"The contributions game has remarkable powers for transforming conflicts into rewarding experiences."
Art of Possibility, by R. Zander, p. 59
Presence of mind rather than overwhelm with emotion allows more positive interaction. This presence is more transforming when both are seen as contributors to good in the world instead of arbiters of evil. A very destructive viewpoint is a double-edged sword. On one side, a person can throw out negativity that can cut another's psyche, while on the other side, the receiver's interpretation increases the damage on the return slice. The contributions game that Zander endorses dulls that return blade.
Many people, including, or especially including, students, are prone to receive information in different ways based on previous experience. Zander's way of opening his students' eyes to how they positively contribute to the world and people around them creates an inner sense of worth in them. This can be likened to filling up one's cup with delicious things so that when someone tries to pour something bitter into the mix, the sweetness already there can actually transform that tartness into something tasty.
"...his true power derives from his ability to make other people powerful."
Art of Possibility, by R. Zander, p. 68
What better goal should there be for a teacher!?! Pride wants to put-down others, while true humility is powerful and has the ability to empower others. Zander has hit on the true meaning of leadership. A leader is one who sees greatness in others, learns from it, nurtures it, and never feels that her/his knowledge is so untouchable that s/he cannot grow from even the smallest person's contribution.
As a teacher, this should mean that student opinions, thoughts and ideas should be treated with value and respect. Collaboration in its deepest sense is mutual contributions where wisdom guides but does not overpower.
"Who am I being that they are not shining?"
Art of Possibility, by R. Zander, p. 74
Without unnecessary self-deprecation, this should be a question teachers continually ask when students are not responding positively. A sober, positive assessment of pedagogical practices, as well as personal foibles, may reveal new ways to reach students that otherwise may have been considered difficult. Although this may take some extra energy to pursue, the benefits are often more long-term when others know that educators are paying attention to students' real needs.
That's Rule 6 isn't it?
Diane,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great reflection on these this weeks reading. The quotes you pull out are very relevant to teaching. I agree that we should all be asking ourselves "Who am I being..." The famous quote "Be the change you wish to see in the world." is another example of this idea.
Great post!
Brandon Snyder
Diane,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your opinion of contribution. When a person feels like what they do makes a difference, they become more involved and their entire attitude is transformed. It is important to help everyone realize how they are a contribution. Although I don't always succeed in helping my students realize their contributions, it is so fulfilling when I am able to do this.
I had one student who was able to help people feel at ease and bring levity to situations. However, this student wasn't very academic and often felt he didn't contribute to class. One day during class we spent time talking about what we valued in other members of the class. Almost the entire class talked about this particular student's ability to make them laugh and feel important. It was great to see this student's eyes shine as he realized just what he brought to different situations.
Diane,
ReplyDeleteYour post is a great synopsis of those things i want to keep in mind from this week's reading. The practice of leading from any chair and making other people powerful requires so much courage, but therein lies much of magic of leadership!
Realizing that "The activity of leadership is not limited to conductors, presidents, and CEOs..." (Zander, p.73) shouldn't come as a threat but as inspiration to expose and celebrate leadership perpetuated in those we serve. And when the shoe is on the other foot, and we're being led, we have remember that we can still be a contribution as we practice leading from any chair.
Whoops. "leading from any chair" should've been quoted. (Zander, p. 67)
ReplyDeleteDiane,
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree! When students are made to feel that they are worthy and that they are successful, they will have the motivation to face any challenges head-on. Putting our students down and making them feel stupid NEVER works, and unfortunately, many teachers still use this tactic. We have to empower our students to be successful.
Becky
Diane,
ReplyDeleteYou are so dead on in your overview of this week's reading assignment. I think it was easy to see similarities between this week's reading and our job as teachers. I know we all know the right thing to do when it comes to our students but it so easy to lose track of our true intentions with all the added pressure associated with our job- I believe it is important to take some time to reflect on what we can do to refocus our energy and make a conscious effort to meet our students needs. I also think its important to "not take ourselves so seriously" and learn to laugh and learn from our mistakes- an important lesson for our students as well.