All in the Details

Stanley Compass

During professional development today, we did an activity today called Compass Points.  

What is your style?

* action-oriented, risk taking North?
* see the big-picture, East?
* focus on the details, West?
* nurturing, relationship-embracing, South?

I decided I'm definitely a West. I'm all about the details. When I'm energized and optimistic, its a joyful examination of every piece. When I'm self-critical, critical of others and tired, its a painful shredding of everything. To pieces!

It was a great icebreaker. The take away for me was, West is awesome but I must remember my colleagues, and stretch a little. Travel every once and a while. Let go and go, in a different direction sometimes.

I tried it and what a relief! I spared my 7th grade team from the incessant picking away at the details and went with the flow for an hour. Effortlessly, we came up with an awesome first week of advisory lessons that reflected our personalities and hopes for our students this year. I was still me - made sure nothing was left out, documenting it - but I listened, more. It was my favorite part of today, practicing silly icebreakers and laughing with Jedd and Gregory. Planning, can be enjoyable.

Days like this though, feel good as it was, leave me spent.

It may be because I'm trying to make working out a morning routine. Bringing it at 5 am, is hard - more on that later.