I remember the first time, years ago, that I heard “we need to empower and engage the frontline”. It struck me as odd. “But I know my colleagues”, I thought, “they ARE engaged outside of work, they are creative and joyful…outside of work, they are collaborative and passionate…outside of work.” ✨ Maybe it’s not an employee problem, maybe it’s a work environment one! ✨ ➡️ What if we didn’t have to “empower and engage the frontline” because we never stripped students of their power, curiosity, and autonomy in conventional school systems? Leaders would no longer need to “make it safe to ask questions” because we never learned that it was unsafe… Leaders would quit relying heavily on extrinsic motivation and carrot/stick approaches because we didn’t learn to chase a “gold star” over our own creative passions… Leaders would feel safe admitting they ‘don’t know’ because they never learned their worth was directly tied to school grades… What if? Yes, I work with CEOs to redefine business success by challenging their own preconceptions. But where do you think many of those preconceptions originated? *** Respect humanity (including children!). Improve work. Continuous Improvement without the Other CI, Consciousness Improvement, is unsustainable (and unfulfilling and outdated and expensive and frustrating and…) Let's experiment together: www.theotherci.com *** #theotherci #continuousimprovement #consciousness #executive #leadership #ceo #executivecoaching #sudbury #education #consciousleadership #tps #lean #manufacturingexcellence #respectforpeople #futureofwork #change #management #respecthumanity #improvework
At Saint Louis Sudbury School, students are free to ask questions, learn from, and hang out with students and staff of all ages. Sudbury model school graduates often comment about how they are comfortable talking with their professors, supervisors, and co-workers of different ages. When have you worked with a team who were all the same age? This is a great behind the scenes moment of a younger student asking for help about possibly changing a school rule. He wanted to know about the wording of the current rule, how to make a motion in School Meeting to change it, and help writing the item on the School Meeting agenda. Are you interested in exploring Self-Directed Education in a democratic learning community for your child? Want to see your child reignite their love for learning? Provide them with an opportunity of time and space to discover themselves and prioritize their well-being? Schedule a tour of Saint Louis Sudbury School this spring, consider a Visiting Week in the spring or summer, and enroll in the fall! https://lnkd.in/gfpwApCX (Note: a few spots remain for this current School Year.)
Will Brennan
6mo
Kathryn Belcher , this is a cool school for sure. Self directed, participatory, with guidance for good choice architecture is likely the only way schools will remain relevant going forward. I honestly believe the current system needlessly constrains kids with their skillset development and discourages creativity. It does also remind me of how I like to approach processes and problems in a team setting so there is definitely a process based relation.
Eduardo Muniz
6mo
Kathryn Belcher. You see how quicker children than adults are to use Critical Thinking once you teach them what why and how is used. Not to mention how easier it is to teach them Critical Thinking Children have no mental glaucoma Can you imagine how big their value contribution to society and corporate wrold will be? Bravo 👏 Saint Louis Sudbury School. Keep it up 🙏 Thank you for sharing
Colleen Soppelsa
6mo
I think in terms of empowerment and engagement, it's about subtraction rather than addition. Remove the fear.
So teue Kathryn Belcher , It is a work environment problem, not an employee one, and leaders can create an environment which improves engagement.
QUALITY EXECUTION MANAGER Process Analyst | Curious | Relationship Builder
6moWonderful example, Kathryn Belcher. Thank you for sharing. I concur with Colleen Soppelsa, people WILL step up when there is the psychological safety to do so without fear of punishment or humiliation. So, it is about "subtraction rather than addition."