Leadership Lessons from The Rise of Skywalker

Leadership Lessons from The Rise of Skywalker

It was 1977, and I was standing beside my car at the Bridgeton Drive-In. We stared at the humongous movie screen and cheered with the anticipation of the well-documented special effects. The birth of the first Star Wars trilogy initiated curiosity, inspiration, and imagination that spanned five decades.

Little did Luke and Leia know where the twists and turns of their lives would take them. Similarly, I didn’t know where my path would lead on the journey I chose in my life. As Luke Skywalker grew older and wiser over the last forty-two years, so did I. Was my destiny fulfilled? I am still working on my legacy as I continue to chase and catch my dreams.

Becoming a Jedi Master does not seem possible for me at this point but I had that vision over the years. My storied journey would fill every bit of those nine movies that the Star Wars saga encompassed. Just as Luke and Leia made choices over that time span, so would I have choices to make that shaped my destiny. Every opportunity has opportunity cost.

It was with mixed emotions that I attended the latest installment. Allegedly, Episode Nine closed out this three-trilogy journey. My journey moves forward.

These are some of the life lessons that Star Wars gave me and all of us (in no particular order):

Leadership – We have to create more leaders. If we continue with the follower model, we will not reach our own leadership potential. Because I am the father of two daughters, the realization that we need more positive, female role models is common sense. The strength, knowledge, and intelligence of Leia and Rey set examples for all of us. It changes the perception of who my daughters are and who they can become.

Diversity – Surround yourself with people that are not like you. It gives you a new paradigm. Great leaders come in all shapes and sizes. So do bad leaders.

Acceptance – Stereotypes and judgment create toxic environments. They steal your identity. Let people be themselves. Never allow anyone to tell you cannot accomplish something.

The whole person – take care of yourself and the people around you. Balance in “body, mind, heart and spirit” will allow you to reach your full potential. It will permit you to be the person you want around you. Always be the best you.

Commitment – A life lived comes with sacrifice. Decide your level of commitment. It will be a difference maker.

Hard work – Success in the long term takes hard work. It takes goal setting and a plan. There are no shortcuts.

Integrity – In the end, you are who you want to be. Doing the right thing can be hard especially when other people are doing the wrong thing but it can also be easy. “Everyone else is doing it” is never an excuse.

You know the difference between right and wrong (listen to the voice) – enough said.

Choose your friends wisely – Hang out with people that make you feel good about yourself. People that continually talk about people behind their backs, will talk about you when you are not around. Be with people that make you better.

These are just a few observations. There are many more. These movies gave the world what it needs: hope.

“Do or do not. There is no try.”

Enjoy!

Empowerment

Empowerment 

Empowerment will make quantum leaps in anyone’s ability to be a leader. Many people cannot share power especially if they are in an authoritative position. Positional power does not readily translate into anyone’s ability to lead. Rather it is a position that can be abused or mishandled by many.

     Take a look in any classroom or board room. Does the teacher or other executive allow the students or participants to become facilitators? If they do, chances are the other people are engaged, and they are taken to higher levels of learning and leading. Share the wealth. Share the power.

     Some people are under the impression that there can only be one leader in the classroom, the building, the business, the school, the district. I guaranty you those schools or organizations operate at lower capacity than those organizations that understand the value of creating leaders through empowerment.

     I have worked in schools and other organizations where top authoritative positions hoard the power. These places will never be successful in the long run until they understand the concept of empowerment to create more leaders. If they do not, a collegial environment is not possible. Keeping control will not achieve organizational goals in the long run. Not only is selfishness boring but it stymies creativity. People are not compelled to take creative risks.

     Likewise, there is no synergy when people hoard the power because people do not want to go above and beyond an average day. Importantly, in successfully empowered environments, people promote and share ideas as well as power.

     Remember that your colleagues should know the consequences for failure then they can improve and move on without a fear of taking a new creative risk. In a school, the price of our failure is the failure of our students. However, through promoting leadership from the top to the bottom then back up to the top, it is alright to take a creative risk if we empower one another.

     The same rings true in any organization. When people are stymied because of disempowerment, then only a few members feel connected. Conversely, people feel unimportant when they are not allowed to be creative through leadership. Do not let the “U-Boat Captains” disempower you.

     A “U-Boat Captain” is someone that sits in the back of the lounge and pulls down his or her periscope every time a new or different idea comes along. Because your idea may be away from the “norm” or it may take some work, “BANG,” they shoot it down. Do not let the U-Boat Captains interrupt your mission under any circumstance. Let them know how you feel. Be empowered; feel empowered; empower others!

If you want to improve your overall climate and culture, contact Contact Dr. R. today to tailor a program that fits your school’s individual needs. 

Dr. Frank Rudnesky draws on his experience as an accomplished teacher, middle school principal, and leader to deliver a powerful message. A happy school outperforms an unhappy school. Bring a positive vibe to your building through leadership opportunities for everyone. As you listen to Dr. R.’s stories of his unconventional journey in education and life, it will get you “Fired Up” to pursue your passion and empower others to find their passion. Secure a speaking date or workshop ASAP.

Happiness and Fun

 Happiness and Fun

     As I perused some climate and culture-related articles the other day, I came across a selection that discussed the over-importance people put on happiness. That is absolutely crazy. Happiness is not the only component to life but it certainly needs to be a resounding factor.

     I never woke up one day and said, “I am not going to be happy.” Granted, there are times to be sad, but one of my goals is to be happy. I want my wife and daughters to be happy. I want you to wake up with gratitude and be happy, too. So yes, I am putting an emphasis on happiness.

     In my book, 50 Great things Leaders do, Let’s Get Fired up!, number ten is Have Fun. A college professor approached me one day and said that leadership is not just about fun. I had a lot of “fun” with that conversation. Yes, it is not the only component of leadership, but if you are not having fun then you are not creating more leaders. You become stagnant, and it’s only one of 50 Great Things in the book.

     As I proceed in life and leadership. I am committed to happiness and fun among so many other components of Body. Mind. Heart and Spirit. You should be, too! Cura Personalis 

Be Grateful, Have a Grateful Day!

https://inspire-leadership.com/

Pay Education Majors

Pay Education Majors

     Education is one of the few college majors that requires unpaid internships. Education is also one of the first areas of study that required placements as undergrad students. A valid question would be, “Why don’t education majors at college get paid for internships?” Those of us connected to education, call our residencies fieldwork and student teaching. Education students are required to go out in the field their very first semester.

     Internships are important in every area of study and even essential. Just like any range of expertise, teaching takes time, commitment, hard work, and practice. Schools are already underfunded. It would be a difficult task to convince the general public to point in the direction of paid placements. We need to find a better way. Why is it fair?

     There are many prestigious colleges and universities that do not even offer education as a major until the graduate level. Harvard and Penn both have graduate programs in education but not undergrad opportunities. What message is that sending? I prefer to have my children taught and influenced by the most qualified. We need to recruit and attract the top candidates for teaching. Unfortunately, teachers have a high rate of burnout and a low rate of recruitment.

     I admit I don’t have a “golden ticket” or an alternate magic, funding formula. Maybe, when colleges/universities get huge donations, they can allocate that money strictly for allowing their education students to have stipends to assist in their expenses like all the other departments. For instance, I know that the education department of my daughter’s university received a large endowment. Where did it go? There was still a tuition increase the following year. Crazy? We need to think differently to disrupt the status quo and change perception.

     When my oldest daughter was an education major, she watched as most of her friends received stipends and paid internships while she absorbed her experiences for free. When she came back home for a visit, two of her high school teachers said to her, “Why would you want to be a teacher? You’re really smart.” Wow! I guess they should have chosen one of those paid internships in another field of study.

     When we treat teachers like professionals, there will not be a teacher shortage or nearly as much burnout. Let us attract the best and allow them to follow their passion instead of society stealing their identities. New teachers should be encouraged to take calculated, creative risks, and our students will reap the benefits. As our students excel, so will our world. I sure am glad that I continue to follow my passions even if I didn’t get paid internships, and so should you. 

Creating Hope

Creating Hope

      As a former middle school principal, I have devoted my life to education and leadership. I always encourage my students to follow their passion through love & leadership. This year, I have an opportunity to teach a leadership course at Stockton University. Our class contains a service-learning component.

      Just a few blocks from the casinos and boardwalk in Atlantic City, is Adelaide’s Place, a drop-in shelter for women. It provides a safe & secure environment for homeless women. They are treated with dignity & respect. These ladies participate in a variety of programs which include life skills.

When I entered, a group was seated at a table. Clothing donations were stacked up in corners. Sr. Patty and other women were preparing food. Sr. Patty explained their daily routine.

Two clients asked if I wanted to meet the mud girls. MudGirls Studios is remarkable. The director, Dorrie, was excited to show me what the women did. MudGirls is a nonprofit that empowers at-risk and homeless women through job training, pottery making &

selling ceramic ware. They are committed to helping women earn income & transition into a pathway of self-sufficiency while inspiring change.

While looking for service opportunities, my heart filled with what we all need: HOPE. These empowering stories need to be told.

With more resources, Sr. Patty & Dorrie can make an exponential difference by continuing their visions of empowering women.

FrankRudnesky@gmail.com

I Keep Running Into These People

I Keep Running Into These People

     I keep running into these people, and these people keep running into me. There are some people that make you feel good about yourself every time you see them. These are the people I like to hang out with. Likewise, I hope I bring those same possibilities to the room when they see me.

     If you don’t keep company with these people then keep different company. I’m not talking about fake fluff. I’m referring to those humans that allow you and encourage you to step outside of your comfort zone. When you do, it may not turn out perfectly but these people will laugh and cry with you then take you places you never thought possible.

     One of the highest compliments you can receive as a leader will come as an affirmation that you empowered the confidence in others that broke their mold. They never plateaued. They are still embarking on possibilities. By breaking down parameters and soaring past the sky, you inspired others. It becomes an exponential journey. I choose to keep running into these people and so should you!

     Never sell yourself short by saying the sky is the limit.

Identity Theft

Identity Theft

     I wish every teacher took the time to let me know I was important. Those that told me I was important, also convinced me that I was a smart, kind, and powerful leader. I committed to acting accordingly. Then there were those educators that stole my identity by telling me I could not achieve. When anyone tells a student he/she cannot accomplish something, it’s the biggest form of identity theft.

     Because of my modest upbringing and the high work ethic of my parents, the identity thieves prompted me to become intrinsically motivated until I figured it out. Some students never had that ability. We need to work harder and together for those students to look differently in the mirror.

     You already know what I’m about to tell you but I’ll tell you anyway. Relationship building is one of the keys to a positive climate and culture. Making those connections will allow our students to not only look in the mirror to see who they are but to look in the mirror to see who they can become.

      There are hundreds of ways to connect but they all must be sincere and build trust. Trust leads to trustworthiness. With a long break coming up, I hope everyone is excited to spend time with friends and family. I also hope your students are excited to come back to school and see you!  

     Start building: High fives, stopping a kid in the hall for positive reinforcement, show up at events, positive calls home, thank you card, smiles, participation in spirit days, let the students facilitate, let them tell their stories through differentiation, give them jobs in class, talk to them, let them talk to each other, start and maintain traditions,

More ideas from 50 Great Things Leaders Do: Let’s Get Fired Up! (Appendix B)

Appendix B

Inspirational & Fun Ideas for Building Relationships

1.       Have a Yearly Theme 

2.     Welcome Forward (Happy New Year) 

3.       Halfway Celebration 

4.       Roll out the red carpet (many ways)

5.       Start traditions

6.       Declare a service learning platform

7.       Yearly Staffulty Picture on the first day

8.       Photoshop your head on the shoulders of your favorite superhero

9.       Staffulty field trip

10.    Tip of the Week

11.    Question of the Week

12.    Power Clap

13.    Secret Handshakes

14.    Design, create, trade pins from each yearly theme

15.    Create temporary tattoos promoting your theme and organization

16.    Renaissance Someone: Student, Staffulty, Parent, Community Member

17.    Core Boards - give one, keep one- What’s your core word?

18.    Pass around a beach ball and marker. Have each person write a power word on the ball.

19.    The Starfish Story & other stories of character

20.    Paint your walls with murals and quotes

21.    Paint your bathrooms with quotes and murals

22.    Paint your parking spaces

23.    Let your students draw with chalk all around the outside of your school

24.    Build A Legacy

25.    Leave A Legacy

26.    Leave A Legacy and memorialize it on a tile wall

27.    Name your hallways

28.    Take A Number (Deli Counter Character) with inspirational quotes and actions

29.    Put a candy machine in the Staffulty Lounge then give everyone a quarter to use it

30.    Put fruit on the counter (5-star check-in)

31.    Make your staffulty meeting an event

32.    Have an exercise and/or yoga class

33.    Spirit Days

34.    Have A Leadership Summit

35.    Send a thank you note

36.    Welcome people on your campus – Greeter/Tours

37.    Brag Board- (hard copy and digital) Brag about your school or organization

38.    Make your own inspirational posters with pictures of people you know (students and staffulty)

39.    Hold up signs: You Are Awesome! Honk If You’re Happy!, Smile, etc.

40.    Invite a former student to be a keynote speaker on the first day for staffulty

41.    Have Popcorn Paydays

42.    Make breakfast for the first ten people at work

43.    Buy lunch for someone you rarely see

44.    Staffulty of the Month

45.    Create the abundance mentality

46.    Have a Leadership Exchange (visit another school and have them reciprocate with ideas)

47.    Retire a T-Shirt

48.    Have a secret pal week

49.    Organize a pre-pep rally picnic

50.    Have an academic pep rally to celebrate academic excellence, leadership, great character, and participation

51.    Create a Great News File

52.    Make Positive Contact

53.    Have an Ice Cream Social

54.    Have A Girls Only Day

55.    Have A Guys Night Out

56.    People’s Choice Awards

57.    Leadership Camp for Incoming students (or highest grade) or any stakeholder group

58.    Daddy/Daughter Dance

59.    Mommy/Son Dance

60.    Character Commercials

61.    Renaissance Television (RTV)

62.    Play music in the cafeteria (have people make different playlists)

63.    Play music when people enter your building

64.    Dance in the cafeteria during lunch

65.    “Dancing with the Staffulty” contest

66.    Renaissance Stamps 

67.    Pass the Lightsaber

68.    Lip Sync Contest

69.    Classroom makeover – for staffulty winners or surprises

70.    Door decorating contest

71.    Blue/Gold Basketball Game – students and staffulty on both teams

72.    Dress Down Paydays- for staffulty rewards

73.    Penny Wars- for service

74.    Make your yearbook an event – no one should be sitting at a desk for their picture, use your yearly theme

75.    Almost Anything Goes (AAG) – silly and fun relays for students, parents, and staffulty

76.    Pie a teacher, supervisor, or co-worker with shaving cream

77.    Staffulty Leadership Relay Olympics

78.    Celebrate everyone’s birthday on their door and hallway bulletin board

79.    Outline the perimeter of your building with American flags to celebrate patriotism

80.    Diversity Day -use your imagination

81.   Dear You, You Are Awesome- inspirations that can be torn off a poster (smile, you rock, you are talented, you are beautiful, etc.)

82.    Create a Year in Pictures and post to social media

83.    Define your organization with ten pictures

84.    Stand up on top of your chair or desk and yell: “I am alive!”

85.    Collect Smiles

86.    Pass Out Smiles (like the free compliments)

87.    Make envelopes and write on them, “open when you want to smile.” Put things inside that make people smile.

88.    Designate a “Friendship Bench”

89.    Create a “come sit with me” table

90.    Create a “5 Star” restaurant table in the cafeteria

91.    Have a guest waiter and waitress dinner

92.    Fitness Community Night – fun and diversified

93.    Community University

94.    Barbeque hot dogs and hand them out at dismissal and to people in cars picking up people

95.    Meet and Greet Bingo

96.    Affirmation Bingo

97.    Diversity Bingo

98.    TGIM- Thank Goodness It’s Monday

99.    High Five Friday- with a big spongy hand

          100.  Icebreakers and team building activities should be a regular part of your repertoire.