I enjoyed hosting another great group of educators the other day!! I LOVE sharing the importance of developing positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues using Restorative Practices!! This is my PASSION! 💕💕 It was an awesome time of listening, learning & reflection!! Our students are looking to us to model what it looks like to manage anger and disappointment! How can we say “Stop yelling” or “speak in a calm tone”... when we are yelling and NOT speaking in a calm tone?? Students also need frank discussions about how their behavior affects the community. (We need this as adults, also)! When I walk into a room, I have the ability to bring LIGHT and to SHINE or bring every hurt that has ever happened to me and put it on display! I CHOOSE TO SHINE!! 🌟☀️ (Even on rainy days)! ☔️😊~ DPB
Don't Let Thieves Steal Your JOY
Have you ever had a conversation with someone and immediately realized the person was attempting to bait you into an argument?? They asked, you answered, but then 3 questions later, you asked yourself... hmmm... what is this really about?? You eventually realized... Ohhh .... This person is attempting to get me to debate or argue with them, but... for what purpose?? Believe it or not, some people enjoy getting you “all riled up”! 😡 They thrive on “one-upping” you or creating negative tension. This often happens in the workplace but also during family gatherings and events. This is a telltale sign of 2 qualities or character traits: 1) Arrogance and 2) Insecurity. Arrogance, as in “My opinion is the only one that matters.” Insecurity, “I must make you believe you could not possibly know anything on this issue so that I appear smarter, wiser, & superior to you”. Dear One, recognize the signs of this “peace stealer” and do not fall into his/her trap. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with stating your opinion or offering facts, recognize that some conversations are designed to steal your peace and joy. I, too, have fallen for this a time or two. However, moving forward, I have purposed to recognize the signs and avoid these pitfalls. Here are three things to keep in mind: 1) Learn from past encounters. An individual who has approached you previously with illogical conversations or in an argumentative manner does not deserve an extended audience with you! 2) Shut down conversations that appear to pit you against others. 3) When conversations turn argumentative without solutions or resolutions, change the subject & if necessary, make your exit!!! Remember, no one can make you feel inferior without your consent. I refuse to give away my peace & my joy. You can, too!💕🌹 ~DPB
Being a World Changer
Is it me, or have you ever noticed the people who get the job done are the ones you most enjoy being around? The ones who accomplish more before noon than others accomplish in a week!! Do you want to know their secret??? F-O-C-U-S & Commitment. These “Difference Makers” are focused on the goal of getting the job done. They don’t concern themselves with all the things that aren’t going the way others think they should. Have you observed these individuals offer assistance and support but not “overstep” their boundaries?! Take note that they “stay in their lane.”... These individuals “know when to say when” and set clear boundaries. World Changers set out to accomplish a task and do not stop until it’s finished (even if a pivot to “Plan B” is necessary to accomplish it). Have you noticed how their commitment to the project, the team, and the organization is unwavering? These individuals look for ways to bless the team and organization, not undermine it. Leaders know their value, but they do not boast about it. Instead, they celebrate the team and the organization. Above all, these “Difference Makers” know when it is time to “move on.” These leaders understand that when the drive and passion they once felt for the work is no longer there, it is time to move on to the next chapter. World changers believe it’s better to move on than to compromise the work and the team. As you think about your work and organization, ask yourself. “Am I a Difference Maker”? Take a peek at this list and make it your mission to embrace the “World Changer” in you.💕🌹 ~DPB
Leadership is............
What is Leadership?! Think about the bosses, supervisors, & directors you’ve had that were “quality”!!! They provided guidance, support & direction. You may have a quality leader now! Having quality leaders means you know you can ask any question without appearing “unwise & inexperienced.” These leaders provide room to grow and learn. Understand that even if your title is not listed above, YOU ARE A LEADER!!! Those around you are watching you lead. They may not always comment, but they are watching how you respond to others. They are watching the time you arrive and the time you leave. They are watching the level of excellence with which you complete your work. They are watching you support the team and not undermine it. They are watching you feed the team and not drain it! Even those little things you think no one notices that you do to bless and encourage others - They see you!! 👀 Show them who you are... Show them what leadership is… ~DPB
