“Hard work is a prison sentence only if it does not have meaning. Once it does, it becomes the kind of thing that makes you grab your wife around the waist and dance a jig.” Malcolm Gladwell, Outliers
I have often been accused of working too much and spending too many late nights blogging, tweeting, or emailing things for school. Balance is essential to life, but there are definitely some days that I feel a bit out of whack.
The fact of the matter is that I love my job and there are days where I would rather be nowhere else. I enjoy reading, learning, and connecting. I am invigorated by the challenges that I have as an administrator, and the opportunities that I have while I lead my school.
In Outliers, one quote sticks out on the meaning of work:
“Those three things—autonomy, complexity, and a connection between effort and reward—are, most people agree, the three qualities that work has to have if it is to be satisfying.” Malcolm Gladwell
My goal, to best serve children, ultimately depends on how I can create the best environment for my staff. Yet, the term “effort and reward” sticks out to me. Is that needed in this term, or is it ultimately only that people need “connection”?
My question to you is, as an educator, how can administrators do this to help teachers be successful so they can best serve children? I would love to hear your responses in either the comments, blog post, whatever. These conversations need to continue to ensure our teachers are successful in schools. Whether it is one suggestion or a school plan, the more we share, the better.
Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.
