An Unexpected Journey

Hello,

It has been a long time since I wrote my last blog and I am excited to start up again.  I now have switched gears and no longer reflect my blog posts as a school administrator.  The posts will now reflect just me as an individual and focus on topics such as leadership, parenting, relationships, faith, and whatever inspires me to write!  With that being said.....I hope this finds you well and enjoying life and we shall begin!

An unexpected journey.  That is the title of this post.  Several years ago I decided to write a book.  At the time it was more of a hobby.  I'd work on it for 10 minutes here....30 minutes.....miss a couple weeks.....another 15 minutes.....  This went on for several months.  Then at one point I realized my word count was actually fairly high - it wasn't "The Grapes of Wrath" but I felt like the effort I put in was starting to materialize.  Towards the end I made a strong push to actually finish the book and I did!  So now I would like to highlight a few parts of my book for the return of my blog.  I hope you enjoy!

The book focuses around what is called the "Servant Leadership Cycle".  I will go over the 3 components briefly:

1.  "SEE" - as individuals we need to not have tunnel vision in our life.  If we do, we miss so much in the world today.  I am fortunate to have a job that I feel I can have an influence on the lives of those around me.  So when I walk into school each day I seek out (SEE) students/staff each day and get to know them.  What is going on with them?  How are they doing?  How can I help?  Make that effort each day.

2.  "CONNECT" - This ties in with seeking individuals out.  This is understanding that what you see on the outside may not be the same as what is on the inside.  Connect with people daily.  I have always said it is about relationships.  Be that positive influence.  Be the difference maker.  I always call a 2nd grade student in our school "smiles".  Today when she saw me in the hallway she said "hi smiles!".  Does she smile when I call her smiles?  Absolutely.  It's all about relationships.

3.  "LEAD" - To complete the cycle we end with Leadership - or as John Maxwell defines it "influence".  If we can SEE those around us (people hurting, people reaching out, people in need of guidance, etc) and we CONNECT with those around us (show them that we care - that we love them), and sprinkle on top the ability to LEAD these individuals in a way that reflects Jesus - What a difference we can make in this world.

I hope you have the chance to meet Buddy and Carl.

An Uncommon Bond - Amazon

An Uncommon Bond - Goodreads

God Bless,

Jay R. Townsend

Are You Green?

Leaders,

This past Wednesday I had the awesome opportunity to present to several educators from Fairmount, Hankinson, and Lidgerwood.  It was amazing watching these educators come together to share ideas with each other and to incorporate these ideas and skills in their own schools to help students succeed.

The topic I presented on was on how to develop your own Personal Learning Network (PLN).  The main focus I wanted each person to think about was professional/personal growth.  Not only as an educator, but also as a parent, grandparent, etc, etc, etc.  Here are two points we talked about during our PLC day:

1.  We all need to grow as individuals daily.  This is what the PLN is about.  Developing relationships, connecting with individuals, and constantly having that thirst for knowledge.  So the question is, are you green?  What do you mean green?  Well - if you are green you are growing.  You are always learning.  You are observant.  You seek help.  You seek improvement.  You do this daily and you implement it.  This not only improves you as an individual, it improves those around you also.  John Maxwell puts it this way - "If you are not learning, you are not growing."

2.  What's your story?  This is the question that Andy Stanley asks those under his supervision.  Take some time to think about this.  One of the best examples I've read about on this topic comes from Joe Ehrmann and his book "InSideOut Coaching".  Coach Ehrmann has his athletes write their own obituary.  If you had this assignment, what would you say about yourself?  What would others say about you?  Did you lead a life of significance?  Coach Ehrmann says this exercise gets "transformative results."  His athletes at a banquet would read their obits and here are a few quotes that would be heard - "a loving father",  "a devoted husband", or "he lived his life for others."  What would your obituary say?

Happy Friday!

Mr. Townsend

Vision

John Maxwell says vision "paints the target".  Vision leads the leader. 

I attended a leadership simulcast and the main topic was VISION and how it relates to leadership.  

John Maxwell gives a great example of vision:

1.  Some people never see it.  (They are wanderers)

2.  Some people see it but never pursue it on their own.  (They are followers)

3.  Some people see it and pursue it.  (They are achievers)

4.  Some people see it and pursue it and help others see it.  (They are leaders)

Do you dream?  Do you have goals?  Do you have a burn in your stomach to do something?  Try this exercise from Moishe Rosen:

If I had _______________________________ I would _______________________.

With vision always think abundance.  Beyond best is always better.  You can always get better.  You can always climb higher.  Have the mindset "no finish line".

Here is Maxwell's 5 step cycle to success:  test, fail, learn, improve, and re-enter

Intentionally grow everyday.  This increases your growth capacity.

Average people want you to stay average.  Surround yourself with bigger people.

Final Thought:  Find your vision, and let it guide you in all that you do.