The Smart Thinking Podcast

Are you coachable? Take a listen as we explore the behaviors of those who are and are not coachable. This episode identifies the four types of people in coaching and shares reflections and actions to make you more coachable and a better coach of others. 
The RookiesRookies are the fresh faces who walk in with wide eyes and open notebooks. They’re new to the organization, and they know it, which makes them wonderfully hungry to learn. When you work with a Rookie, expect lots of questions, quick enthusiasm, and a genuine willingness to try things your way. They may stumble as they find their footing, but they bounce back fast because they see every correction as a gift rather than a criticism. The magic of coaching a Rookie is watching growth happen in real time. Give them clear direction, celebrate their small wins, and be patient with the learning curve, and you’ll find they often become some of your most loyal and dedicated teammates.
The Know BettersKnow Betters greet feedback with a polite “Thanks, but...” and then explain why their way works just fine. They’re confident, experienced, and often genuinely skilled, which is exactly why change can feel unnecessary to them. When you work with a Know Better, expect some pushback, a healthy dose of debate, and the occasional “I’ve already tried that.” Here’s the bright side: that confidence comes from somewhere real, and when a Know Better finally buys in, they become powerful champions of the idea. The key is to coach through curiosity rather than correction. Ask them questions, invite their expertise into the solution, and let them discover the new path themselves. When they feel respected, the “but” slowly softens into an “and.”
The ConsidersConsiders are the thoughtful processors who need a little room to breathe before they commit. Hand them feedback on the spot and you might get a quiet nod, but give them a day and they’ll come back with insight you never expected. When you work with a Considerer, expect pauses, follow-up conversations, and decisions that are deliberate rather than impulsive. They thrive when they’re offered options instead of orders, because choosing their own path helps them own it fully. Don’t mistake their silence for resistance; it’s reflection in action. Give them time, offer a few clear choices, and check back in, and you’ll see thoughtful, lasting change that sticks.
The GratitududersGratitududers are the energizers who hear feedback and immediately respond with “Thanks, and... can you show me more? Can I try this? Can we take it further?” They don’t just accept coaching, they run with it and ask for the next level. When you work with a Gratitududer, expect enthusiasm, momentum, and a steady stream of ideas and requests. They see every piece of feedback as a doorway to new possibilities, and their excitement is contagious for everyone around them. The only thing to watch for is keeping pace with their energy, so help them prioritize and focus their many “can we” ideas into meaningful action. Coaching a Gratitududer is like adding fuel to a fire that’s already burning bright, and it’s one of the most rewarding experiences a leader can have.
 
 

Fall is a season of change for many of us smart thinkers and as a result we need to be prepared. How about a sequence of texts to help you be perseverant, learn from mistakes, be more creative when facing constraints, help teams collaborate through it all, be a better writer/communicator and then reflect on how you are doing and who you are!
Well, below is a list of texts that Ted is recommending for this fall!
Get Back Up, Heather Wilson and Dave Goldfein
From Mistakes to Meaning, Michael Lynton & Joshua Steiner
Inside the Box, David Epstein
Begin with We, Kyle McDowell
Good Writing, Neal Allen & Anne Lamott
Home Body, Rupi Kaur
Song: Lost Cause, Louise, Lately 

What if we could hear about the future? Well, you can on this episode as Ted discusses how Australian laws around cell phones and social media have positively impacted learning and student wellbeing. Australia is a great study of what “to do” in order to support the growth of young people.
Principal Lars Anderson from Thornbury High School near Melbourne, Australia gives us insight into what the positive consequences have been with cell phones bans for the last six years and how the social media prohibitions for children under 16 are impacting children at his school.
This is a great conversation about the ways in which technology can be successfully unraveled and how one school has shifted their methods in order to better support students. 

Each of us is on an amazing journey each week. Regardless of age, every single one of us collects great moments in our day-to-day. Well, what if we took the time to support ourselves and others so that we could collect and reflect on the greatest moments of our day or support others to think about their day, their week, or their life.
Well, now you can through this fun and engaging process that is relevant for everyone at every stage of their life. 
 
Buy Ted's book here: https://www.gotoyourstorm.org/
 

Do you have a purpose statement? If not why not? No purpose - no point!
What process do you use to ensure you are living your purpose and doing what you need to do in order to be the best you?
This episode is a great reflection opportunity for you to help you create a statement to guide you and the episode ends with a call to action and as well as the research to help you lead others to their purpose. 
What moves you forward in life?
When do you lose track of time?
What do other people count on you for?

This summer Jared and Ted joined forces at the Smart Thinking Leadership retreat and presented to hundreds of educators. Jared was a smash hit and his research, strategies, and ideas were quickly taken back into educational systems to support learning and a movement away from "edutech"
We've done our children and teachers a disservice and it's time to admit it, fix it, and move forward! 
Take a listen as these two chat about the impact of technology on learning and then - -go get the rerelease and updated copy of his book "The Digital Delusion." 

Too often those of us in education forget one simple idea about ourselves: we matter. Join Ted as he explores the ways in which we matter and he reminds us how impactful we actually all are and how to put up guardrails to ensure we are engaged for ourselves and others.
The episode ends with advice he gathered from over 40 educational professionals to help us all remember our IMPACT! 

What principle guides you when you lead others? From today forward it will be the RIDE principle. A keen recognition of your influence with others.
Listen as Ted take's the lessons from horseback riding and applies it to how we should manage our classrooms, staff rooms, and board rooms. Because humans and horses literally share a heartbeat when together and so do we when we are leading groups. How we act is how they'll react!
R: Resilient
I: Interdependent 
D: Determination
E: Enthusiastic 

Hey Hey! Ted has written another book and on this episode he describes why listening to a nudge helped him complete his first full leadership book. A book filled with practical and applicable ways to approach life.
Go To Your Storm is an inspirational, personal growth, and leadership development book written by veteran educator and coach Ted Neitzke. Dedicated to equipping young people, new leaders, and even experienced individuals with a resilient approach to life, the book blends authentic personal anecdotes from Neitzke’s decades-long career in education and coaching athletics and people. The six chapters serve as a life and leadership framework for everyone.
Pre-sale has already begun and pre-sale orders will be autographed and include a free gift.
Book can be pre-ordered here. 
 

Why do so many people struggle on teams and working together? Well, there is no simple answer -- but there is a process.
Join Ted on this episode as he brings you a practice to help elevate your teams and support your leadership while either leading or participating on a collaborative team. 
Collaboration is not compliance and too often we ignore all the social ways teams can fail. Clarity, clear expectations, and telling the team what we "do" and "don't" do -- will increase outcomes and engagement.