Simon Sinek’s TED talk gives the viewer insight on how some of the great leaders and innovators have inspired us. He explained that successful organizations and leaders such as Apple and Martin Luther King Jr. “think, act and communicate the exact same way. And it’s the complete opposite to everyone else.” His theory is that people buy why you do things instead of what you do. He suggests that successful people and organizations gain success because they are able to inspire others by sharing what they believe and not just an end product.
Sinek suggests that people are “driven by a cause, a purpose, a belief”. I think that a cause, purpose, or belief for a school is the school mission. As educators and administrators, these are our educational and leadership philosophies. By identifying and sharing these, teachers and administrators can create a more focused and productive learning environment. Teachers can apply Sinek’s concept by inspiring and giving students a reason to learn rather than just telling students the how and what they will be learning. As administrators, we can apply this information to inspire parents, teachers, and students to focus and achieve the school mission.
Annelle Keller - Comment to Neysa - How great leaders inspire action
ReplyDeleteHi, Neysa! I watched the TED video after reading your post. I loved his "Golden Circle" insight. Those who start with "why" have the ability to inspire those around them or find others who inspire them. I totally agree with you regarding a school's mission should be the "cause, purpose,or belief". A school's mission statement is the "why" in the learning environment. Everyone involved - from the principal, administration, faculty, staff, and stakeholders - should be able to apply the mission statement of the school and be able to implement to the students from the "inside out" in order to inspire the students both inside and outside the classroom.
Chris Dardar - Comment to Neysa - How Great Leaders Inspire
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on the reasons for initiating Sinek's concepts must be driven by educating through inspiration. How many times a day are we asked by our students or own children "but why?" Being able to develop a lesson or strategy by starting with the "why" rather than the "what" will allow an educator to focus on the long term goals and outcomes. I feel the purpose of educating someone is to allow them eventually be a thinker who can stand alone in their own beliefs and thoughts.
Neysa responding to Chris' comment:
ReplyDeleteI think we agree, the great teachers are the ones that inspire action not tell about it.
Thinking helps us to learn, so I guess all great minds don't think alike?
..and I'll try to stop telling my own kids "because I said so!!!"