To sharpen the saw, is a matter of complete self control. By understanding, to this point, the necessary measures and improvements that need to be tended to, to be a better leader for myself, for others including my peers, colleagues, family and friends, requires much reflection, effort and patience.
There are so many aspects that could be "sharpened" that it will never be truly sharp enough because other factors still come into play; the influences of the environment, obstacles, morality, relationships, and passion to name a few. Therefore, it will be an ongoing process with many changes along the way. To successfully build on this habit, I would really need to focus on my other six habits, cycling through them until it occurs naturally. By working on myself first, I will be able to accomplish more in the end with better qualities as a person and as a leader. One key factor I could start off with, is using what I already know and evolving them as situations come into play. For others to learn the same, I need to allow time for their habits to develop as well. For example, especially with my family, I will have to find when there are "learning moments" and then give direction without the expectation of immediate change. It's about taking the opportunities and showing it without the requirement of putting a due date on it. Adjusting the saw, what it will be used for and by who, all need to be recognized in different situations. From what I understand, the concept of "synergy" makes up true collaboration. That the whole is great because of the sum of each of its parts. Therefore, it is so important to work with others, to share knowledge and ideas, and learn different ways of thinking, different perspectives, and different options. The school system is exactly that. It is full of educators and learners who work together to build a community. The more involved they are with one another, the stronger they grow as individuals.
Speaking about synergy actually reminds me of the excitement of being a teacher. However, to be honest, that's not what I feel all the time because not every school works well together, they even have staff department cliques. Gossip spreads quickly and many like to isolate themselves in their rooms. As for myself, I've always seen myself as a floater. I don't really stick to specific groups and I am always curious about the lives of others, and it goes without judgement. I enjoy opportunities to merge subjects and to diversify the learning itself. Diversity is all around us and we are immersed in it. So why not just appreciate it and take it in? Learn all there is to learn from the individuals that differ so much from ourselves. Even in a classroom, I take opportunities to collaborate with my students. I ask for feedback. I give them time to share what they know and the skills that they've established. The environment thrives so much more when we are all learning together from each other. To further develop this "synergize" habit, I must go out of my comfort zone. In order to teach others to be open, I need to be willing to do so myself. One step at a time, I can share bits and pieces of me when appropriate, to colleagues, to students, to friends and family. Hopefully, it is honesty with each other that will enable us to embrace the differences in each of us and to be our better selves. When I think about this habit, to "Seek First to Understand..." I immediately relate it to proper listening skills. The following video, although posted for entrepreneurs and sales, is quick and to the point with 10 great tips on how to be an active and effective listener. From there, we can then build on the empathetic quality behind it so that an authentic relationship is built. We'll need to have multiple interactions with the same person to be able to truly read and understand their cues, so that we not only share what we ourselves are interested in, but learn what others are interested in as well. If I was to evaluate myself based on these 10 points, I would rate myself as inconsistent. Being an active listener, is exactly just that, active! Sometimes, it's hard to follow if our energy isn't there to support us because of high levels of stress and other factors come in the way, which is every now and then. For example, holding eye sight is difficult for me. I consciously do it, but it's not within my culture to do so. We are taught the exact opposite, to look away to show respect for the speaker; otherwise, "staring" means challenging the speaker. Therefore, it takes a great deal of effort to fight against how I was originally taught, it is less effort to listen by looking away.
I also struggle with being able to minimize external distractions. In some cases, they're non avoidable and if the speaker gets distracted, you naturally do too. I think it's more important that you have paid enough attention to know where to start up again. Also, having "distractions," or having a busy atmosphere, could actually help boost the energy to stay focused. As for internal distractions, which include thinking ahead at what you want to say, actually is even harder to control. Again, when you're not in the right conditions, or you're unfit to follow through on these listening expectations, then you should make it clear to the speaker to avoid misunderstandings. This is especially important when working with students. It is already difficult to read their intentions when their body language says otherwise. I need to continue to build on these qualities I struggle with and establish them as part of a habit I take with me to work and everywhere else I go. Students want to be understood. They need someone to not only hear them, but someone to really listen to them; which leads me back to working on my patience and taking the time to let them talk instead. Being empathetic and being concerned speaks out that you care. The best way to teach my students to listen, is to take the initiative and listen to them first; "seek first to understand, then to be understood." Lead by example in all interactions. Resource: "Effective Listening Skills." (2011, December 9). Fig ESSA. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8zNx_IarUw |
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