The “WE” Factor and the “WOW” Factor

The “WE” Factor and the “WOW” Factor

If you ever heard me speak at a keynote, breakout session, or to a group of students or staffulty (faculty and staff), you may have heard me mention the “Wow” Factor. The “Wow” Factor is that distinctive appeal you get when you walk into our school, look at the brightly painted walls, or talk to a student leader. We maintain that “Wow” Factor by continually fine-tuning the quality of the process. Among other things, we put a high priority on climate and culture.

When you walk by our school, you might see a sign that reads: “Honk if you are happy.” You might witness the principal or a group of students holding up signs that announce: “Smile, We Are Family, or Be Nice.”  As you drive by our school, you’ll see a sign that is twenty-two feet wide that says, “LEADERSHIP.”  As you walk into the lobby you’ll see brightly colored legacy tiles or retired pep rally shirts. You might be greeted with smiles or politeness. I you can visualize the “Wow” Factor scenario.

Over the past several weeks, our school had the opportunity to experience the “We” Factor. This is the feeling you get when you come together as a team, community, school, or organization. It is the abundance mentality versus the scarcity mentality. It is the third level of commitment: Whatever it takes.

We come together in celebration, and it is equally important to come together in tragedy. Recently, one of our students passed away at the age fourteen. Words will never be able to describe or explain why this happened. The important part is that everyone did what they had to do. We stayed strong and as we move forward, we will continue to stay strong.

Angels are everywhere. Life is not black or white. Life is not straight lines. Life is not defined by a rubric. Life is for living and that’s what our angel did. I used to say Carpe Diem all the time. Now I say Carpe Momentum. Seize the moment! Make every minute count. Everything you do matters.

Peace.