Posts by cfradmin
Watch Yourself! Change Ahead!
Real transformations in life sometimes happens when you least expect it. One of my major transformations happened twelve years ago, when the National Staff Development Council (now Learning Forward) initiated a bodacious project. Dennis Sparks, then Executive Director, thought that every principal and superintendent in high poverty schools should have the benefit of a coach…
Read MoreLessons Learned on a Gurney
Who would have ever thought that the lessons of using positive intent – one of our essential coaching skills – would be reinforced for me as I was being wheeled back to my room after a recent surgery? Certainly not me, but there it was! With my morphine pump held tightly in my hand I…
Read MoreLet Your Coach-Like Light Shine Bright!
January is the time of the year that brings a feeling of renewal and recommitment. You make New Year’s resolutions around dieting, exercising, saving money, etc. With the beginning of a new semester, it’s also time to reflect on where you are as a coach leader. Consider this quote by Tony Robbins, author and professional…
Read MoreTechnology Gone Awry!
The other day I spent time syncing all my technology. You know the drill. Sync the Ipad to the computer; then sync the Smart phone to the computer. I felt so proud of myself; I had all my technology aligned. Then disaster struck. When I accessed my pictures on my Ipad, the various “sets” of…
Read MoreResolutions That Stick
New Years’ Resolutions are easy enough to make but hard to keep over time. We begin with commitment and enthusiasm, to change a habit that is important to us. But our brains… and our muscles… and our psyches… default to the old patterns very soon! Before we know it, we are back on the old…
Read MoreHow Phone Coaching Works
Listening to See I called Armando to welcome him as a new client, share my excitement to be his coach, answer questions, and schedule our first session. When I asked what questions he had, Armando said, “After reading your email, I understand it’s my responsibility to call at the scheduled time from a place where…
Read MoreCourage Under Fire
As a school leader, when was the last time you were challenged and acted with courage under fire? You may wonder what does “courage under fire” look like? Maybe it’s moving forward with intention even when you’re unsure or anxious about what you’ll be doing or how it will be received. Perhaps it’s really facing…
Read MoreLearn to Manage Change or Be Overwhelmed By It
One thing is constant in 2011, and it is change. We are faced with a choice, learn to manage change or be overwhelmed by it. School leaders are not immune from this phenomenon. You are constantly being charged with leading all students and staff to perform at higher and higher levels. The future of our…
Read MoreAdvice is Toxic!
Advice is toxic! That is what we teach in our seminars. But this is a really hard habit to break! Our colleagues and friends often ask us for our opinions and advice. Our teachers expect us to advise them about what to do in those challenging situations they face. We are chosen for leadership because…
Read MoreThe Transformative Power of Coaching Conversations
Coaching conversations are transformative and can completely change how people think and act. In fact, one of our recent coaching clients did just that. Rosa, an assistant principal, was charged by her principal to get their school’s bilingual teacher, Ed, to show up on time for work every day. Ed’s personnel file was overflowing with…
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