#230 - The Promise of Giants by John Amaechi OBE
As a member of the Better Leaders, Better Schools Mastermind, I appreciate the opportunity to engage in professional development with educators from around the world on a weekly basis.
Aside from reading a range of texts which have relevance to educational leadership, school culture etc., we consider - inter alia - how the key points from said texts may be applied to our specific school environments.
Our most recent text, The Promises of Giants by John Amaechi, was a most enjoyable read. Of the multiple sections I highlighted whilst reading, these are a few which especially resonated:
Amaechi states “It’s blind spots and self-sabotage that derail most people in pursuit of the extraordinary.” (page 7) This is an observation with which I agree wholeheartedly and very much brings to mind the Johari Window (see image below).
“If you don’t appreciate your privilege, you do actual damage just by your dismissal of its existence” (page 51) is especially pertinent and reminds me of Dolly Chugh’s statement, "Invisibility is the very nature of ordinary privilege" (page 119 of The Person You Mean to Be). (My reflection on Chugh’s book may be found here, Invisibility is the very nature of ordinary privilege ).
He states that success is “... often more to do with an individual’s ability to endure the mundanity of achieving success” (page 71). Amaechi reiterates the importance - when reaching for a goal - of focus, effort and execution. These three elements combined render his phrase, “Paying the FEE” (page 71) a video of which is available at Are you Willing to Pay the FEE? (Focus. Effort. Execution).
“In a world where technology is rapidly displacing in-person connections and placing at risk authentic connections, the gift of your undivided attention - however fleeting - is increasingly valuable … your attention is a weapon” (page 77) is especially salient generally and post-pandemic lockdowns where an increasing amount of daily interactions moved to being on-line.
In developing individuals as well as cultures as a whole, Amaechi shares “... we must promise to see more in our people than just what is outlined in their job descriptions.” (page 118). I can’t but help agree with this. When we see individuals as more than their respective job descriptions, we give them the space and opportunity to grow which will (most likely) lead to amazing repercussions locally and beyond in the short and long term.
With regards to inclusion, he asserts “Most of the “othering” that prevents inclusion is subtle and sophisticated’ (page 177) and “Everyday inclusion is achieved when people feel confident that they are consistently being seen, heard, and valued as a whole and unique individuals” (page 178).
Whilst I am certain that the book as a whole and individual highlighted sections (of which the above are just a few) will continue to resonate, my most immediate application was to take note of the 14 individual chapter headings (see below) with the view to live and work with these uppermost in mind.
I promise to view myself critically, but not cruelly
I promise to commit fully to success
I promise to be bold and vulnerable
I promise to act with vigilance against my biases
I promise to reject excuses and embrace discomfort
I promise to tend to mind and body
I promise to reflect your potential
I promise to see you as an individual and not as a job description
I promise to deliver timely and effective feedback
I promise to be present, and not only when I need you
I promise to bear responsibility for driving the culture
I promise to view the organization critically and truthfully
I promise to promote everyday inclusion based on earned disclosure
I promise to create an environment that people never want to leave
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