In How to Become a Servant Leader, the following practices were cited by authors Bob Vanourek and Gregg Vanourek: Listening: acknowledging the viewpoint of followers and validating these perspectives. Empathy: standing in the shoes of others and seeing things from their point of view. Healing: in helping followers become whole, servant leaders are themselves healed. Awareness: understanding oneself and the impactContinue reading “Serving people means growing their capacity and implies that everyone can contribute. – Juana Bordas”
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Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth. -Muhammad Ali
“On grace and gratitude” is how a recent meeting opened for me. The theme to this opening prayer compelled me to think in thanksgiving of all those working so diligently and thoughtfully to support my family and me. From the crossing guard, to the garbage collector, to the educational therapist, to the volunteer CYO basketballContinue reading “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth. -Muhammad Ali”
There is always room for doubt. There is also room for faith and hope. This is the nature of mystery. -Martha Hickman
Recently I read this blog post on the importance of “transformational leadership.” I agree wholeheartedly with author George Couros and his assessment of the distinction between transactional and transformational leadership. I feel blessed to work alongside transformational leaders. The Danger of a Single Story also reminds us to utilize empathy as a basis for accompaniment,Continue reading “There is always room for doubt. There is also room for faith and hope. This is the nature of mystery. -Martha Hickman”
There is nowhere on earth filled with the pure magic that New Orleans has to offer. -David Grohl
Last week I returned to the “Big Easy” for work and I feel like I re-captured a part of my soul. The people, the customs, the music, and the food of New Orleans inspire me whenever I am there. I am grateful for my colleagues in Lasallian education, whose hospitality and welcome is always appreciated.Continue reading “There is nowhere on earth filled with the pure magic that New Orleans has to offer. -David Grohl”
Often recall to mind the purpose of your vocation, and let this [inspire] you to do your part to establish and maintain the kingdom of God in the hearts of your students. -John Baptist de La Salle
This week we are setting up our Day of the Dead altar at home. This altar will remain displayed until after Thanksgiving. I greatly appreciate this annual ritual of calling to mind those who have gone before us and their continued presence in our lives today. My mom, Joan, joins my dad, Al, and otherContinue reading “Often recall to mind the purpose of your vocation, and let this [inspire] you to do your part to establish and maintain the kingdom of God in the hearts of your students. -John Baptist de La Salle”
Life is a process. We are a process. The universe is a process. -Anne Wilson Schaef
Recently my favorite baseball team clinched a postseason berth earlier than any other team in the major leagues…Vamos Gigantes! I have enjoyed two blissful weeks of coaching 5th grade boys’ soccer, and my wife starts coaching 4th grade girls volleyball in a few days. Next week I begin my limited fall travel for work, andContinue reading “Life is a process. We are a process. The universe is a process. -Anne Wilson Schaef”
“Sharing silence is, in fact, a political act. When we can stand aside from the usual and perceive the fundamental, change begins to happen. Our lives align with deeper values and the lives of others are touched and influenced.” -Gunilla Norris
This week marks the 279th anniversary of the premiere of Handel’s “Messiah.” I love this classical tune, which was composed in just 23 days! On April 13, 142, Handel debuted it at a charitable event in Dublin, Ireland, to free 142 men from debtor’s prison there. (Source: The Little White Book) Throughout the duration ofContinue reading ““Sharing silence is, in fact, a political act. When we can stand aside from the usual and perceive the fundamental, change begins to happen. Our lives align with deeper values and the lives of others are touched and influenced.” -Gunilla Norris”
“There are many things that can only be seen through eyes that have cried.” — Oscar Romero
Today marks the feast of Saint Oscar Romero, the former Archbishop of San Salvador. Saint Romero was martyred on this day in 1980 for his advocacy on behalf of the poor of El Salvador. A decades-long civil war of that time period has left a permanent imprint upon that country. In 2004 I visited Romero’sContinue reading ““There are many things that can only be seen through eyes that have cried.” — Oscar Romero”
Young people have a deep need for familiar connection amid a society glued together with impersonal, transactional exchanges. -Springtide Research Institute
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 worldContinue reading “Young people have a deep need for familiar connection amid a society glued together with impersonal, transactional exchanges. -Springtide Research Institute”
While we might feel small, separate, and all alone, our people have never been more closely tethered. The question isn’t if we will weather this unknown, but how we will weather this unknown together. Amanda Gorman
Last night I enjoyed playing a tech support role for my daughter’s Zoom Tinkering Club. She built this great machine-like structure, and was happy to e-connect with her friends for this monthly group activity. In the concluding appreciations reflection exercise, she stated: “Tonight I am grateful for my family, all of you, and our dog.”Continue reading “While we might feel small, separate, and all alone, our people have never been more closely tethered. The question isn’t if we will weather this unknown, but how we will weather this unknown together. Amanda Gorman”
