Accelerate Your Performance

How can leaders use Big, Hairy, Audacious Goals (BHAGs) as a strategic tool to achieve successful outcomes? Join Dr. Janet Pilcher for the latest episode of the Accelerate Your Performance podcast where she defines what a BHAG is and urges organizations to set such long-term goals guided by core values and purpose to succeed in a world shaped by the experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Listen as Janet discusses how these goals contribute to an organization’s overall vision, igniting and building collective greatness.

Recommended Resources: Refresh Strategic Goals to Move Forward, Align Behaviors with Goals and Values, Define Guiding Actions to Live by

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

Join Dr. Janet Pilcher as she engages in a conversation with Dr. Shelly Viramontez, Superintendent, and Ms. Whitney Holton, Associate Superintendent, of Campbell Union School District in Campbell, California. Dr. Viramontez discusses her commitment to leadership development, particularly focusing on aligning systems and streamlining processes so leaders can focus on meaningful and impactful work. She also shares specific examples of process improvements that have achieved significant outcomes. Additionally, Ms. Holton highlights how the district is implementing continuous improvement down to the classroom level. Listen now to hear Dr. Viramontez and Ms. Holton explain how the organizational shift from compliance to commitment is fostering a positive culture within the district.

This episode addresses questions such as:

• How does collaboration across departments boost organizational efficiency?
• What positive results are achieved through intentional data collection in monitoring classroom progress?
• How do you empower teachers to lead the work of continuous improvement at the classroom level?

Recommended Resources: Continuous Improvement Through Leadership , Simple Strategies for Classroom Improvement, Empower Your Team: Using Plus/Delta as a Template for Making Improvement Decisions

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

How do gratitude and goodwill enhance the quality and richness of life? Join Dr. Janet Pilcher as she invites us to reflect on the power of small acts that, when multiplied, shape a more harmonious and compassionate world. Listen as Janet reminds us to create a context of warmth and balance with every gentle gesture of goodness leading to the next.

Recommended Resources: Finding Purpose Outside of Work, Reflect to Overpower Hate, Show Your Gratitude

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

Join us for part two of Dr. Janet Pilcher’s thought-provoking conversation with Superintendent Rob Clayton of Warren County Public Schools. In this episode, they dive into how Mr. Clayton has built trust, courage, ownership, and commitment with his team by leading with intention and transparency to achieve organizational excellence. They also discuss the importance of data-driven decision-making and systematic review processes to encourage a culture of accountability and alignment. Lastly, Mr. Clayton highlights the ultimate goal of ensuring student success by focusing on the continued investment in and development of the adults who play a pivotal role in students' educational journeys.

This episode addresses questions such as:

• How does collaboration positively influence the executive decision-making process? 
• What is the beneficial influence on students when support is provided to the adults within an organization?
• How does instilling a sense of pride and ownership within a team create a culture where employees are assertive and empowered?

Recommended Resources: Achieve Accountability Through Consistency and Communication, Building Transparency and Trust, Listening to Parents and Students via Pulse Surveys

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

Join us as Dr. Janet Pilcher sits down with Mr. Rob Clayton of Warren County Public Schools for a compelling conversation about accountability, leadership consistency, and the transformative power of intentional communication. Tune in as Mr. Clayton describes the role of accountability in achieving organizational goals and how he is actively embedding his commitment to accountability into the district’s culture. He also discusses how he uses the core values of being respectful, ethical, professional, and nurturing to establish consistency in leadership practices across the entire organization. Listen as Mr. Clayton delves into his experience of practicing intentional listening and soliciting and using feedback to help him build strong relationships and achieve positive outcomes within the district.

This episode addresses questions such as:

• What role does accountability play in achieving organizational excellence?
• How does consistency in leadership practices provide support for eventual transitions?
• How can leaders successfully demonstrate intentional listening?

Recommended Resources: Building Transparency and Trust, Develop Accountability to Develop Leadership, The Maturity Model: Phases of Improvement in Organizational Excellence

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

Join Dr. Janet Pilcher as she delves into the core principle of leadership accountability from her book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Janet explains that leadership is more than just a title; it's about modeling the right behaviors and fostering ownership within an organization. Listen as she explores the critical role of individual accountability and sheds light on how leaders can inspire self-motivation among employees to create a positive workplace culture. Listen now to learn how fostering accountability creates inspiring workplaces where employees are connected to the organization’s missions and goals.

This episode addresses questions such as:

• What role do leaders play in setting the tone for accountability in an organization?
• How can you distinguish between motivating employees and inspiring them to motivate themselves?
• How can leaders effectively create a culture where employees feel a sense of ownership for their actions within the organization?

Recommended Resources: Develop Accountability to Develop Leadership, Leading Change with Creative Tension, Using Key Words at Key Times

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

What does reward and recognition look like in practice? Join Dr. Janet Pilcher for an insightful conversation with Dr. Jennifer Lowery from the Tea Area School District where we dig into this core principle of Reward and Recognition from Dr. Pilcher’s new book, “Hardwiring Excellence in Education.” Hear how Dr. Lowery has integrated this principle into her organization’s culture by using employee feedback to identify and define organizational values and consistently celebrate what "right" looks like. Gain valuable insights as she describes her innovative strategies to recognize students who embody the district's standards of excellence. Listen as Dr. Lowery shares her unique onboarding approach that aligns new hires with the district’s values and provides guidance for building an elevated culture based around rewarding and recognizing at all levels.

This episode addresses questions such as:

• How can organizations actively involve their employees in shaping and rewarding a culture that fosters excellence?
• What strategies can be employed to effectively communicate the standards of excellence to new employees and ensure their alignment with the organization's values?
• How can organizations ensure that they reward and recognize employees and students effectively at every level?

Recommended Resources: Avoiding the Chaos, Powerful Practices that Build Connection, Unrelenting Commitment to Improvement

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

What role does intentionality in connections play in shaping a strong organizational culture? Join Dr. Janet Pilcher as she interviews Mr. Al Betry of CESA 9 to discuss the strategies he uses to drive improvement, achieve remarkable outcomes, and create a culture where people want to come to work. We’ll explore the profound significance of exceptional service as a cornerstone principle and how it underpins his agency’s journey to success. We'll also dive into Mr. Betry’s strategic planning process where he skillfully gathers input from a diverse array of voices, fostering a sense of shared ownership and values within his organization. Listen and gain invaluable insights into Mr. Betry’s commitment to employee engagement through his culture playbook centered on compassion, integrity, and growth. 

This episode addresses questions such as:

• What are some effective ways to boost employee engagement?
• What does it take to foster a sense of unity within an organization?
• How can I use survey results to create a strategic plan?

Recommended Resources: Focus on Employee Engagement, Organizational Excellence, Organizational Feedback Loop

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

As we begin to focus on the principle of rewarding and recognizing others, please join us for a special episode where Dr. Janet Pilcher shares four valuable life lessons from one of her most influential mentors and friends, Ms. Georgia Blackmon. Although Ms. Blackmon recently passed away, her legacy as a visionary, community leader, political activist, and strong advocate for both children and the Black community in Pensacola remains. Janet explains how Ms. Blackmon's strong mentorship profoundly influenced her, leaving an enduring mark on her life and values. Not only did Ms. Blackmon and her husband found the Gathering Awareness Book Center, she also founded a nonprofit organization that spearheaded the restoration of the historic Ella Jordan home in downtown Pensacola, Florida. Listen as Janet honors her late friend, Georgia, and inspires us to carry on her legacy of love over hate.

Recommended Resources: Ella Jordan African American History Museum,  Georgia Blackmon's Gathering Awareness to close in February after nearly 30 years, Find Your Path & Pay it Forward

Would you like to strengthen communication within your organization? Listen along as Dr. Ryan Carpenter of the Estacada School District discusses how he establishes effective two-way communication through his implementation of daily huddles and scorecards. He explains how scorecards drive success and enhance communication while huddles allow teams to build culture, chemistry, and ensure alignment with strategic goals. As communication at all levels is integrated throughout the process of achieving excellence, join us to hear how Dr. Carpenter hardwired this principle into the fabric of the school culture.

This episode addresses questions such as: 

• How is a huddle organized and implemented to ensure it is focused and productive?
• How can daily huddles help your organization meet its strategic vision?
• What benefits does the scorecard process offer for engaging with stakeholders?

Recommended Resources: Building Transparency and Trust, Communicate At All Levels, & Team Huddle Agenda Template

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.