Let’s start the year off with “Joy” and the pursuit of Joy in our lives. Happiness is a more temporary, externally triggered feeling of pleasure, while joy is a deeper, more lasting state of internal contentment. Happiness is often a response to specific events or circumstances, such as getting a new job, while joy stems…
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As we head into the winter holidays, I am excited to share with you a book I read back in the Fall, and one that was recommended this book by a friend and former colleague, Vanessa Wade. She is responsible for discipline at her current school, and is currently pursuing an Ed Diploma in Ethical…
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In the epic tale, Jason lashed himself to the mast of his ship, commanded his crew of Argonauts to put wax in their ears, all to avoid crashing upon the rocks of the Sirens. But why didn’t Circe recommend wax in his own ears? Why was he yelling at his crew to change course? How…
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Hidden Potential by Adam Grant How Rethinking Growth Can Transform Our Classrooms, Our Teams, and Ourselves “The true measure of potential is not how high you reach but how far you came to get there.”— Adam Grant, Hidden Potential As an educator and school leader, I’ve long been preoccupied with the question of how we…
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“When kids feel that their worth is contingent on their performance … they feel they only matter … if they are successful.” ~Jennifer Breheny Wallace I picked up Never Enough on the recommendation from a few educators. I expected it to be non-surprising and “preaching to the choir”; however, as I turned the pages, I…
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Book Review: First, Break All the Rules by Gallup The Manager’s Role in Unlocking Human Potential “Great managers don’t believe that people can become anything they want to be. They believe that people can become more of who they already are.”— Gallup Organization There are books that reaffirm what you already believe. There are books…
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I want to thank the retired Head of School, Derek Logan, for recommending this book to me. This book is over 20 years old, and it still packs a punch. The authors take their lessons and learning from the theatre, from being consultants of The Ariel Group, and from their experiences working within larger companies,…
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Book Review: The Power of Mattering by Zach Mercurio In The Power of Mattering, Zach Mercurio makes a compelling case for why cultivating a sense of mattering is not only a deeply human act, but a critical leadership skill—especially in schools and educational institutions. Drawing from neuroscience, sociology, psychology, and wisdom traditions, Mercurio advances the…
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Leading through Strategy brings to life the role of a Head of School in the Independent School world. Thomas Olverson is the former Head of School of Rivers School, outside of Boston. This is the retelling, by him, of his learning, growth and development as Head of Rivers, alongside it’s growth and development into one…
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How have I not reviewed this book before? Having known Grant Lichtman for almost a decade, as a friend, thought-partner, thought-leader and incredible author, I’ve picked up this book again, because he will be a guest in the upcoming Season 3, of my podcast with Jason Rogers: Lassoing Leadership. Thrive is as close to a…
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