#218

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One of the things I most appreciate about the Better Leaders Better Schools Mastermind is the opportunity to learn from others.

Be it …

… through insightful opening activities,

… during general discussions,

… crystalizing understanding whilst discussing the shared texts (we are currently reading John Amaechi's The Promise of Giants),

… in listening to the experiences of others during their hot seat,

… by asking clarifying questions of others.

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In a recent meeting facilitated by PS (each week a different person facilitates), she asked us during an insightful opening activity to reflect on current practice.

Rather than doing so with regards to the simplistic notion of what is working/not working, we were asked to consider what could be, see image above, termed a rose (success), a thorn (challenge) or a bud (potential).

It is all too easy to feel despondent if practice is not leading to the desired results.

However, when viewing practice through these floral elements (rather than simply in the binary of working/not working), we are able to see our practice more holistically and …

… enjoy the success as evinced in the roses.

… appreciate the lessons to be learned with the thorns.

… be excited about the potential (be it school based projects, conceptual understanding etc.,.) of the buds.

This image reminds us that success (roses) does not come easily. It comes after seeing potential (buds) and - more often that not - facing a challenge as part of the journey (thorns).

What are your current roses, thorns and buds?

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