The Smart Thinking Podcast

Episode 273: Focus on the Asset (Reflection & Tool)

Need a framework for focusing on the positives? Take a listen as we explore asset v. deficit thinking and the impact it has on the world around you! Smart Thinkers - -they bet on the strengths of others! 
 
Describe your habit. Do you lean asset based or deficit based?
List those in your life that would benefit from hearing more about their assets.
Describe how you can be a better leader by focusing on your own assets. 
 

Episode 272: This Year: Balance and Boundaries (Tool & Process)

It is time for us to create the conditions for success in communications in schools. Flexibility/freedom & protections/permissions.
 
Listen as we explore two f's and two p's and how to use a tool to set expectations and create empowered and engaged staff! 
 
List the boundaries you can establish for yourself and others
Describe a process you can use to collect your cultures communication needs and expectations
List one communication habit you need to address in yourself…. Like emailing people at 1:00am
 

Episode 271: The Reboot Checklist: Catch Yourself Before Burning Out (Reflection & Leadership)

What is your process to monitor your life? How are you proactively stopping yourself from burning out?
Take a listen as we discuss the symptoms, signs and solutions for burnout and share a process for you to check yourself! 
Describe the behaviors you have when you know you need a reboot
List your processes for reducing stress and being present
Describe a time when you needed a reboot

Episode 270: Summer Reads, Listens, and Reflections (Leadership & Growth)

Here are four books to read and two artists to listen to this summer.
Books:
The School of Life: Confidence
Smart Brevity: The Power of Saying More With Less
The Wisdom of the Bullfrog: Leadership Made Simple (But Not Easy)
Be Your Future Self Now
Listen:
Ben Folds: What Matters Most
Inhaler: Cuts and Bruises 

Episode 269: Take The Risk and Live In A State of Gratitude: A Recipe For Transition and Graduation (Reflection & Leadership)

What is your message to those in transition and graduating? Take a listen as we break down the four areas to focus on to support others to be the best version of themselves and help you. 
 
These are the prompts to add into your graduation cards or notes to those you serve: 
Describe what frustrated you this year and how you will avoid that in the future. (Frustrations)
Analyze the opportunities you have this coming year and describe how you will take advantage of them. (Risks)
Identify a regret and explain how you will work to overcome that in the future. (Attack Regrets) 
List the people who have gotten you to this point. (Gratitude) 

Episode 268: A Great Relationship is 70/30! (Reflection & Leadership)

What are the keys to a great relationship?
 
Simple- give and take as needed, don't keep a scorecard, the playground rule of "do over's" and traditions. Take a listen as we explore those tenants and learn a bit about how to improve your relationships with those you serve and love. 
 
Describe relationships that help you
List the people you can serve better with the 70/30 principle
Develop a code to support others – like “do over”

Episode 267: Memorial Day: Learn Through Curiosity (Reflection & Leadership

The history of others can help you lead people in new ways. Take a listen as we explore Ted's great-grandfathers history and how a little curiosity goes a long way to remember the leadership, service and impact of others.
 
List those in your world you need to learn more about.
Describe a story within your DNA that explains more about you and your family.
List people you need to share your story with.

Episode 266: Safety from Predictability: Tips to Reduce Educator/Student Anxiety (Reflection & Process)

We owe it to those we serve to create practices that increase predictability and reduce anxiety. Take a listen as we explore a strategy to end the year with a preview and reduce worries over the summer. 
Describe your opportunities to create predictability in your world.
List where you would like more predictability
Describe a time when you became anxious as a result of a sudden shift - -what did you learn?
 

Episode 265: Check Out and Tune Up (Leadership & Process)

Listen to a process so that you can take advantage of the end of the season (school year) and create the conditions so that staff and students can come back next year stronger! 
 
Check Out Prompts:
What matters to me most here is…
This worked really -- really well…
I’m grateful that we…
I’m grateful for…
This person deserves to be recognized…
I’m happy that we…
What I need to be successful…
Next year we need to avoid…
Next year we need to continue…
I wish that (big idea or innovation)…

Episode 264: Your Relationship with Music: A Conversation with Author, Scientist, and Music Engineer Susan Rogers

Take a listen as we explore the perseverant life of Susan Rogers. Imagine if your teacher could say "I am a neuroscientist who has also worked with Prince, Van Morrison, T-Bone Burnett, The Violent Femmes, The Bare Naked Ladies, David Byrne and many others."
This was an incredibly enlightening discussion!