The Smart Thinking Podcast

Episode 290: Take a Walk: The Power of Organizational Field Trips (Process and Tool)

Too often we miss the opportunity to SHOW our teams why we need to change. Take a listen as we explore the impact of taking organizational field trips.
Where do you need to go and visit?
Describe a process you could employ to increase collective empathy and understanding.
List who needs to go on a field trip.
 
Book: The Power of Moments- Chip and Dan Heath

Episode 289: It’s Halftime! Let’s Create Some Energy for the School Year!!! (Process & Reflection)

Do you have an intentional strategy to bring energy to the staff and students as you enter the second half of the year? You do now.
Take a listen and hear a few ways in which you can provide the energy and motivation to take you through the rest of the year. 
Describe your strategy to create mid-year energy
List the activities you’ll do or do to create lift mid-year
Describe how you can energize all staff
Song: Yellow by artist Andrew Hoyt 

Episode 288: 2024- The Year of Generosity (Reflection and Process)

This year, we need to practice being better to ourselves. Take a listen as we explore a great communication process for self reflection and goal setting. Hear why we need to be more generous -- not necessarily to others -- - but to ourselves.
List ways you can increase generosity towards yourself
Describe a process you can use to set your goals
List other ways you can use this process to support others
 

Episode 287: Two Future Educators and Their Dad (Reflection)

I thought I’d turn on the mic and sit down with my kids and ask them to describe their experiences as college students and why they want to be teachers.
 
 

Episode 286: Hope: Because It All Works Out (Reflection and Process)

It is the time of the year for us to focus on belief. Belief in ourselves, our abilities and the future. That is - hope. Take a listen as we explore the research behind hope and utilize two great people and two great coaches to frame hope for this season! 
Describe your hope strategies
List people that need to know they matter
Describe a process you can employ to utilize this learning
 

Episode 285: Are you Coachable? (Leadership & Reflection)

Are you good at being coached? Do you have the courage and vulnerability needed to improve to be the best version of yourself? This episode offers reflections, tips, and looks at specific ways to become more coachable as well as be a better coach for others. 
Describe your willingness to be coached.
List the people in your life that you would want coaching from.
Describe how you have traditionally responded to being coached.

Episode 284: The Neuroscience of Thanks (Reflection and Tool)

What happens to your brain when you're grateful? It send hormones through your body and supports joy!
Gratitude supports mental fitness and your overall well-being. Good news - we have a holiday called Thanksgiving and we'll help you in this episode learn the benefits of being grateful. 
Describe how you can build a stronger frontal lobe through gratitude
List those you need to thank
Describe your process for making gratitude front of mind

Episode 283: Managing “The Kids.” Reflections for Parents and Teachers (Tactics)

Kids can be challenging and adults can sometimes make it harder on themselves as a result of inconstant behaviors. Take a listen as we discuss what needs to happen in order to have strong kids. 
Clarity creates predictability.
Predictability creates consistency in behaviors and relationships.
Consistency builds trust and reinforces love and concern.
 
List the strategies you’ll employ.
Describe what you will now do different.
List the ways in which you can recover from losing it.

Episode 282: Take Note: The power of the note! (Reflection and Tactics)

Be intentional about demonstrating gratitude in writing. Not always texts - but cards and paper! Take a minute to see how others are leading and recognize it and share it with them and even their family!
 
 

Episode 281: What is your brand and are you a great teammate? (Reflection and Tactics)

How are you described when you're not in the room? Are you paying attention to your brand? Take a listen as Ted describes five different brands on a team and reflect upon which you are most like:
Captain
Cheerleader
Therapist 
Nurse
Detective 
This is a great episode to share with teams you support, serve on or alongside.
Describe your favorite teammates brand
List the qualities of your brand
Describe how your teammates describe your brand to others