I'm hoping this works. I'm posting through my phone because I am having Internet issues. If I can't get a posting in tonight I will post from school tomorrow. Too much to type from a phone. : )

7303 Post 5: Aha!

I love the Aha! moments that God reveals to me. A couple of years ago, several of our church members became involved in the lives of the Bhutanese refugees that have been located in Abilene. Our church showed a video this morning of the path that was taken that brought this group to our country and the little town of Abilene. Bhutanese that were kicked out of the land they grew up in and were refused entry into the land they originated. Over the course of many years, they found their way to the states. These are people that were doctors, teachers, and businessmen until a new regime. To watch the changes they are willing to make in their lives to survive as a family is amazing. They are learning English. They are depending upon others. They are taking jobs that many of us would think were beneath us.

I bring this up because of the opportunities so many of have and take for granted. The opportunities to learn from others and their cultures. The opportunity to lead in ways we never thought we would.

7303 Post 4: Sharing

So much this weekend was growth for me -- reflection, identifying my brain (if that's possible), and making a decision on the route of dissertation.  Wow!  However, I hope that I don't let it end there.  I have found great concepts to share with my staff and paths in which to do that (Kiva!).  I wonder how many of staff are aware of their brain tendencies and the crucial part they play in our learning styles.  It seems that if my staff could be aware of the tendencies for each, it might help in understanding the learning styles of their students.  While this isn't a new concept, sometimes we get so busy meet the standards and requirements of our positions that we are blind to the information that will help us along the way.  So, while I am growing through this journey, I hope to share that growth with those that I lead that they too may grow.

7303 Post 3: Globally? . . . It's a small world.

This weekend was homecoming for Abilene Christian University (my first purple almamator). My husband didn't drag me to many events but we did hit his reunion year reception. My husband loves these kind of events so I pretend that I do. As we visited with a couple that seemed to know me (didn't really remember them because we've aged just a tad)the husband of the pair was explaining that worked international businesses in his job. I made reference to our class and the discussions we have had regarding transnational leadership. He began to tell me about working with Swedish companies. They are highly protected of their own when it comes to employment by other countries. In order to let someone go, he had to appeal to the court system and ultimately paid out the employee through the year. He mentioned that they hire out globally because they do not face that issue when they do. Quite interesting to get a look at the world's differences in business and the affect it has in us globally -- the new business concept. Just another tidbit to learn when stretching to the global side.

7303 Posting 2: It Happened

I begin every year crossing my fingers that this would be the year for no parent complaints.  I am sure that this is the dream of all campus principals.  While superintendents (or assistant superintendents assigned "complaints") may get a few, it is the principal that gets hit with these sometimes validated complaints and sometimes those that are, well let's say "minuscule."

For almost six weeks (I think that is my record), we have gone with no complaints until Wednesday of this week.  Her daughter's shirt was intentionally torn by a fellow student who "pushed" her off of the statue they were climbing on at the park while on a field trip.  She had witnesses.  The investigation began.  My investigation concluded that the "witnesses" did not see the incident and that by the description given by the plaintiff (yes, I feel like a judge and jury) it was merely an accident.  However, mom was insisting that the accused pay for the shirt.  The mother was not satisfied and I had not responded after the investigation.  She has now complained to the curriculum director (yes, curriculum director).  

I tell this tale because of the impact it had on my reflection of my attitude and actions.  Through the course of actions taken by the curriculum director, I had to determine where I would stand on the matter and how I would speak with her about her actions in the matter.  

I have just finished reading Leading with Soul and found that it did have an impact on what my reaction would be.  I was dealing with two "cultures" -- the parent's and mine.  To this parent, accidents do not happen, everything is intentional if the action effected them.  To me, accidents can happen, and while me way want to have someone to blame, they just happen.  

I did attempt to call the parent twice before leaving school Friday evening but to no avail.  So, how will my soul seek to close this difference between me and the parent?  I have reflected on what is important, what is right, and what, most importantly, will connect that bridge between or "cultural" differences.

As we are learning, "cru-zing to lead" involves a constant reflection of the soul.