This morning I have been thinking about how grateful I am for several recent parent experiences I have shared with my kids. My oldest said to me today, “Dad, I can hear you on your Zooms sometimes, and it sounds like you’re really helping a lot of schools.” His recognition and understanding means the world to me. My day ended yesterday with my younger son teaching his coding class, at the invitation of his technology teacher. He was so proud…and he wasn’t the only one. And over the weekend I enjoyed some quality time with my daughter as we walked our dog together. The weather was perfect and the conversation was special, including the discussion of “he loves me, he loves me not” (pertaining to singer Shawn Mendes) as she picked the pedals from a discarded flower. These days feel long sometimes, and fortunately they are often filled with my own unique blessings as the father of my children.
This afternoon our office is hosting a Zoom discussion on “Relational Authority.” I will be speaking with Dr. Josh Packard of the Springtide Research Institute. This framework of relational authority resonates so strongly with my own experience as a dad and as an educator. Springtide’s blogpost from today describes relational authority as the following:
Relational Authority is a practice. It is not a singular set of rules and actions, it is an invitation of being that opens the opportunity for deeper connection. The five dimensions of Relational Authority are: listening, transparency, integrity, care, and expertise. While each of these are integral components on their own, the more they are used in conjunction with one another, the more powerful and transformational.
I encourage you to visit Springtide’s website at your convenience, where you can request a complimentary copy of their most recent research on relational authority. I assure that your time of review and reflection will be worth your while. Blessings to you and yours!
Keeping the Faith 