The book mentions the belief that “who you are is what you
will do” when discussing the essence of who leaders are. What are some of your core values, beliefs,
and principles that influence your practices as a school psychologist/leader?
Reply to at least one other person.
Reply to at least one other person.
One of the principals and beliefs that has guided me through life, both personally and professionally, is to treat everyone with respect - from the janitor to the CEO/director. Everyone is deserving of the same respect. Titles, class, race make no difference in whether you are respectful to someone or not. Everyone is deserving of kindness and sincere respect.
ReplyDeleteAs a school psychologist, we work with a variety of people from all paths of life. Most people are inherently good and want only the best for their child, or the child in their classroom. When we show the people we work with respect, it is a good foundation for a good working relationship!
Another principal that I try hard to maintain is having a positive attitude and looking at all situations with optimism and a positive spin. Negativity wears me down and drowns me. I try surrounding myself with positive, genuine people.
I admit, this is my first blog, so I am unsure how in depth to go. I think I could ramble on and on regarding this topic, but think I will close here.
Elizabeth, I love what you wrote. Not only is it well-written, but it touches on many of the traits that I value as well. You're a good person to have on our team.
DeleteThank you Alan! I appreciate your nice comments & enjoy working with you as well!
DeleteAmen - Well said
DeleteI agree with you 100% Elizabeth. My husband and I are teaching our children to respect everyone no matter what their job, race, ethnicity, religion, or gender.
DeleteI also try to be respectful, to understand the humanity of others, and to create connections in helping other people feel appreciated. I hope that these attitudes help me be a better listener, to be less judgmental, and to be more thankful for all of those with whom I come in contact. In understanding that I may not have all the best ideas, I hope that we can come together with a shared vision in which each of us has ownership.
ReplyDeleteI also value being responsible, being dependable, being hard working, and avoiding procrastination. I appreciate those team members who are responsible and self-directed in accomplishing the task at hand. In this, I would say that I'm goal-directed. I would like the team to do our job in a way of which we can all be proud.
It comes to mind that the values in the first and second paragraphs sometimes come into conflict. When they do, I hope I can err on the side of respect and understanding the humanity of others. I think they call that forgiveness.
I agree with you Alan on trying to avoid procrastinating. However I think when you work with many types of people you have to be understanding of those people who procrastinate on certain things.
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DeleteAgreed I have had to learn how to accept others procrastination and not to let it bug me. It will get done..maybe just not on my timeline.
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ReplyDeleteOne of my core beliefs that has influence me as a school psychologist is being a good listener and listening with an open mind. Listening leads to more effective communication. Many times I feel like teachers just need that person to vent to or to help them with a situation that is going on with a student, parent, or teacher.
ReplyDeleteI also believe that responsibility and dependability are values that have helped guide me as a school psychologist. I believe in the philosophy that if I say I'm going to do something, I'm going to complete the task no matter what it takes or how long it takes.
I also value being respectful to everyone. I believe everyone deserves the same respect regardless of their position. I believe the more you respect someone, the more appreciative they feel, which in turn leads to better working relationships.
Lastly I value making people feel appreciated. I think the more appreciative someone feels, the more likely they are to do more than is expected. Each time I'm in my buildings I try to encourage my teachers and show them how much I appreciate what they are doing to help make kids successful.
I definitely see your values of being responsible & dependable shine through in your work!
DeleteI 100% agree with your comments regarding letting others know how much they are appreciated, as well as, how nice it is when others tell us we are appreciated!! :)
Thanks Elizabeth! It was probably my awesome mentor who taught me responsibility and dependability!!
DeleteI appreciate your reflection on making people feel appreciated. I've had a few teachers tell me this year, in this current climate, "I just want to know I'm doing a good job." I think recognition of areas of strength is the best place to start when helping someone improve.
DeleteCatherine-
DeleteI completely agree with your ideas on respect and appreciation. I know there have been NUMEROUS times when I've been given a heads-up about someone I'm going to be working with, or someone's opinion about another person is really negative, but then, when I actually end up working with this person or are around them, I've never had a difficult time with any of them. Maybe I'm just lucky, maybe it's because I'm itinerant and aren't around some of these people all the time, but I also really feel like the respect and appreciation aspect make sense in these scenarios too.
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ReplyDeleteOne my core beliefs is to be a accepting of all no matter what. Everyone, makes different choices in life. The choices other make whether you agree them or not are theirs to make. Therefore, when I am sitting at a table with a team it breaks my heart when they judge the parents to an extent that is unkind and unnecessary. I did not choose the thug life, but for some the thug life choose them. That does not make them a bad person, but a person who makes some pretty bad choices.
ReplyDeleteAnother, belief I have like many others is to respect others. This one goes along with being accepting in my opinion. Just because someone is not like you does not mean that you shouldn't be respectful towards them.
A part of my belief system is to be helpful. Now this gets me in trouble from time to time due the fact I can be overly helpful, but for the most part it is a great quality. I have had people watch me struggle and never lend a helping hand and it was an awful feeling. I never want to make someone feel that way. I would rather offer help and be told no than not offer at all.
I loved reading your responses to the first question. This is why I like you guys so much! I suppose one of my core values is always trying to get to win-win when I work with people. I like people to get their needs met and it is important to me that we stay open and keep seeking to find ways where all parties can find some benefit. Not easy and not always possible. I think I come across at times as indecisive because I am trying to find a middle ground. Other core values...... I want to always have fun with what I am doing. So I am usually poking fun and trying to look at the lighter side of things. More fun for me and hopefully for others. I also want to convey in all my actions that we can always work things out one way or another - so don't stress so much!. My thoughts....
ReplyDeleteWhen working with you it is evident that you care deeply about others and always try to find a win-win solution. As humans, we have a tendency to push for what is best for us instead of looking for a win-win situation.
DeleteI too, always appreciate the win-win solution and the humor you bring to a situation. There are so many ways to have fun without it being at the expense of others .
DeleteYou can definitely tell we are all psychs and in a "helping profession". I too believe in respect and a positive regard for all people. Respect and courtesy is something some of our young people seem to be missing out on. I have been out recruiting lately and you see a wide range of people looking for jobs in the teaching field. When you talk to them you really get a feeling for those you think will be a good teacher and those who may struggle and it seems respect plays a piece in that. I really believe in the Golden Rule and believe you should treat others as you would want to be treated. The job is hard and often you just have to seek out that bright glimmer of hope and positive regard for people and students you are working with. Many of our students are dealing with situations that we may find hard to even imagine. For them school becomes a safe haven and place to find someone who cares about them.
ReplyDeleteI think one of the core beliefs that guides me as a school psychologist, is that the majority of people in special education want to do their job well and help kids. Usually, people try to do their best and what they think is right. When I'm frustrated with a coworker I try to work from a coaching point (how can I make the situation better) instead of just complaining about what they are or are not doing. I have found over the course of my career, that when I take this approach things almost always improve.
ReplyDeleteAnother core belief I have is I believe people meet your expectations. If you expect them to be lazy and do a half way job, that is usually what you get. On the other hand, if you expect them to be responsible, professional, and competent, they usually are. Setting high expectations, praising others when they meet those expectations, and treating others with respect is essential to being a good leader/coworker.
I agree that people will try to meet your expectations. Some people may require more coaching and assistance to get going or to work through the kinks, but they can achieve high expectations.
DeleteI believe that one should not ask others to do a task, she is not willing to do herself. I believe in fairness, equality, and respect. I feel like you should truly treat people how you want to be treated. If someone is struggling, jump in there and help them out. I also believe that we must keep an open mind. People are not cut from the same cloth. We do not come from the same background and have not experienced life in the same way. It is important to keep this in mind when working with people. As a leader, one cannot be afraid to speak out, but please keep in mind how you phrase your words.
ReplyDeleteI have always been a “mothering” type. I have always wanted to take care and help others. My dream as a school psychologist was to ensure that all children are able to obtain an education that is meaningful to them. Every child we meet has a story to tell. It is up to us to help them write that story. They may need many different types of support to get through the story, but that is what we are there for. As school psychs, we get to figure out what their strengths and weaknesses are and help them build upon both.
I tend to be a loner in my personal life, but as a school psychologist I feel like it is crucial to be a team player. Everyone on the team has equal power and say in the decisions and discussions we participate in. I am able to listen to others and really respect their ideas.
To be honest, it’s kind of difficult for me to answer this question. Crazy right??? I mean, our answers for these are just our personal opinions, haha! But here’s why I guess… I feel like I have some pretty strong values, beliefs, etc. that have shaped me as a person and, consequently, have influenced my professional practices. And several of them are similar to what others have already mentioned (i.e. being respectful, responsible, dependable, etc.). However, as I’m thinking about what I feel are my core principles, beliefs, values, I’m also remembering all the times I’ve contradicted them. As an example, I don’t think I’ve ever lost my cool in a staffing or have been disrespectful during a meeting with a teacher or administration, but there have been several times when I’ve been BEYOND frustrated and have vented to my husband or a close friend afterwards. That’s not being respectful. That’s not treating others how I’d like to be treated. Another strong principle I have in relation to being a school psychologist is to follow the laws, rules, regulations that are outlined for us by the state/federal government in regard to our profession. But then again, I think of the times when we’ve gone ahead and had staffings with required members not present (i.e. principals) rather than trying to reschedule because it would be a nightmare. While definitely more convenient for everyone involved, we weren’t following the laws. I guess I just feel like if these are the things I’m saying are guiding me through life and are at my core, there shouldn’t be any gray.
ReplyDeleteSummer To Do List:
-Refinish end table
-Get a tan
-Start running again
-Reevaluate my entire life :-p
I think there are occasions in all our lives that test our beliefs. Through these experiences we are able to grow and develop. If we are never tested then we never grow.
DeleteRespect and treating others with dignity are also some of my beliefs and values that have shaped me throughout my career. I believe another is having integrity. When I have committed to doing something for a teacher, student, or administrator, I feel it is crucial to follow through. Without integrity you loose trust. In our profession trust is as important as respect. We are working with people's babies. There is nothing more important than to do our best in all aspects.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jamie in her belief that she won't ask someone to do something she won't do herself. In my opinion, this also speaks to trust in a relationship.
My beliefs and values center around building trust. Respect, integrity, treating others with dignity all promote trust. Being trusted and trusting others enables me to be a better school psych.
Yeah! I'm back online on a device with a real keyboard :) Feeling thankful for the little things today. I'll echo what others have said. I believe to build a working relationship, treating people with respect, and recognizing their strengths and contributions is essential. It helps build trust, and no true collaboration can occur without that trust. I remember too that the reason I got into this profession was for the students, and doing what is best for them. That includes modeling the things asked of other and following through, and is a guiding factor in making decisions.
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