I recently gave multiple keynotes at a few different statewide conferences. I solicited feedback afterward, and below is the word cloud that resulted from each attendee’s comments. |
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I have to admit, I was humbled and a little surprised to see “inspiring” as the most frequently used term. While I always try to stimulate thought, challenge the status quo, and encourage action to help us better meet our shared mission, to me inspiration goes deeper. Inspiration is a deep feeling that stirs emotions and desires within us that could be used as fuel in the weeks in months to come to keep pushing forward. What does inspiration mean to you? Reflect on when you feel enthusiasm from someone or something. When receiving inspiration from others, is its receipt the end goal itself?... or is it intended to motivate us to do something different; to engage in a process in a new and creative way? I believe that inspiration is best when it is actionable. Imagine if we could intentionally be that stimulus to others around us to help fuel their fire and to be the encouragement they need to keep advancing forward. |
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As we conclude 2022 momentarily, I want to encourage you, and inspire you, to keep pushing against the status quo around us. I also want to equip you to be an inspiration for others. Here are 10 steps you can do to kick off 2023 with focused intentionality. I know you’re busy…so just focus on the first action first to start a relevant conversation in your institution about the need for change in our education system. |
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Invite 2 other colleagues to help you in making a list of all the misalignments you see around you. Pick the 3 most pressing; the 3 most impactful. From those, pick the least complicated to work on in 2023. Describe what the path forward looks like if this is not fixed soon. Focus on both the emotional and the rational. Write down the impact of not handling this for yourself, your students, your colleagues, and your institution. Brainstorm possible solutions regardless of cost, time, and feasibility. Draft a list of those in your institution that would be likely champions and detractors. Meet for coffee, or a meal, with your most likely champions. Share your thoughts and ideas. Solicit their feedback. Make edits. Meet for coffee, or a meal, with your most likely detractors. Share your thoughts and ideas. Solicit their feedback. Stay curious, not defensive. Make edits. Reconvene your original 2 colleagues and finalize your plan. You are now ready to share this more broadly.
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Add that calendar invitation now to your schedule for mid-January and invite 2 colleagues. In 2023, let’s be intentional in creating the necessary time and space to help others in redefining the goal around us. Focused intentionality makes a world of difference, for ourselves, our colleagues, and for our communities. It can be done. It’s time! |
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Easy answer: They do. That's why I decided over a year ago to invite them to share their experiences and to actively support you and your institution. And they continue to motivate and inspire me after each Catapult masterclass. So, I invite you to experience the evolution of professional development and be inspired by them to catapult forward, faster. To put inspiration into action, Catapult is announcing a new way to experience each masterclass. We have opened a new, innovative way for you to be able to get the communication started in your institution with your dynamic Team of 3 people. Try out a masterclass, get inspired, and evolve your planning. Introducing Catapult for Teams! |
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Click on the button or images to find out more. Let get inspired together. |
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