But wanting it doesn't make it so. And asking WHY you want what you want may just open up a new, better way of getting to that end you have in mind.
Recently, I've noticed in many facets of life--business, education, our personal lives--we have an end in mind, but we don't seem to know why we want what we want. Case in point: I am working with a large electronics company this month and the executives wanted to post a long, un-engaging video, followed by a test, for their sales training people. When I--as an experienced curriculum designer--suggested a more engaging video, in smaller segments, with an element of interactivity, they immediately pushed back. Not because of money, but because they are concerned about their sales people hearing every bit of content. Forget that these are sales people who very likely don't want to sit and watch a video anyway. Forget that sitting and watching/listening to video is the least likely way that anyone is actually going to learn anything.
Then, they wanted to add safeguards so that people couldn't skip the content and just pass the test. Um. Huh? So what is the point of the test? To make sure they understand the content. If they understand the content and can pass the test without watching the video, what's the point of making them watch the video? They had a clear "end" in mind, but was their "why" really in the best interest of the people they are claiming to serve?
Haven't we really gotten to the same place in education? We have an "end" in mind--every kid can pass these ridicu...I mean, uh, state tests. So we put little tests and exercises in place that will ensure they pass the state test. Forget if the kid understands the concept or not--it's important that he or she put the time in doing mundane activities, because after all, isn't that what life is about? Isn't that how the U.S. is going to regain it's role as a leader and innovator? If we have a bunch of kids who are really great at doing hours of sitting and listening to lectures, and then doing pointless exercises? Again, tests in themselves can serve a legitimate purpose, but why is doing well on the test the end we have in mind?
And finally, how many times have you caught yourself--with your kids or your spouse or your friends--insisting that something needs to be a certain way? As someone who prides myself on being "out of the box", I find myself quite frequently insisting that something needs to be like this or that, until I stop for two seconds and think, "why?" Pretty much 10 times out of 10 I discover that whatever parameters I've put around the situation are self-imposed and there's no good reason that we can't get to the "end" a different way.
You can want that your salespeople will sit and listen to a boring video and take a test.
You can want that our nation's kids (and therefore, our nation) will achieve success by listening to lectures, performing mundane tasks, and getting great test scores.
You can want that your husband, or kids, or friend will do what you want them to, the way you want them to do it.
But wanting it doesn't make it so. And asking WHY you want what you want may just open up a new, better way of getting to that end you have in mind.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Where's the Fizz?
This is another post akin to my "we don't sell shirts" post. After working at Starbucks for almost 10 years in the "glory days" ('86-'95), then helping companies with customer service and communications for the last 15+ years, woe to those who dare to commit a customer service faux pas with me!
Now, I'm a stickler, but I'm fair. I know it's hard to give stellar service day in and day out. I know things happen and not every employee is over-the-top thrilled to give every customer the treatment they deserve for choosing to spend their money with them. HOWEVER, really poor service just burns my britches and I feel compelled not only to share with the company, but with everyone else as well (hence the "woe to you" comment).
This story starts with bubbles. I love bubbles. Especially in my water. Fizzy water. The more fizz the better. In finer restaurants (and in European countries, I'm told) they'll even ask you, "sparkling, or still?" when you ask for water. Ahhhh, I LOVE sparkling water! Love it! So, when I was flying last year and in the lovely Sky Mall magazine (another blog post for another time), I saw the product of my dreams--an appliance that allows you to MAKE YOUR OWN carbonated water at home, I was thrilled! No more plastic bottles (for the Seattle-ite in me)! Fizzy water at my fingertips (for the narcissist in me)! Yeah!
SodaStream and I have had a fantastic relationship for over a year. When I am out of two of my three "carbonators" I simply go online, order two more, and place my empty bottles on the porch. The next day a courier comes and replaces them with two new ones and I am good to go!! Love it!
Until this week. I placed my order, which was confusing on their website--it looked as if UPS would be delivering my bottles? But then I placed my order, and, as usual, it said to have them on the front porch the NEXT BUSINESS DAY. Which, I, of course, did. When my new bottles did not arrive within a couple of days (allowing some time for mixups, of course), I called customer service. They informed me that, due to inventory issues, my bottles would arrive within 5-7 business days. I could deal with that. I had some carbonation left in my third, backup, bottle.
We went away for four days and when we came back, my empty bottles were still on my porch. What??? STILL no fizzy water??? And now, I am completely out of carbonation as I have used up my third bottle! Jinkies, Scooby! No Fizz?? So...today, 8 days after my original order, I called customer service.
I was met by a less-than-joyful customer service rep who explained to me ever so patiently that "orders placed between October 4th and the 14th were delayed due to inventory." When I pointed out that it would have been nice to be informed of that by the company, she informed ME that the woman who was supposed to send the e-mail was "out" that day. If I had ordered Tuesday (silly me), I would've received an e-mail. Wow. Really?
She informed me that my order could be now expected between 7-10 business days--so perhaps as early as Friday. Gee. Thanks. MEANWHILE I AM COMPLETELY OUT OF BUBBLES!
Soooo, a company I was completely excited about, promoted and was willing to keep promoting, just blew it. Not only do I NOT want to extol the virtues of their product--it works well and is good for the environment--I'm not even sure I want to keep ordering myself. To me, SodaStream is a great example of how bad service can ruin a great idea.
So when disgruntled customers do call you, what do they want? Excuses? Reasons? I think not. There are two responses--regardless of the "reasons"--and they are apologies and answers. And if you really want to wow them, remuneration. Then, perhaps, I can enjoy some FIZZ once again.
p.s. I know my stories are too long, but in talking to my son about this I have a few more words. All it would have taken to make a customer for life was a few words. "Mrs. Keller, we are sorry. We screwed up. Let us throw in a free carbonator. We appreciate your business and we appreciate your patience with this." That was it. Now? Next company that comes along with their product? I am interested in hearing what you have to offer.
Now, I'm a stickler, but I'm fair. I know it's hard to give stellar service day in and day out. I know things happen and not every employee is over-the-top thrilled to give every customer the treatment they deserve for choosing to spend their money with them. HOWEVER, really poor service just burns my britches and I feel compelled not only to share with the company, but with everyone else as well (hence the "woe to you" comment).
This story starts with bubbles. I love bubbles. Especially in my water. Fizzy water. The more fizz the better. In finer restaurants (and in European countries, I'm told) they'll even ask you, "sparkling, or still?" when you ask for water. Ahhhh, I LOVE sparkling water! Love it! So, when I was flying last year and in the lovely Sky Mall magazine (another blog post for another time), I saw the product of my dreams--an appliance that allows you to MAKE YOUR OWN carbonated water at home, I was thrilled! No more plastic bottles (for the Seattle-ite in me)! Fizzy water at my fingertips (for the narcissist in me)! Yeah!
SodaStream and I have had a fantastic relationship for over a year. When I am out of two of my three "carbonators" I simply go online, order two more, and place my empty bottles on the porch. The next day a courier comes and replaces them with two new ones and I am good to go!! Love it!
Until this week. I placed my order, which was confusing on their website--it looked as if UPS would be delivering my bottles? But then I placed my order, and, as usual, it said to have them on the front porch the NEXT BUSINESS DAY. Which, I, of course, did. When my new bottles did not arrive within a couple of days (allowing some time for mixups, of course), I called customer service. They informed me that, due to inventory issues, my bottles would arrive within 5-7 business days. I could deal with that. I had some carbonation left in my third, backup, bottle.
We went away for four days and when we came back, my empty bottles were still on my porch. What??? STILL no fizzy water??? And now, I am completely out of carbonation as I have used up my third bottle! Jinkies, Scooby! No Fizz?? So...today, 8 days after my original order, I called customer service.
I was met by a less-than-joyful customer service rep who explained to me ever so patiently that "orders placed between October 4th and the 14th were delayed due to inventory." When I pointed out that it would have been nice to be informed of that by the company, she informed ME that the woman who was supposed to send the e-mail was "out" that day. If I had ordered Tuesday (silly me), I would've received an e-mail. Wow. Really?
She informed me that my order could be now expected between 7-10 business days--so perhaps as early as Friday. Gee. Thanks. MEANWHILE I AM COMPLETELY OUT OF BUBBLES!
Soooo, a company I was completely excited about, promoted and was willing to keep promoting, just blew it. Not only do I NOT want to extol the virtues of their product--it works well and is good for the environment--I'm not even sure I want to keep ordering myself. To me, SodaStream is a great example of how bad service can ruin a great idea.
So when disgruntled customers do call you, what do they want? Excuses? Reasons? I think not. There are two responses--regardless of the "reasons"--and they are apologies and answers. And if you really want to wow them, remuneration. Then, perhaps, I can enjoy some FIZZ once again.
p.s. I know my stories are too long, but in talking to my son about this I have a few more words. All it would have taken to make a customer for life was a few words. "Mrs. Keller, we are sorry. We screwed up. Let us throw in a free carbonator. We appreciate your business and we appreciate your patience with this." That was it. Now? Next company that comes along with their product? I am interested in hearing what you have to offer.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Changing the World in One Simple Step
Writer James Baldwin said, "The world changes according to the way people see it, and if you can alter, even by a millimeter, the way people look at reality, then you can change the world." That’s what I am constantly looking to do—to change the way I look at reality.
Let me tell you, and my husband will confirm this, I am not big on reality. I'm a Disney girl through and through. I like the happy ending against extraordinary odds. I like it when people have an experience and then go on to do something amazing. I am inspired by movies like “Remember the Titans” and “The Blind Side”. I want to be one of those people—someone who changes the world in a big way.
So, a couple of years ago I went through a social justice program at our church called "Just Faith". It was 30 weeks long and involved immersion trips into different Phoenix area communities. There were a few reasons I felt called to do it. One: I wanted to deepen my faith. Two: I wanted to connect with people in our community. And Three: I wanted to change the world.
Well, one and two definitely happened. It opened my eyes to my responsibility as a Christian (and citizen of the world) to do more than just offer charity. Yes, charity is critical, but I also must work for justice so that people everywhere can meet their basic needs and can enjoy the opportunity for success. Not just giving people what they need, but giving them the opportunity to meet their needs on their own.
I also connected with people at my church. Through our weekly meetings and our immersion experiences into different communities within our city, we prayed, we shared, we learned and we grew closer. Our journey together built a connection that will last.
But what about my third goal…did I change the world? I would love to tell you about all the great things I’ve done as a result of going through the Just Faith program. But I didn’t give $100 million to public schools. I didn’t go to a third-world country and start a micro-loan program. I didn’t even give up my job and start teaching in the inner-city. So, really…did I change the world?
As much as I want to change the world in a big way, the way the world changes is through small things. At home, my family stopped using plastic water bottles and I did start making micro-loans online through a service called Kiva. But, perhaps the biggest thing I did was to tell my Just Faith story to our church community. As a result, eight other people started the next Just Faith group. Now that group sells Just Coffee at our church after services. The proceeds of Just Coffee go to help farmers earn a livable wage and support themselves. My story encouraged eight people to take the step to change their lives and they are changing the lives of coffee farmers in far off countries. Each of their stories will change people as well. And so on. And so on.
One pebble tossed into the ocean seems like nothing. Often, we can’t see the ripple caused by our actions, but regardless of whether or not we see it—it is there. Learning about injustice in the world changed the way I see the world, the way I see people, the way I see the issues. It’s not just up to our president or other elected officials to change the world—it’s up to me. As Mother Theresa said, "Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person."
So, I would encourage each of us to constantly look for ways to "alter, even by a millimeter," how we see reality. If each of us stopped defending our position for just a moment, and then listened, and honestly considered a different perspective, maybe--just maybe--we could understand one another. Just be aware that if you do decide to put aside your agenda, even for a moment, odds are you are going to change the world.
Some simple links to start changing the world:
Please feel free to share others!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
For those who've gone on...
Where is your light? Does it burn strong?
Is it burning?
Does it carry on?
That light that shines for all to see,
The light that burns to set you free,
To illuminate the path,
And light the way,
For those you love,
Though you’ve gone away.
Burn bright, burn on,
Your love, your laugh,
Your memory is strong.
Rest easy now, you deserve this peace,
Our pain, though strong,
Will someday cease.
Though we’ll never fill the hole you’ve made,
You’ve given us more than we gave.
We will watch and listen,
For we know you are near,
Watching, laughing,
Easing our fear.
We love you, we miss you,
Your light burns on,
We’ll carry your torch, we’ll sing your song.
Rest now, sleep tight,
Go forth into that good night,
With the morning sunrise light,
We’ll feel your presence strong and bright.
RIP Kristin
Cancer Never Wins
Friday, September 17, 2010
Why Can't Fun be Serious Business?
I'm not sure what it is about our American heritage that tells us that if it's fun, it's not serious or productive. Perhaps it's not just our American heritage at all, and I'm not sure that it's even "Western" thinking; from what I've heard those Eastern thinkers can be all work and no play as well. Whatever it is about human development, we've created the notion that fun and "real work" are mutually exclusive.
Maybe we need to stop lumping all "fun" into one basket. Of course there is the fun that is just fun for fun's sake. Frolicking in a pile of leaves, swooshing down a ski slope, or maybe a shot of tequila (or two) now and then. I would argue that ALL fun teaches us--sometimes lessons we don't want to learn (especially the tequila).
In all seriousness, though, fun is not only important for learning, I would argue that it is an essential element. Maybe we need to redefine fun. Think about the times when you've had the best learning experiences. For most of us, it doesn't include the many, many hours we spent in traditional classrooms, being lectured at by a teacher and regurgitating some form of what he or she spewed at us. For most of us, it doesn't include our professional education credit classes, training programs offered at work, or the conference sessions that cost our employers thousands of dollars. What's YOUR most memorable educational experience? Why was it effective?
Fun doesn't mean just being silly--although that IS fun. Fun means being involved, engaged, moving, thinking, experimenting, relating. When we create an environment where people can try new things, where they can fail and learn from failure without judgment, where they can celebrate success, where they can speak freely and brainstorm ideas without ridicule, where they can share those success and failures, WHERE THEY CAN DARE TO STEP OUTSIDE WHAT IS COMFORTABLE--then learning takes place. We think uncomfortable is not fun, and most of us avoid it at all costs, but usually uncomfortable is what makes fun, fun! I could go on and on about this forever, but I don't have the room and you don't have the time. So, I will share these links.
Fun in school: Quantum Learning/Supercamp
Fun at work: Coaching Ourselves, On Your Feet
Fun in personal development: Interplay
If you're a teacher--make learning fun for your students. If you're a manager--make learning fun for your employees. If you're a parent--make learning fun for your kids. Most importantly--make learning fun for yourself. Seriously, you just might learn something.
Maybe we need to stop lumping all "fun" into one basket. Of course there is the fun that is just fun for fun's sake. Frolicking in a pile of leaves, swooshing down a ski slope, or maybe a shot of tequila (or two) now and then. I would argue that ALL fun teaches us--sometimes lessons we don't want to learn (especially the tequila).
In all seriousness, though, fun is not only important for learning, I would argue that it is an essential element. Maybe we need to redefine fun. Think about the times when you've had the best learning experiences. For most of us, it doesn't include the many, many hours we spent in traditional classrooms, being lectured at by a teacher and regurgitating some form of what he or she spewed at us. For most of us, it doesn't include our professional education credit classes, training programs offered at work, or the conference sessions that cost our employers thousands of dollars. What's YOUR most memorable educational experience? Why was it effective?
Fun doesn't mean just being silly--although that IS fun. Fun means being involved, engaged, moving, thinking, experimenting, relating. When we create an environment where people can try new things, where they can fail and learn from failure without judgment, where they can celebrate success, where they can speak freely and brainstorm ideas without ridicule, where they can share those success and failures, WHERE THEY CAN DARE TO STEP OUTSIDE WHAT IS COMFORTABLE--then learning takes place. We think uncomfortable is not fun, and most of us avoid it at all costs, but usually uncomfortable is what makes fun, fun! I could go on and on about this forever, but I don't have the room and you don't have the time. So, I will share these links.
Fun in school: Quantum Learning/Supercamp
Fun at work: Coaching Ourselves, On Your Feet
Fun in personal development: Interplay
If you're a teacher--make learning fun for your students. If you're a manager--make learning fun for your employees. If you're a parent--make learning fun for your kids. Most importantly--make learning fun for yourself. Seriously, you just might learn something.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
It is Patriot Day
I have to admit, when I looked at Google Calendar and saw that it was "Patriot Day" I didn't know what it was. It wasn't that I'd forgotten about 9/11 and its events, I just don't associate them yet with the term "Patriot Day."
A dear, dear friend of mine who lives here in Scottsdale, comes from a family of New York, Irish fire fighters and her brother died in the towers on 9/11. Just typing that makes me cry. I called her tonight, to tell her I was thinking of her on this sad anniversary and it just so happened she is writing a paper on "civic responsibility." (She just went back to school at 50! :) We began discussing labels and prejudice. It's true that her East coast experiences are much different than mine on the West coast.
For one, the East coast, with all of its immigrant communities, was much more "open" about who people were. She told me that growing up, you told people your full name because "Geraghty" or "Ricci" or "Polanski" told folks about where you lived and where you came from. It also meant you were ripe for a slew of "racial" jokes--but rather than alienating you, it was almost a form of acceptance. "OH, you're Irish--let's go have a beer!"
Growing up in Seattle, I had the opposite experience. The West coast was, and I believe continues to be, the land of P.C. While I think on some fronts the P.C.'ness was started with good intentions, it has its own challenges as well. I've had frank discussions with "people of color" who say that prejudice is alive and well in Seattle--it's just much more polite.
So where does this leave us? The standard sentiment for 9/11 is "We will remember" and "Don't forget"--and this is very true. We must remember--we must not forget. Yet, we must forgive. We have to move past labeling, and "isms." The number of Muslims who agree with terrorism are probably equal to the number of Christians who believe we should burn the Qur'an. There are countless stories about how hate destroys the hater. Let's celebrate the stories of amazing grace and forgiveness.
If we get what we focus on, let's focus on love. My friend tells me true stories of her friends, who, during 9/11 before the planes crashed the towers, were refused by Muslim drivers to go downtown. Stories of Muslim families who evacuated the night before the bombing. It's true that I don't have those experiences to color my perception, so it is easy for me to be "inclusive." The true challenge, for all of us, is to forgive--not forget--despite what we know. Despite previous experiences. Letting go is the hardest thing we we can do--and yet, it is in letting go that we finally are free.
A dear, dear friend of mine who lives here in Scottsdale, comes from a family of New York, Irish fire fighters and her brother died in the towers on 9/11. Just typing that makes me cry. I called her tonight, to tell her I was thinking of her on this sad anniversary and it just so happened she is writing a paper on "civic responsibility." (She just went back to school at 50! :) We began discussing labels and prejudice. It's true that her East coast experiences are much different than mine on the West coast.
For one, the East coast, with all of its immigrant communities, was much more "open" about who people were. She told me that growing up, you told people your full name because "Geraghty" or "Ricci" or "Polanski" told folks about where you lived and where you came from. It also meant you were ripe for a slew of "racial" jokes--but rather than alienating you, it was almost a form of acceptance. "OH, you're Irish--let's go have a beer!"
Growing up in Seattle, I had the opposite experience. The West coast was, and I believe continues to be, the land of P.C. While I think on some fronts the P.C.'ness was started with good intentions, it has its own challenges as well. I've had frank discussions with "people of color" who say that prejudice is alive and well in Seattle--it's just much more polite.
So where does this leave us? The standard sentiment for 9/11 is "We will remember" and "Don't forget"--and this is very true. We must remember--we must not forget. Yet, we must forgive. We have to move past labeling, and "isms." The number of Muslims who agree with terrorism are probably equal to the number of Christians who believe we should burn the Qur'an. There are countless stories about how hate destroys the hater. Let's celebrate the stories of amazing grace and forgiveness.
If we get what we focus on, let's focus on love. My friend tells me true stories of her friends, who, during 9/11 before the planes crashed the towers, were refused by Muslim drivers to go downtown. Stories of Muslim families who evacuated the night before the bombing. It's true that I don't have those experiences to color my perception, so it is easy for me to be "inclusive." The true challenge, for all of us, is to forgive--not forget--despite what we know. Despite previous experiences. Letting go is the hardest thing we we can do--and yet, it is in letting go that we finally are free.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
What if...
What if you could sing?
What if you could dance?
What if you went back to school?
What if you looked at someone you didn't like through different eyes?
What if we we could change our thinking? Change our behavior? Change our lives? I suppose what if goes along with my "yes, and..." idea from improv. "What if" is at the heart of all child's play. Of course, kids don't ask themselves this outright, but it's true...what if I were a fairy princess? what would I do?
I think as adults, we forget to ask "what if." We are too solidly rooted in what we call "what is." We don't have time to consider possibilities, after all, because we know "what is." But what if "what is"...isn't? What if we create "what is"? What if we were to pause for just a moment and ask ourselves "what if"?
What if she DIDN'T mean it that way?
What if he really wasn't qualified for this position?
What if I've accomplished more than I think?
What if I try to sing? or dance? or learn accounting?
"What if" could be a good thing for us grown ups to consider. For businesses too.
What if our customers want it?
What if we found a way to try something new?
What if we worked together differently?
It's easy to say no. It's easy to go with what we believe is "what is." Take the harder road. Someone once said, if there are two choices and one is more difficult, choose the more difficult route--it is the one you will learn by. Okay--maybe no one said that exactly, but that's the idea. Take the difficult route, say "yes, and..." then ask yourself..."what if?" and see what you come up with.
What if you could dance?
What if you went back to school?
What if you looked at someone you didn't like through different eyes?
What if we we could change our thinking? Change our behavior? Change our lives? I suppose what if goes along with my "yes, and..." idea from improv. "What if" is at the heart of all child's play. Of course, kids don't ask themselves this outright, but it's true...what if I were a fairy princess? what would I do?
I think as adults, we forget to ask "what if." We are too solidly rooted in what we call "what is." We don't have time to consider possibilities, after all, because we know "what is." But what if "what is"...isn't? What if we create "what is"? What if we were to pause for just a moment and ask ourselves "what if"?
What if she DIDN'T mean it that way?
What if he really wasn't qualified for this position?
What if I've accomplished more than I think?
What if I try to sing? or dance? or learn accounting?
"What if" could be a good thing for us grown ups to consider. For businesses too.
What if our customers want it?
What if we found a way to try something new?
What if we worked together differently?
It's easy to say no. It's easy to go with what we believe is "what is." Take the harder road. Someone once said, if there are two choices and one is more difficult, choose the more difficult route--it is the one you will learn by. Okay--maybe no one said that exactly, but that's the idea. Take the difficult route, say "yes, and..." then ask yourself..."what if?" and see what you come up with.
Monday, August 16, 2010
We Don't Sell Shirts
I did improv for a few years--theater improv where you create scenes on the spot. In improv, there is a concept called "yes, and..." It is basically the idea that in order to move the scene along, you need to agree with whatever "offer" your fellow improviser makes. Not agreeing is called "blocking" and stops the scene dead in its tracks. Example of blocking:
Improviser #1: (pointing into the sky) "Wow! Look! It's a spaceship!"
Improviser #2: (folding arms and shaking head) "That's not a spaceship, it's just a weather balloon."
Ouch. Being blocked feels like you were completely rejected. Now you are stuck trying to make an interesting scene and play nice with someone you don't like very well at the moment. Now consider this example of "yes, and...":
Improviser #1: (pointing into the sky) "Wow! Look! It's a spaceship!"
Improviser #2: (getting excited and looking in direction of pointing) "Yes, and it looks like it's getting ready to land!"
Yay! Now we get to take the scene any one of a million different fun directions. You feel loved and are looking forward to playing nice with the other person. Of course, you don't always have to say "yes, and..."--it's just the concept of agreeing on the initial offer and moving it forward together.
Why am I telling you this? Because I am continually shocked and amazed at how few people get this in life. Blocking seems to be the norm rather than the exception. I'm just as guilty of it even knowing about the principle! When businesses do it, though, it is baffling.
We recently went to Sonoma, California. We were at a winery that bears our last name and my husband was pretty giddy about it. It was a beautiful winery and tasting room--obviously a lot of money and taste had gone into it. The wine tasting room manager was friendly enough, and we enjoyed the wines enough that we bought a case (mostly because the bottles bear our name :). My husband also wanted to buy a shirt like the one she had on. She looked around and checked into it--nope, no shirts. He asked what happened when a new employee started--didn't he or she get a shirt? Hmmm...yes, but we don't sell shirts. He even followed up by e-mail, sure that they would throw in a shirt with our case of wine, but no, we don't sell shirts.
I run into this repeatedly as a consumer and with my clients, too. Why on earth would you reject a customer? What in the world are you thinking? YES! Here is a shirt! YES! Spread our brand all over where you live so people will know who we are and buy more wine! YES! We love your business and it is our pleasure to GIVE you a shirt!
So just remember, next time a customer (or friend, spouse, co-worker--anyone really) makes you an "offer": YES! And...just see where it takes you!
Improviser #1: (pointing into the sky) "Wow! Look! It's a spaceship!"
Improviser #2: (folding arms and shaking head) "That's not a spaceship, it's just a weather balloon."
Ouch. Being blocked feels like you were completely rejected. Now you are stuck trying to make an interesting scene and play nice with someone you don't like very well at the moment. Now consider this example of "yes, and...":
Improviser #1: (pointing into the sky) "Wow! Look! It's a spaceship!"
Improviser #2: (getting excited and looking in direction of pointing) "Yes, and it looks like it's getting ready to land!"
Yay! Now we get to take the scene any one of a million different fun directions. You feel loved and are looking forward to playing nice with the other person. Of course, you don't always have to say "yes, and..."--it's just the concept of agreeing on the initial offer and moving it forward together.
Why am I telling you this? Because I am continually shocked and amazed at how few people get this in life. Blocking seems to be the norm rather than the exception. I'm just as guilty of it even knowing about the principle! When businesses do it, though, it is baffling.
We recently went to Sonoma, California. We were at a winery that bears our last name and my husband was pretty giddy about it. It was a beautiful winery and tasting room--obviously a lot of money and taste had gone into it. The wine tasting room manager was friendly enough, and we enjoyed the wines enough that we bought a case (mostly because the bottles bear our name :). My husband also wanted to buy a shirt like the one she had on. She looked around and checked into it--nope, no shirts. He asked what happened when a new employee started--didn't he or she get a shirt? Hmmm...yes, but we don't sell shirts. He even followed up by e-mail, sure that they would throw in a shirt with our case of wine, but no, we don't sell shirts.
I run into this repeatedly as a consumer and with my clients, too. Why on earth would you reject a customer? What in the world are you thinking? YES! Here is a shirt! YES! Spread our brand all over where you live so people will know who we are and buy more wine! YES! We love your business and it is our pleasure to GIVE you a shirt!
So just remember, next time a customer (or friend, spouse, co-worker--anyone really) makes you an "offer": YES! And...just see where it takes you!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
What's Your Personal Communications Strategy?
If you Google "public speaking" you'll come up with hundreds, if not thousands, of people willing to charge you a fee to "free you from your fear of public speaking." There are classes, workshops, programs, books, videos--just about anything you'd like to spend your money on. Which is great, because different things work for different people. I really don't think there's a magic pill, bullet, or method, though. I do think a coach can help. And I think public speaking is only one part of the way you communicate.
I don't like to call myself a "public speaking coach" because that is such a small piece of a person's overall communications style and image. Public speaking is just one way you communicate and it needs to be consistent with the way you write, the way you speak in personal situations, and the way you present yourself. Basically, you need a communications strategy for yourself. Your strategy requires three things: 1) authenticity 2) practice 3) flexibility.
Authenticity: If it isn't "you," it won't work. Having a speechwriter is helpful, but unless you make it your own, you won't feel comfortable with it and your message won't resonate with your audience. One strategy I've been using is to have the client explain to me what he wants to say, I say it back--more succinctly and powerfully, then he translates that back into his own style. It's a way of clarifying his thoughts and making sure his audience can understand him, but at the same time using his own words and speaking style.
Practice: There is a mis-belief that if you are good at something it doesn't require practice. WRONG. Practice is critical. Practicing all aspects of your communications strategy is important: listening skills, public speaking, writing. The more you practice, the more naturally your communication skills will become. In her book, "Mindset," Carl Dweck tells us there are two types of mindsets: fixed and growth. In a fixed mindset, people either "have it" or they don't. They are afraid of failing, or of risking looking stupid, and believe that if you "have it", then it should be easy and you shouldn't require work or practice to be successful. In a growth mindset, people realize that anything is possible--anyone can learn, improve, and excel--through PRACTICE.
Flexibility: Even with a coach, improving your communication skills is a trial and error process. Some things will work well, some won't work at all, and you may even have a few errors. Give yourself permission to try new things, risk looking stupid, and understand that it's possible to recover from pretty much anything. In the 1988 Democratic convention in Atlanta, during Bill Clinton's first national appearance, he was so boring the crowd actually cheered when he said "in conclusion..." The future president when on to become one of the best public speakers of the century. Mistakes happen, learn from them, adjust, and move on.
By staying authentic, practicing, and being flexible, you can improve your skills and get your message across.
I don't like to call myself a "public speaking coach" because that is such a small piece of a person's overall communications style and image. Public speaking is just one way you communicate and it needs to be consistent with the way you write, the way you speak in personal situations, and the way you present yourself. Basically, you need a communications strategy for yourself. Your strategy requires three things: 1) authenticity 2) practice 3) flexibility.
Authenticity: If it isn't "you," it won't work. Having a speechwriter is helpful, but unless you make it your own, you won't feel comfortable with it and your message won't resonate with your audience. One strategy I've been using is to have the client explain to me what he wants to say, I say it back--more succinctly and powerfully, then he translates that back into his own style. It's a way of clarifying his thoughts and making sure his audience can understand him, but at the same time using his own words and speaking style.
Practice: There is a mis-belief that if you are good at something it doesn't require practice. WRONG. Practice is critical. Practicing all aspects of your communications strategy is important: listening skills, public speaking, writing. The more you practice, the more naturally your communication skills will become. In her book, "Mindset," Carl Dweck tells us there are two types of mindsets: fixed and growth. In a fixed mindset, people either "have it" or they don't. They are afraid of failing, or of risking looking stupid, and believe that if you "have it", then it should be easy and you shouldn't require work or practice to be successful. In a growth mindset, people realize that anything is possible--anyone can learn, improve, and excel--through PRACTICE.
Flexibility: Even with a coach, improving your communication skills is a trial and error process. Some things will work well, some won't work at all, and you may even have a few errors. Give yourself permission to try new things, risk looking stupid, and understand that it's possible to recover from pretty much anything. In the 1988 Democratic convention in Atlanta, during Bill Clinton's first national appearance, he was so boring the crowd actually cheered when he said "in conclusion..." The future president when on to become one of the best public speakers of the century. Mistakes happen, learn from them, adjust, and move on.
By staying authentic, practicing, and being flexible, you can improve your skills and get your message across.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
New Thinking is Nothing New...but still amazing
The idea has been around forever--or at least as long as I can remember. It's the concept that if you change the way you think, you change the way you feel. AA calls it "stinkin' thinkin'" and there are other various versions of this. It seems to be the premise of almost all of today's self-help gurus.
Yet, most of us are stuck in the same old thought patterns. Those thought patterns dictate how we feel, which in turn have huge influence over how we act. These thought patterns lead us down destructive paths to jobs we hate, failing marriages, bad relationships with our kids, and overall angst and loneliness (for which the prescription drug world is extremely grateful).
Genetically, some of us seem to be better off than others. To me, the nature/nurture debate leans to the side of nature on this one. Regardless of the environments in which people are raised, a positive thinking pattern seems to be something inherited rather than learned. I'm pretty much convinced that those of us who weren't lucky enough to inherit that positive thinking have a challenging job when it comes to changing those patterns.
Yes, I am in the negative thinking group. I hate to say it, but it's true. Despite having a wonderful upbringing, great successes, and strong relationships, I tend to look at the cup as half empty. Then, I feel guilty about it. Changing this pattern is the challenge I face daily.
When it comes to work, I think we need to factor in this "change your thoughts, change your feelings, change your behavior" idea. After working in training and communications for over 20 years, I can tell you that just focusing on the changing behavior part doesn't work--because you're not touching the underlying causes of that behavior. We've always had to be careful in corporate training not to get too psychological, but behavior and psychology are so intertwined, it's pretty much inevitable.
I just read a great book thanks to my husband (and his boss). It's called "Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box" by The Arbinger Institute. It presents another version of this "change your thoughts, change your feelings, change your behavior" model--and some of us need to see things in a variety of ways before we really "get it." This story motivated me to, once again, experiment with changing my thinking. I've done it in several specific occasions over the years and, oddly enough, I am always surprised by the results.
Instead of thinking, "I don't wanna" "I wish I didn't have to" "What if I forget something?" "What if I'm wrong?" "What if they ask me something I don't know?"--I've been thinking "This is fun! I want to do this! If I have fun, they will too." Also, a few gems I've gotten over the years: (from my voice teacher) "I'm here to share, not to show; to express, not to impress" and (from Wayne Dyer) "Being myself involves no risks. It is my ultimate truth and I live fearlessly." Not only have I FELT happier, I've had great opportunities come my way and I've had fun. Shocking. It works.
Now, if the corporate world would just be open to incorporating this work into company culture (instead of looking at it as "touchy, feely, psycho, mumbo-jumbo"), we might start getting somewhere.
Yet, most of us are stuck in the same old thought patterns. Those thought patterns dictate how we feel, which in turn have huge influence over how we act. These thought patterns lead us down destructive paths to jobs we hate, failing marriages, bad relationships with our kids, and overall angst and loneliness (for which the prescription drug world is extremely grateful).
Genetically, some of us seem to be better off than others. To me, the nature/nurture debate leans to the side of nature on this one. Regardless of the environments in which people are raised, a positive thinking pattern seems to be something inherited rather than learned. I'm pretty much convinced that those of us who weren't lucky enough to inherit that positive thinking have a challenging job when it comes to changing those patterns.
Yes, I am in the negative thinking group. I hate to say it, but it's true. Despite having a wonderful upbringing, great successes, and strong relationships, I tend to look at the cup as half empty. Then, I feel guilty about it. Changing this pattern is the challenge I face daily.
When it comes to work, I think we need to factor in this "change your thoughts, change your feelings, change your behavior" idea. After working in training and communications for over 20 years, I can tell you that just focusing on the changing behavior part doesn't work--because you're not touching the underlying causes of that behavior. We've always had to be careful in corporate training not to get too psychological, but behavior and psychology are so intertwined, it's pretty much inevitable.
I just read a great book thanks to my husband (and his boss). It's called "Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box" by The Arbinger Institute. It presents another version of this "change your thoughts, change your feelings, change your behavior" model--and some of us need to see things in a variety of ways before we really "get it." This story motivated me to, once again, experiment with changing my thinking. I've done it in several specific occasions over the years and, oddly enough, I am always surprised by the results.
Instead of thinking, "I don't wanna" "I wish I didn't have to" "What if I forget something?" "What if I'm wrong?" "What if they ask me something I don't know?"--I've been thinking "This is fun! I want to do this! If I have fun, they will too." Also, a few gems I've gotten over the years: (from my voice teacher) "I'm here to share, not to show; to express, not to impress" and (from Wayne Dyer) "Being myself involves no risks. It is my ultimate truth and I live fearlessly." Not only have I FELT happier, I've had great opportunities come my way and I've had fun. Shocking. It works.
Now, if the corporate world would just be open to incorporating this work into company culture (instead of looking at it as "touchy, feely, psycho, mumbo-jumbo"), we might start getting somewhere.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
The Essential Components to Capture Your Audience
I've been working with people on public speaking for the last year or so as well as doing some of it on my own. I got to thinking the other day, about what makes a good speech or presentation. Of course, part of it depends on your purpose and audience, but there are a few key components that stand out.
1) Words
You need to know what you're going to say. It doesn't have to be written out, although it may be appropriate to use notes, or at least an outline. I do think, though, that you should write out what you're going to say. Even if you don't read it--having in mind what the words are that you want to use will keep you on track and give you confidence.
2) Authenticity
You need to believe in what you're speaking about and speak from the heart. If you're going to get your audience from point a to point b--you better know why you want to take them there and be able to truthfully tell them how and why.
3) Animation
This is a tough one, because not everyone is animated. It needs to be a "real" animation--one that rings true with your personality--but it might need to be more exaggerated that what you're used to. Smiling, making eye contact, pausing, making fun of yourself--these are all things that can help you to be more animated, but they don't come naturally to most of us in front of an audience. It takes practice.
4) Practice.
Let me say it again: practice. And again, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. It may feel strange, but the truth is, the only way you can be successful is with practice--real and imagined. Visualization is critical. You need to walk through your presentation in your head, repeatedly. Then, you need to get in front of a mirror, your family, the dog--whoever--and practice. The more you practice, the better you'll get.
5) Mindset.
It's not about you, it's about them. Keep in mind that it's not about what you have to tell the audience--it's about what they want/need to hear. If you shift your focus from YOU to THEM, you'll find your odds of success improve dramatically.
There's more, but that's enough for now! Having a coach can be very helpful because we can't see what we can't see. It's very hard to judge our own performance. Having someone to observe and give you constructive feedback can be immensely helpful.
1) Words
You need to know what you're going to say. It doesn't have to be written out, although it may be appropriate to use notes, or at least an outline. I do think, though, that you should write out what you're going to say. Even if you don't read it--having in mind what the words are that you want to use will keep you on track and give you confidence.
2) Authenticity
You need to believe in what you're speaking about and speak from the heart. If you're going to get your audience from point a to point b--you better know why you want to take them there and be able to truthfully tell them how and why.
3) Animation
This is a tough one, because not everyone is animated. It needs to be a "real" animation--one that rings true with your personality--but it might need to be more exaggerated that what you're used to. Smiling, making eye contact, pausing, making fun of yourself--these are all things that can help you to be more animated, but they don't come naturally to most of us in front of an audience. It takes practice.
4) Practice.
Let me say it again: practice. And again, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. It may feel strange, but the truth is, the only way you can be successful is with practice--real and imagined. Visualization is critical. You need to walk through your presentation in your head, repeatedly. Then, you need to get in front of a mirror, your family, the dog--whoever--and practice. The more you practice, the better you'll get.
5) Mindset.
It's not about you, it's about them. Keep in mind that it's not about what you have to tell the audience--it's about what they want/need to hear. If you shift your focus from YOU to THEM, you'll find your odds of success improve dramatically.
There's more, but that's enough for now! Having a coach can be very helpful because we can't see what we can't see. It's very hard to judge our own performance. Having someone to observe and give you constructive feedback can be immensely helpful.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Moving education forward?
I've been commenting a lot on education blogs these days. Maybe it's that my mom was a public school teacher for over 30 years. Maybe it's that I've been working in corporate/adult education for the last 20 years. Maybe that it's the fact that I have two kids who don't "fit" into traditional educational situations. Maybe that it's the fact that I'm sick of talking about a system that isn't working and especially tired of throwing money at it.
We've made so many advances in so many areas, but American children by most accounts are falling behind. Whether or not the statistics bear that out (whatever way you choose to skew them), I have seen with my own eyes that we are not preparing children for the future--we are barely preparing them for the present.
Do not mistake this for an attack on our teachers--teachers are heroes to me. They are called to their work and by and large they do an amazing job, working many hours, receiving insulting pay, and putting in ridiculous hours. Teachers are not the issue (again, for the most part).
The primary issue is change. I listened to Meryl Streep's address to the graduates of Barnard College the other day. She said something that rang so true to me: "There is only change, resistance to change, and more change." Our educational system has resisted change for hundreds of years. It's like a snail moving in a world on hyperdrive. We know so much about how people learn, and today's kids learn differently than even my generation did. AND they have so many more tools at their fingertips. WHY aren't we changing our educational system to fit the needs of our kids, the needs of our future, rather than continuing to throw money at a system that isn't working for so many?
We know better. It's time to do better. It's time to break out of the box. It's time to do better for our kids. It's time to make better use of our money. It's time to stop arguing, stop speculating, and start trying new things--on a large enough scale to give them an opportunity to work. It's time.
We've made so many advances in so many areas, but American children by most accounts are falling behind. Whether or not the statistics bear that out (whatever way you choose to skew them), I have seen with my own eyes that we are not preparing children for the future--we are barely preparing them for the present.
Do not mistake this for an attack on our teachers--teachers are heroes to me. They are called to their work and by and large they do an amazing job, working many hours, receiving insulting pay, and putting in ridiculous hours. Teachers are not the issue (again, for the most part).
The primary issue is change. I listened to Meryl Streep's address to the graduates of Barnard College the other day. She said something that rang so true to me: "There is only change, resistance to change, and more change." Our educational system has resisted change for hundreds of years. It's like a snail moving in a world on hyperdrive. We know so much about how people learn, and today's kids learn differently than even my generation did. AND they have so many more tools at their fingertips. WHY aren't we changing our educational system to fit the needs of our kids, the needs of our future, rather than continuing to throw money at a system that isn't working for so many?
We know better. It's time to do better. It's time to break out of the box. It's time to do better for our kids. It's time to make better use of our money. It's time to stop arguing, stop speculating, and start trying new things--on a large enough scale to give them an opportunity to work. It's time.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
I'm sick of SMART! It's time to be DUMB.
As an instructional designer, for years I wrote training programs that included in some way, shape, or form, SMART goals. I hate SMART goals. I will never, ever write about them again if I can help it. I tried to come up with other acronyms that could substitute, I had one at one point, but can't remember it now. At any rate, I came across this acronym on Avinash Kaushik's website and I LOVE it.
DUMB: Doable. Understandable. Manageable. Beneficial.
In my opinion, DUMB goals are much better than SMART goals. First of all, because there are only four things to remember instead of five. In SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-dated--in case by some one-in-a-million chance you've never heard of SMART goals), everyone always got confused with measurable/time-dated and achievable/realistic. DUMB goals are simpler and have the added bonus of being "beneficial." After all, if it's not beneficial, why do it? I've seen plenty of business initiatives well underway without anyone taking 2 seconds to discuss if the initiative was ultimately beneficial and why.
So, I don't know if Avinash came up with DUMB goals on his own or not, but I want to do my part in making the world a DUMB-er place...at least when it comes to goal setting.
DUMB: Doable. Understandable. Manageable. Beneficial.
In my opinion, DUMB goals are much better than SMART goals. First of all, because there are only four things to remember instead of five. In SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-dated--in case by some one-in-a-million chance you've never heard of SMART goals), everyone always got confused with measurable/time-dated and achievable/realistic. DUMB goals are simpler and have the added bonus of being "beneficial." After all, if it's not beneficial, why do it? I've seen plenty of business initiatives well underway without anyone taking 2 seconds to discuss if the initiative was ultimately beneficial and why.
So, I don't know if Avinash came up with DUMB goals on his own or not, but I want to do my part in making the world a DUMB-er place...at least when it comes to goal setting.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Getting More Comfortable at Public Speaking
As I am coaching people on public speaking, I am always looking for ways to get them to appear more comfortable, and as I write speeches and outlines, I'm looking for a way for their own words to have impact. Here are a few tips on being a better speaker:
1) It's not about you. Think about your audience. What do they want to hear? What do you want them to leave with? What is the best way to reach them, entertain them, or educate them? As soon as you can make it about them rather than you, you'll start to appear more comfortable.
2) Have a beginning, a middle, and an end. It's human nature for us to want to put things in order, but so often I hear speeches that go all over the map. When that happens, the audience is working hard trying to find the common thread, rather than listening to what you're saying. One of the biggest problems I see with speakers is not having a natural flow to their presentation--especially with people who are experts in a subject. They know too much and want to share it all! My advice: leave them wanting more. When you get to the end...stop. Please.
3) Practice, practice, practice. Being a good speaker really does take practice. Practice in your car, in front of the mirror, in your head, but practice. If you're someone who is in a position where you now have to do a lot of public speaking and you're not used to it, practice is even more important. It will give you a sense of timing and keep you from wandering off your main points.
These are just some basic principles and probably nothing ground breaking, but more of a good reminder!
1) It's not about you. Think about your audience. What do they want to hear? What do you want them to leave with? What is the best way to reach them, entertain them, or educate them? As soon as you can make it about them rather than you, you'll start to appear more comfortable.
2) Have a beginning, a middle, and an end. It's human nature for us to want to put things in order, but so often I hear speeches that go all over the map. When that happens, the audience is working hard trying to find the common thread, rather than listening to what you're saying. One of the biggest problems I see with speakers is not having a natural flow to their presentation--especially with people who are experts in a subject. They know too much and want to share it all! My advice: leave them wanting more. When you get to the end...stop. Please.
3) Practice, practice, practice. Being a good speaker really does take practice. Practice in your car, in front of the mirror, in your head, but practice. If you're someone who is in a position where you now have to do a lot of public speaking and you're not used to it, practice is even more important. It will give you a sense of timing and keep you from wandering off your main points.
These are just some basic principles and probably nothing ground breaking, but more of a good reminder!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
More Than Words
Back in the 80's I was in love with a band called Extreme--especially their song, More Than Words. When it plays, my husband and I still belt it out to each other, but it's really not our song, it's my song.
I've been writing my whole life in various forms, poetry, creative fiction, short stories, then in work, as an instructional designer writing training programs for almost 20 years. I'm a singer, an actress, and now a speechwriter and public speaking coach. And if you know me--I can sometimes talk the leg off a chair!
I guess you can say my life has been about words, but (here it is...are you ready for it?) it's really been about more than words. It's been about reaching people, touching people, communicating a message, trying to change lives. So that's why the song title seemed an appropriate name for my business. It has continued to work even as my work has shifted over my adult life because it is my theme--even if the way in which I am using words has changed, it is still my preferred tool for connecting with others. (On a side note, I really don't enjoy watching ballet/dance simply for the reason that there are no WORDS! I prefer the opera to the symphony because opera has words--even if I don't always understand them.)
For most of my life, my words have been other people's words--the script writer's, the song writer's, my clients'. It seems like this is the time of my life to start sharing my own words, my own thoughts, and using my own expertise to shape others' experiences and help them reach their goals. This site will hopefully be a place of sharing insights, resources, and passing along other people's great ideas as well as my own. That's my plan--but I'm not much of a planner, so we'll see how that goes. Welcome, to More Than Words--Dana style.
I've been writing my whole life in various forms, poetry, creative fiction, short stories, then in work, as an instructional designer writing training programs for almost 20 years. I'm a singer, an actress, and now a speechwriter and public speaking coach. And if you know me--I can sometimes talk the leg off a chair!
I guess you can say my life has been about words, but (here it is...are you ready for it?) it's really been about more than words. It's been about reaching people, touching people, communicating a message, trying to change lives. So that's why the song title seemed an appropriate name for my business. It has continued to work even as my work has shifted over my adult life because it is my theme--even if the way in which I am using words has changed, it is still my preferred tool for connecting with others. (On a side note, I really don't enjoy watching ballet/dance simply for the reason that there are no WORDS! I prefer the opera to the symphony because opera has words--even if I don't always understand them.)
For most of my life, my words have been other people's words--the script writer's, the song writer's, my clients'. It seems like this is the time of my life to start sharing my own words, my own thoughts, and using my own expertise to shape others' experiences and help them reach their goals. This site will hopefully be a place of sharing insights, resources, and passing along other people's great ideas as well as my own. That's my plan--but I'm not much of a planner, so we'll see how that goes. Welcome, to More Than Words--Dana style.
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