Hi ... my name is Danny, and I’m uncomfortable. I find all these changes overwhelming, intimidating, and at times … even scary. I just started a Twitter account several months ago, so I could connect with other educators, and I’m still not sure what some of the functions are. I felt a bit foolish a few weeks ago when a friend showed me something simple like how to tag people in a picture. Our system is moving to all things Google, and that is a bit unnerving. I knew a little bit about Power Point, Excel, and Word, and now I’m having to figure out how to use Docs, Slides, Forms, and Sheets … not to mention a whole new email system. Right now, I’m a little embarrassed that I can’t figure out how to store and retrieve all my info on Google Drive. I just started a blog this month, and I barely have a clue what I’m doing there. I just started an Instagram account, and my son told me I screwed up my first picture. Yep … it’s fair to say that I’m uncomfortable.
But here’s the thing: I’m absolutely certain that I’m growing. And I’m equally certain that these changes will allow me to be more effective in my job. I have made a decision that my commitment to growth must override my desire to stay comfortable. Make no mistake about it, venturing into uncharted waters brings a level of vulnerability. There is some risk that is inherent with any change. It can be challenging … but we must embrace the changes anyway. The risk is worth it.
Imagine the teenager who wants to be a great football player, but he remarks,
“I’m just not into lifting weights.”
Or the aspiring gymnast who says,
“Stretching just isn’t my thing.”
It is easy to see how naive, short sighted, and absurd these sentiments are. When people say these sorts of things, we can't take their commitment to their goal seriously. Have you caught yourself saying, “Technology just isn’t my cup of tea” or “I see how that’s good for some people, but I’m not good at technology”? I know I have said many times, “I’m just not a technology guy.”
Well guess what ...
Hey Danny,
ReplyDeleteTwo things: First, I dug your thoughts on "I might not know what I am doing, but I know that I am growing." That's a notion that we need to push with our students, too. All too often, they see struggle as a sign of weakness instead of a sign of growing stronger. I wonder how we create schools where kids aren't afraid to feel like they don't know what they are doing!
Second, I don't know how to tag people in Twitter yet! Moral of the story, there's always something to learn -- no matter how long you've lived in digital spaces!
Thanks for sharing this,
Bill
Bill,
DeleteI'm sorry it took me so long to respond to you, but thanks for taking the time to read and comment! Principals need to model vulnerability for teachers and teachers need to model vulnerability for their students. Additionally, I think it's important for principals to create a safe and secure environment for teachers to feel comfortable taking risks ... and even failing! And teachers need to do the same for their kids.
Thanks for engaging, and hope you have a great rest of the summer.
(And you can only "tag' people when your are posting a picture. In the process of posting a pic, you scroll underneath the pic, and it will say, "Who's in this picture?".
Danny
Danny we need to shift the school culture from one of failure to "if you fail you will succeed". Spot on thanks for being a great leader!
ReplyDelete"My commitment to growth must override my desire to stay comfortable." - Well said!
ReplyDelete