As we close 2022, I want to take some time to share some of my biggest lessons I learned this year. These lessons have given me more freedom, more focus, and more wins this year than I’ve had in a long time. My hope is that they will do the same for you! #LikeABuilder.

One of the things we rarely discuss is the inherent power dynamics that come with being an administrator. We don’t like to admit that with the position of being an administrator comes a certain degree of power. But ignoring the power dynamics won’t make them go away. That’s why on today’s episode, we’re going to take a frank look at how the power dynamics work, how they affect your relationships with staff, and ways that you can use your power for the good #LikeABuilder. 

While your vision is the sexy part of your school purpose, your school mission is what gives your mission meaning. It modifies your vision and helps you achieve your vision in a way that has lasting impact. So, it makes sense to check in from time to time to determine whether the work you are doing is “on mission.” On today’s episode, discover what it means to be “on mission,” how Builders determine whether their work is “on mission,” and why it is so important to regularly monitor whether you are “on mission” if you want the work you do to have true impact. By the time you’ve finished this episode, you’ll have the exact framework you need to determine whether your work is on or off mission #LikeABuilder.

We all face nasty criticism from time to time. But, mean-spirited criticism can feel especially hurtful when it comes from someone on your team. And yet, the moment you declare your 100% vision, you will invite criticism. Sometimes, that criticism can be nasty. So, how do you handle tough criticism from your staff? On today’s episode, we’ll explore the ways that Builders take vitriolic criticism without absorbing it or shrinking their vision. And, you’ll discover how you can take even your worst critics and turn their criticism into fuel for your vision #LikeABuilder.

Even though the school year follows a predictable rhythm most years, many school leaders wait for the typical challenges to crop up and then react to them. Builders are different. Builders anticipate upcoming challenges and then take steps to mitigate or eliminate them entirely. That’s why on today’s episode, we’re taking a look at what Builders should be doing now in order to set themselves up for a successful second half of the school year. Tune in to discover what you should be thinking about now to start the new year strong #LikeABuilder.

If you’re feeling like you’re juggling as fast as you can and it’s still not enough to keep all the balls in the air, then today’s episode offers you some very simple advice: Stop Juggling. Instead, take a step back and determine what is truly important and what work you can stop immediately without any harm to your school (and in many cases, without anyone even noticing!). We’ll walk through the simple process Builders use to take things off their plates so that they can focus on what matters. So tune in to today’s episode where you’ll discover how you can stop juggling without dropping any important balls #LikeABuilder.

One of my favorite sayings is "Culture eats strategy for breakfast." If you've got a toxic culture, it really doesn't matter what your strategic plan or vision is. Your culture always trumps your strategy. That's why this week, we're re-sharing this powerful episode on protecting your culture from toxicity. You see, Builders protect their culture by spotting and getting rid of toxicity before it has a chance to spread.  So, it's important to recognize the early warning signs that your culture is turning toxic. If you can nip these in the bud before they have a chance to infect your entire culture and ruin any initiatives you are trying to launch, you can clear the way to achieve your school-wide vision and get everyone on board #LikeABuilder.

The national narrative around schools is pretty dismal right now. With test scores in decline, cultures turning toxic, and a rise in discipline issues it can seem as if we are headed for doom. Except… while the rest of the world is preoccupied with the narrative that “schools are in decline” there are Builders who are quietly defying the odds and creating GAINS in test scores, HEALING toxic cultures, and Eliminating persistent discipline issues. Today hear how some Builders are defying the odds and how you can too. You don’t have to buy into the prevailing narrative of doom and gloom in education. You can change the narrative#LikeABuilder.

Who doesn’t love being the hero? It’s glamorous, it feels great, and it helps others -- or does it? We have always been taught that the leader is akin to the hero rescuing failing schools from utter disaster. But, if you are the only thing holding your school together, have you really made a difference? And, if the success of your school depends on you, what happens when you leave. On today’s episode, we’re going to examine why Builders avoid playing the hero and instead build systems and schools that empower their staff, students, and families to be the heroes. That way, their school is not only better, it continues to be better long after the Builder leaves. Tune in to discover how to build a true legacy #LikeABuilder.