"J, K, and L" for Jargon Killing our Leadership Style


Jargon Killing our Leadership Style?

#BlogginthruIt

Preface/Planning: 
Recently, I have been encouraged to write more and my friend Dennis Schug reminded me that we "get to write," that it is a privilege and should be fun.  In his Voxer message he explained how he has not had the time to write due to planning events for his moving up ceremony and various other planning activities.  I then opened our blogging chart of topic ideas and "Leadership from home" caught my eye, I then began thinking about my blog...  I'm up to J... "J" for Justice...  "J" for Jealousy...  "J" for Jargon...  Yes, think of all the new "jargon" we hear, but this Jargon has shifted how I am leading, how I am connecting, and how I am communicating... essentially killing my style of leadership because I am a connector.  Right?  Well, is it really?  If so, then, Why?
Note to self: You probably will go back to "JK & L" after this pandemic... and its okay Rob!!  :)


In the beginning, leaders took to digital meetings and led through the changes, guided teachers to move towards remote learning, console community members wrestling with great loss and change; however, soon things began to settle.  How can I maintain my leadership/teaching style during these times?  (Note to reader: I believe that "Teachers are leaders and teachers are leaders" so Teacher=Leader).  This "New" Jargon began impacting "What" we can and cannot do, and "How" we are going to achieve the goals we set out for ourselves; however, it will never change our "why" at our core.  I am blessed to work with a several teams of teachers who have inspired students and families to stay connected because of their core "why."



Why do I teach/lead?  I love to help people and at this moment, many people need help.  My wife and I emptied her school food pantry and placed all the food in our garage so we could make sure her student's families are fed, we delivered computers so our students could access their work, and we helped develop online resources so everyone has support in their own learning (Thank you #Read2Lead and #ALLinED #PLN for the personal support).

I have listened to and witnessed too many discouraged and deflated leaders, their negativity about this situation is unfortunately contagious and can destroy our school communities.  Some of them even stepped further "into their offices" to avoid connect with others (just like they do when school was in session) and have to face the hard truths.  I will not subscribe to this line of leading.  I am blessed to have supportive friends that keep me positive and inspired; and, we have to model appropriate behaviors for students and teachers.  We have to rise above.

I will not allow this situation to get me down... to control my leadership style.... to stop me from connecting.  Each week I see our teachers and students exploring new ideas, using new learning tools, and developing new ways to connect through video, blogs, chats, and even the good old telephone (Not the cell phone people... you know the one with a dial-tone!).  Students are calling their teachers because they miss them, teachers are calling their leaders in need of support.

Often times I find myself facing very challenging BIG picture questions: "How are we going to practice social-distancing protocols in September?  What will my classroom be like in September?  What is our school district DOING to plan for September?"

Clearly, no one is taking this student's "Why" away!

As I said earlier, I am a connector; I am also a reflector and planner.  These BIG questions are real, and can really Kill Leaders due to this new Jargon.  The questions mentioned above though... look at them for a moment... Notice anything?  

"How are we going to practice social-distancing protocols in September?  What will my classroom be like in September?  What is our school district DOING to plan for September?"

They are not "Why" questions, so that provides and/or allows our teachers/leaders to maintain their style and maintain our core values.  After I talk the person "off the ledge" from these questions, I find myself sharing the following advice over and over: "Every single classroom, in every single school, in every state is wrestling with these 'how' and 'what' questions...  I assure you that once we have guidance that we will work together to develop a plan.  Right now the most important thing is the relationship you have with our students and the relationship I have with you.  Breathe... we will get through this together."

I will not let this "Jargon Kill my Leadership" Style!  It will not destroy my "Why," it'll only impact our "how" and "what."  I believe we will come together stronger, smarter, and more empathetic towards people!  Have hope, have faith, this Jargon will not last forever!


Stay safe and healthy
Prayers to all in need
Be well
Dr. Rob Wottawa
https://twitter.com/RWottawa
https://sites.google.com/site/robwottawa/Home
#BlogginThruIt

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