Defying Complacency

It's the time of year when the BIG C rears its ugly head.....Complacency!  What are you doing to overcome the temptation of being complacent?  Complacency leads to under performance and an inability to reach potential.  I often equate complacency with being average.  Average is not bad, but its not great either.  Some people are content with being average...I am not.  I have always been a big fan of using "self talk" to motivate myself.  I write down some simple goals and find ways to incorporate them into my daily life.  My goal to avoid complacency is to turn 10 of my simple philosophical  beliefs into action, modeling them for my staff, students and school community.  Please feel free to add to the list - let us know what you do to avoid complacency.

Complacency Defined

1. Find ways to say YES
2. Say WE more than I
3. Listen more than I talk
4. Give more credit than I take
5. Appreciate people! (hand write at least 20 thank you cards a week)
6. Catch people doing good (and let them know it)
7. Get to know people (what interests do staff & students have outside of school?)
8. Walk the walk (don't ask anyone to do something I haven't do, or am willing to do)
9. Go to battle (set high expectations for my staff, give them direction and stand behind them!)
10. Care! (Our school is our Home away from Home-I need to make it a safe, caring & loving environment)