Today, host John Norlin shares an evidence-based reflection strategy called EMR, developed by Dr. Clayton Cook. Using a simple roster exercise, educators categorize each student or staff member into one of three relationship phases: Establish, Maintain, or Restore, and then focus their energy where it is needed most.

He also explains why this kind of intentional reflection matters. You cannot be all things to all people at once, but taking a few minutes to identify where each relationship stands gives educators a clear, actionable starting point for being more purposeful in the work they do every day.

In this conversation, John offers important reminders for educators and leaders:

• Relationships with students and staff are not all in the same place at the same time. Some need to be established, some maintained, and some restored, and knowing which is which changes how you show up.
• You cannot prioritize everything at once. The EMR exercise helps educators zero in on the relationships that need the most intentional attention right now.
• Restoring a relationship takes real, deliberate action. Naming it honestly is the first step toward doing something about it.

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