Innovator's Mindset #1

I recently started reading The Innovator’s Mindset by George Couros.  (I admit I am only a couple chapters in currently). I have followed him on twitter for a few years now and find his blog posts interesting and thought provoking.  What I have read so far in the book continues to push my thoughts and ideas. Reading his work has also inspired me to get back to writing and sharing my thoughts. Thank you George!

In his book he defines the Innovator’s Mindset as the “Belief that abilities, intelligence, and talents are developed so that they lead to the creation of new and better ideas.” This idea takes the work of Carol Dweck on the Growth Mindset and expands on it.  

In chapter 2 he identifies some critical questions for the innovative educator.  His first question is “Would I want to be a learner in my own classroom?” This is a great place for teachers to start.  It made me think about…what is the administrative equivalent of this? It could be “Would I want to be an adult learner (teacher or other staff member) in my own school?” or “Would I want to be an adult learner (teacher, other staff member or administrator) in my own district?” I suspect that he will get into these ideas later in the book but I thought I would capture my thoughts on them now.

How can we as leaders model the innovators mindset and ensure that adult learning is as meaningful to each person in our school or district as we want it to be for us when we learn.  A few things come to mind as we think about this.  We need to have a clear idea of where we are going but provide flexibility in what route people can take to get there.  It is also important for us as leaders to be comfortable with the reality that some will get there quicker than others.  When working toward a goal, I have often shared the idea that I don’t expect you to be there tomorrow, but I expect you to be moving in that direction.  We also need to be ready to provide differentiated types of support to staff along the way.  Just like we expect teachers to differentiate instruction based on the needs of their students, we need to differentiate learning opportunities and support based on the needs of individual staff members.  

If we are going to help the adults in our system not only develop their talents but get them to lead to the creation of new and better ideas, this will be a start.  This is only a start…there is definitely more to come. #InnovatorsMindset 

Inspiring Hope in Others

Last night I had the chance to attend a dinner and hear an inspiring speaker named Mawi Asgedom.  He shared his story, from growing up in a refugee camp to graduating from Harvard University.  His story and what he shared were good reminders for why we do the work we do.

It is part of our job as leaders to provide students, families and staff hope.  We need to inspire them to believe that anything is possible and they can overcome any challenges they may face.  With hope, there is possibility.  Students need to know that we will NEVER give up on them.  We will always be there to push them and to support them.  We need to make sure we do this for ALL of our students, especially those who face adversity.  

I think we’ve all had an experience where we felt invisible. A time where it seemed that others around didn’t notice us and we didn’t matter.  It may have been the time on the playground when a group of kids were playing a game and they didn’t invite you.  It may have been the event that people planned and didn’t include you. As leaders we need to make sure we see the students and families that are invisible. We need to notice and value each and every student and family. It is also our role to help our students include and notice those who may be invisible.  We need to be inclusive, not exclusive.

The final message is that success is any time I try to grow. As long as we are working at it and trying to improve, we are experiencing success. This is consistent with the concept of a growth mindset that intelligence is not predetermined and can be developed.  As adults we need to continue to learn and grow and we need to instill that mindset in our students that as long as they are continuing to grow and make progress, they are experiencing success.  

I’m glad I had the chance to hear Mawi speak, it was inspiring and refreshing and encouraging. These are concepts that we need to make happen as educators and leaders!