There are two things that I truly struggle with (and really sweat about) when it comes to being an administrator: 1. The customer service component of schooling and education, and 2. Holding high expectations for adults. "Move Your Bus" was spot on and is an excellent resources for anyone like me who has those same fears! I had a lot of great takeaways but here are some of my favorites:
1. Let your Runners reap the rewards. A little competition doesn't hurt and they are working the hardest anyways.
2. Get the Riders off your bus immediately! They only bring your down and these character have no interest in improving so it only hurts to keep them around.
3. Your joggers think they are runners! This made so much sense to me when I thought about why some people only did so few things and it is because they like a small locus of control.
4. Never, ever, ever break the spirit of a Runner. Apparently, it is an ugly sight so he offers different ways to provide them with critical feedback.
Needless to say, I really enjoyed this book and I would certainly recommend it!
I'm ordering this book as soon as I finish posting! I can't wait to read it. It sounds like something I really need right now. Unfortunately, I am a runner and I'm afraid my spirit is weakening (not yet broken, though!). My only explanation is that this is a rite of passage for me; a test to see how strong I really am. Thank you for this book recommendation. Definitely going to check it out!
ReplyDeleteTrust me you will enjoy it! It sounds like page 7 will be right up your alley :) It was for me as I consider myself a Runner who is slowing down a bit recently. But, my wonderful Driver found a perfect way to help me pick up speed. Let me know what you think when you get it.
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ReplyDeleteIt seems that he "borrowed" a concept from Jim Collins book Good to Great where he talks about getting the right people on the bus. A former principal of mine repeatedly used that phrase when describing her vision. This is another book I would recommend you read although it does come from the business world. It is a great book for leaders and a pleasant read!
ReplyDeleteYea, I hope Ron Clark credited Jim Collins in the book! If you haven't also read Good to Great, maybe reading them back-to-back would offer even more insight into taking organizations to new heights. I often reach outside the world of education to find leadership inspiration-- I feel like it broadens my perspective and pulls me out of my education comfort zone a bit!
ReplyDeleteRead it in 2 days. Shared it with my principal. He plans to read it over Winter Break. I'm excited to hear what he thinks. The book was just what I needed. Needed to read about some of the things I need to work on, that helped too. Thanks for the recommendation. Hoping to put what we've read to good use!
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