Leadership
Why Discipline Is Better Than Punishment
7shares Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn Some time ago, I spoke at an educator event in Missouri. During the Q and A period, a gentleman raised his hand with a deep concern: “Today, it seems like we’re quick to penalize (even suspend) students for wrong behavior more quickly than when I was in high school.…
Continue ReadingOne Important Resolution to Make This School Year
9shares Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn I just read some research that confirmed what I suspected for years. Even though students in Generation Z (those growing up in the 21st century) desire to “make the world a better place,” volunteering is down, not up. Yes—you read that correctly. Here is a quick summary of the…
Continue ReadingFour Expectations Generation Z Has of Future Employers
3shares Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn The first wave of young adults from Generation Z are entering the workforce, and believe it or not, they are different from the Millennial Generation, who are a bit older than they are. Generation Z is the population who grew up during the first fifteen years of the 21st…
Continue ReadingWhat School Is All About
4shares Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn Growing Leaders recently hosted a RoundTable for Principals in Atlanta. It was a joy to hear from best-selling author Dan Pink, authors Will Parker and DeeAnn Turner and an educational panel made up of Julie Diaz, Gary Davison and Dorothy Jerrett. One of my favorite learning moments, however, occurred…
Continue ReadingThree Ways to Beat Social Media Addiction
15shares Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn For three years, we’ve heard teens say in our focus groups that they are “addicted to social media.” In fact, it’s been said so often, it almost sounds cliché. Today, however, some of the early pioneers of social media platforms admit they purposely created features that not only lure…
Continue ReadingSometimes Leadership Is a Life or Death Situation
10shares Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn Sometimes helping students goes far deeper than our usual activities on a typical day. Take Sheila Fedrick’s situation for instance. Sheila is a flight attendant with Alaska Airlines. She’s a fifteen-year veteran and is good at her job. Typically, this means she has a pleasant attitude and serves nice…
Continue ReadingSeven Leadership Lessons from Mr. Rogers
34shares Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn In June, a movie was released in select theaters across the country: “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” It was a well-done documentary on the life and career of Fred Rogers, the man who hosted the show we came to know as kids—Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. My entire family enjoyed the…
Continue ReadingLeading Student Athletes Who Don’t Think They Need a Coach
10shares Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn Two years ago, UConn women’s basketball coach, Geno Auriemma, did an interview just before the Final Four. It was re-posted on Facebook a couple of months ago and has gained traction again with so many coaches across our nation. Ole’ Geno didn’t pull any punches in the interview. After…
Continue ReadingThe Fine Line Between Free Speech and Inclusive Language
2shares Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn Earlier this year, a firestorm erupted between guardians of “free speech” and those who are trying to safeguard inclusive language. I’d like to hear your thoughts. A handful of students from Syracuse fraternity “Theta Tau” held a private “roast” this past semester. They lambasted others who were not present,…
Continue ReadingShould We Teach Our Students to Pursue Leadership Positions?
10shares Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn I founded Growing Leaders in 2003. From the beginning, our mission has been to partner with schools and organizations to help them develop emerging leaders. Today, I have a confession to make that might sound surprising. For most students, leadership should not be a pursuit. I don’t believe we…
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