HOW TEACHERS CAN SAVE OUR KIDS. BY JOSH LINKNER

How Teachers Can Save Our Kids….  http://joshlinkner.com/2011/how-teachers-can-save-our-kids/

Posted on May 2, 2011 by Josh Linkner

Instead of rising to meet the challenges of the day, our outdated and bureaucratic school systems are busy “teaching to the test.”  Instead of “No Child Left Behind”, they are all being left behind and are ill-prepared to succeed in the new era of business…and life.

Today, we live in a world of dizzying speed, exponential complexity, and ruthless competition.  We can no longer rely on the models of the past in order to win.  Today, we need an entirely new approach.  Unfortunately, the rigid and formulaic educational system is robbing the next generation of their competitive edge.

So what can we do about it?  Most of the problem lives in the system, not in the passionate teachers who desperately want to develop hungry minds.  In fact, we should honor and celebrate teachers, as there isn’t a more noble profession.  Even within the stifling factory system, teachers can break free and liberate the minds of their pupils.  These concepts are top priority, and can be embraced immediately:

1.       Teach creative problem solving over rote memorization. How to reach an answer is far more important than making the right choice on a standardized test and then forgetting the concept the next day.

2.       Teach kids to challenge assumptions instead of accepting things “as is.” Success is no longer about following an operating manual.  It is about imagining the possibilities and real-time innovation.

3.       Teach that mistakes are not evil, and should not be feared. Make sure kids learn that mistakes aren’t fatal – they’re simply the portals of discovery.

4.       Drive diversity of thought over conformity. World progress occurs by challenging conventional wisdom and approaching problems with fresh perspective.  Following the herd is a surefire path to mediocrity.

5.       Forster imagination and curiosity. No longer optional, creativity has become the currency of success for us all.  This applies to CEO’s and soccer-moms.  Musicians and military leaders.  Engineers and educators.

Developing the Creative Class mindset will allow kids to win in the future instead of falling victim to a broken system.  If we don’t make the philosophical shift to teach critical thinking instead of rule-following memorization, our very status as an economic superpower will soon be in jeopardy.

While we’re at it, why stop with kids?  Funny enough, these are the same principles needed for any organization to thrive.  Let’s learn from the deficit facing our children.  It’s time to empower our teams, colleagues and ourselves with the same mission-critical ingredients for success.

In the words of Charles Barkley, “Anything less would be uncivilized.”

LESSONS FROM THE “KING’S” DAY IN COURT…

What can we learn from the Kings day in court?

Obviously for the last few days, we have seen a barrage of negative activity in the media around Lebron James. Lebron James is one of the greatest athletes of all time. He has been dubbed “the King” by so many for so long. Ever since high school;  even before that,  in junior high arenas in Ohio were sold out just to get a glimpse of this basketball prodigy. Lebron James has attempted to live up to the king title as evidenced by making it all the way to the NBA finals twice. Even with all of his personal great, winning smile, commoditized image, and philanthropic efforts, LJ still experiences the effects of being one of the most hated and villan-ized athletes of the modern era (just a few points behind Tiger Woods, Michael Vick and Barry Bonds).

How is it that such a celebrated athlete and mogul be so hated, so quickly?  I believe it all started when Lebron James “disappeared”  in the fourth quarter of the NBA finals while playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. The questions began to rise by basketball purist about his ability to be compared to the G.O.A.T.’s.  After months of melodrama and courting by teams,  we witnessed “the decision.”  That decision to so publicly and coldly take his talents to South Beach not only angered fans in Cleveland,  but attracted in venom from everyday people around the world. When was the last time you and I had a TV show when we decided to change jobs? When was the last time everyone in your profession came to YOUR office in YOUR home town and beg for YOUR services? This brought about a stream of emotions, and isolated “the king” from his once loyal subjects.

The following season, after all of the celebrations, cocky commercials, and clever ploys; Lebron and his star-mates in Miami failed to accomplish the goal that separates legends from losers:  Winning the NBA World Championship.  The post-game press conference following game 6 put LJ back into venom’s way.   There are a few lessons we can learn from Lebron’s loss in the NBA finals this year against the Dallas Mavericks. Unfortunately the lessons we learn are not lessons from the basketball court, but lessons for leaders; especially young leaders with great talent.

1. Know the nature and meaning of winning,

I believe that God has given each of us talents (gifts).  Talents are those things, those ways of being and doing that are supernatural.  Some are talented relationship builders, some of us have great skills in strategic thinking; others have been endowed with a certain kind of ‘charisma’ or ‘woo’ factor.  Whatever our talent is, when we tap into it, and use it in the presence of others; it’s evidentiary.  Everyone knows that you are there, and that’s your talent or gift.  You will outperform your peers regularly when the talents that you possess match the talents required. Also, when you know your talent and use it in the appropriate space; YOU WILL WIN!  How do you lose when you are using supernatural gifts in the midst of human advantages?  You can’t.  LJ has Talents.  If he didn’t, his brand would not be what it is today.  Because LJ used his talents and won on so many fronts, people who have not yet seen the exponential potential of their own talent begin to have natural feelings of jealousy and envy.

If you are a young leader in your chosen field, and you know your talent, and it matches the talents required; chances are…you are winning.  If you are winning, chances are…everyone is not happy about that.  As leaders, we have to know that our success does not make everyone around us happy.  DEAL WITH IT!  If everyone could do what you do, then why are you necessary?  We have to learn what Lebron is learning now, greatness is not always met with praise.

2. know the nature and meaning of losing,

Just as a point of reminder; THE DALLAS MAVERICKS ARE THE WORLD CHAMPIONS!!!!! Why is that not the point of discussion?  Why is the entire mediated world fixated on LJ’s loss as opposed to Dallas’ win?  Because when you strive for greatness, and let everyone know it, many people will invest their energies or lack thereof to into your failure.  People though that LJ’s decision, and the stacking of the Heat team violated many of the “fairness rules”.  LJ was fair in his choice, as was Cleveland, however, when you win and tell people that you are going to win; people can’t wait to see you lose.

3. Embrace the power of  mentoring/coaching in your life.

Hind sight is 20/20.  I am certain, even if LJ wouldn’t admit it; he would take a different approach to many of the significant media ‘lightning rod’ moments that he experienced this past calendar year.  However, if you look at LJ’s team, his advisors, and friends…they are all young and or behind him in age and experience.  He has chosen to surround himself exclusively with his peer group.  That’s great for high school, however, when leadership and savvy are consistently required of you, you must embrace and intentionally invite seasoned leaders into your life.  A seasoned leader adds wisdom to our knowledge.  There’s a saying that ‘knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is knowing not to put it into a fruit smoothie.’

Wisdom comes from experience.  Experience comes with time.  LJ would be well suited to add some ‘wisdom’ to his team.  I’ve gotta give a shout out to one of my mentor/coaches who reminded me of the following clip from “First Sunday” when discussing wise points with me……

Although LeeJohn's mother's story was wrought with indiscretions, wisdom, would have told him to tone the story down..Now let's look at the King...

After all of the Hater-Aid that was thrown LJ’s way, i’m certain he felt that way; however, a seasoned coach would have shared with him, through their own lived experiences that there are sacrifices that must be made by leaders; even if you don’t FEEL like sacrificing.

If I have had an accelerated leadership path, I owe it to seasoned leaders who have invested, poured, and seeded to me the knowledge of my talent, the understanding of winning and losing, and the ability to expand my influence by expanding my influencers.

Peace, Blessings, and Wisdom…

T2

Make careful comparisons of yourself, others will NOT be so careful

SUPER MICHIGAN BOWL!

Between arguably the 'runner-up' MVP of the Super Bowl, Greg Jennings and the critically acclaimed Detroit Chrysler commercial with Eminem; the Super Bowl shined a bright light on the Great State of Michigan! As a Kalamazooan, a Western Michigan University Bronco, and a Michigander my message to the Michigan doubters; We are Michigan, this is what we do! 

Peace, Blessings, and Pride!

T2

WHO AM I? TIM’S TOP 5 STRENGTHS (ACCORDING TO GALLUP)

I took the Strengths Finder Assessment from Gallup, I am reading “Strengths Based Leadership” by Tom Rath and Barry Conchie,  and encourage you to do the same!  Is this Me?

Positivity-

By nature, you consistently bolster — that is, boost — the morale of some of yourteammates.You offer compliments. You affirm certain individuals’ talents, knowledge, skills,contributions, and successes. Driven by your talents, you are counted on to be the talkativeand sociable member of the team. Your friendly disposition helps most people feel comfortable enough to join in group activities or discussions. It’s very likely that you like to lift the spirits of the people around you. You know what to do and say so individuals feel useful, valued, appreciated, and important. Chances are good that you support the people around you by acknowledging their outstanding accomplishments and stellar performances .Because of your strengths, you enjoy discovering as much as you can about the people you meet. You are friendly and enjoy socializing. You quickly put at ease those you are meeting for the first time or the tenth time.

Woo –

Instinctively, you might derive less satisfaction from your work or studies when you are separated from your friends. Perhaps partnering with them motivates you to work hard to complete tasks or reach goals. Because of your strengths, you prefer the company of peopleto being alone. You automatically welcome a wide array of individuals into your workplace,classroom, team, family, club, or social circle. Chances are good that you exhibit a genuine fondness for all sorts of people. Newcomers or outsiders intrigue you to such a degree thatyou start talking with them. You naturally put them at ease with your smile, encouraging words, or compliments. It’s very likely that you are genuinely fond of your teammates. Youcan see the good in them more readily than most people can. This explains why individualslike having you in their groups. By nature, you are talkative and friendly in the presence of newcomers. You delight in pulling outsiders or strangers into group discussions. You are likely to involve them in casual conversations with one or two other people.

Activator –

It’s very likely that you periodically determine for yourself or others what should be done.  After you have made up your mind, perhaps you waste little time moving forward with projects or assignments. Because of your strengths, you may raise the spirits of people by putting aside what you are doing and giving them your undivided attention. Perhaps you repeat some of the key ideas or questions they voiced, even when it takes some work. Driven by your talents, you sometimes reach conclusions by using reason. Sometimes you evaluate all the facts to pinpoint what is and is not relevant. The mental rigor you demand of yourself might prepare you to launch projects or initiate plans. Chances are good that you sometimes make choices or judgments when no one else seems willing to do so. Once you take charge,you may be eager to launch initiatives, present proposals, or solve problems. Instinctively,you sometimes make people feel special. Typically you point out the importance or usefulness of something they said.

Maximizer –

Chances are good that you reject using a one-size-fits-all approach when attempting to influence people to take action. Instead, you discover each person’s special talents, skills, knowledge, mission, likes, and dislikes. This information helps you personalize your words and deeds. It’s very likely that you exhibit an awareness about what you do and do not do well. You trust your instincts in this regard. Over time, you have progressed faster and moved further by relying on your talents. You simply refuse to risk losing confidence in yourself by tackling assignments for which you lack the talent, even when you may possess some relevant knowledge, skills, or experience. Because of your strengths, you sometimes pause to savor or simply reflect on your current accomplishments. Driven by your talents, you regularly initiate serious discussions or casual chitchat with people you have just met. You feel quite confident about your ability to talk with newcomers, outsiders, or strangers. You probably recall times when this gift contributed to your accomplishments or gave you access to influential people. By nature, you take full advantage of your talents. This is how you move toward your goals.

Strategic –

Driven by your talents, you might recognize recurring sequences in data, events, information,or people’s comments. These insights might enable you to form links between things that others cannot.  By nature, you sometimes know what has gone wrong. You try to uncover facts. Perhaps you are not intimidated by an overwhelming amount of information. Like a detective, you might sort through it, attempting to identify pieces of evidence. Following a few leads, you might begin to see the big picture. Maybe you generate schemes for solvingthe problem. You might choose the best option after considering some of the prevailing circumstances, available resources, or desired outcomes. It’s very likely that you may payattention to some of the things going on around you. Perhaps you listen, quiz people, read, or take notes. As you accumulate information, you might disregard what is unrelated, and pay heed to what seems important. Sometimes the more you reflect on what you know, certain problems reveal themselves, and eventually some solutions start taking shape in your mind.  Then you try to select the best plan from your list of options. Chances are good that you may see solutions before other people know there is a problem. You might start formulating answers before your teammates, coworkers, or classmates understand the question.  Sometimes you generate numerous ideas before sorting to the one that makes the most sense in a particular situation. Because of your strengths, you select the right combination of words to convey your ideas or feelings. In the middle of discussions, your vocabulary provides you with precise phrases and terminology. You probably express yourself with ease and grace.

Who are you?  Buy the book, take the assessment, USE YOUR TALENTS!

Peace, Blessings, and Woo!

T2

OBSERVING KING

On this day, January 17, 2011 we once again take time out and time off to recognize one of the greatest Americans ever produced, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  Once again we listen to the oh so familiar speeches, our children do worksheets about having a dream, and  the children of the movement reminisce with great pride and pain.  Yet we find ourselves wondering how did we get to such a place as this?

As we look across the political/social spectrum and while we gaze across our communities we as American people seem to be divided today in very dangerous ways. I am legitimately concerned about the ways in which our social political differences are causing us to forget our humanity.

Last night I sat with my wife and watched Oprah Winfrey’s new television network; “the OWN network.”  there was a wonderful show on entitled master class. The special guest who was giving wisdom nuggets to the audience across the nation and the world was none other than one of my favorite writers Mrs. Maya Angelou.

Now if you’ve read anything from Maya, then you know that Maya will blow your mind with the ways in which she weaves her experiences into the English language and creates a beautiful, moving, powerful direction for the reader.

Dr.  Angelou stated last night that one of the lessons she had to come to learn in her life was that she is a human being, and the child of God. And therefore because she is a human being nothing human can be alien to her.

I took that statement to heart. I am a human being and a child of God, therefore nothing human can be alien to me. Which means I have to see the person with the opposite point of view, the very individual or group for which I disagree the most;  I have to view them as a human being and a child of God and therefore worthy of worth, value, and grace.  this is a lesson that must be a part of the way in which I treat my fellow human. My disagreement with another human does not give me permission to lose my own humanity, because when I do I devalue both of our existence. Unfortunately for us today this shared understanding of who and whose we are is lost in the discourse of buffoonery.

With my background in youth development and youth violence prevention;  the phenomenon of gangs and mob activity seem to permeate every conversation regarding urban youth and their behavior.

However this mob phenomenon does not solely rest in the activity of urban youth in major metropolitan areas across our country;  this mob mentality is something that Dr. King spoke about in 1956. In that year on March 18th,  Dr. King delivered a sermon at Dexter Ave., Baptist Church entitled ” when peace becomes obnoxious.” In this great speech he was responding to the desegregation of the University of Alabama and how a landmark case in which a judge handed down an edict which stated that the University of Alabama could no longer deny admission to persons because of their race.   Therefore the first Negro student to be admitted in the history of the University, Ms. Authory Lucy began school on 3 April.

When she arrived that morning,  crosses were burned; eggs and bricks were thrown at her, she was spit upon, and even the car for which she was driving was jumped upon by an angry mob.   Following this raucous activity fueled by bigoted, cold-hearted individuals, the president and trustees of the University requested that Ms. Lucy stay at home the following day for both her safety and the school’s.

The following day the local newspaper in  Alabama had the following headline,”Things are quiet in Tuscaloosa today, there is peace on the campus of the University of Alabama.”

Dr. King responded to the events of this day lamenting that the peace that had come to the University that day came at a great price to both the movement and to human beings here in America. One of the most powerful lines that i’ve of ever read from King,( and I’ve read a lot from King); was where he warned people from every walk of life that in this particular case and in many other cases around the nation at that time,  we had allowed for “mobocracy to reign supreme over democracy.”

The concept of mobocracy still permeates today. Some weeks ago I blogged about the party of no.  Within this culture of mobocracy lies the guiding principles that have created the great divisions that we see today. When things are tough, and were not sure of our futures, human nature teaches us to go back to tribalism. This tribalism forces us to pick a team no matter how much we’ve won or lost before;  we have to pick a mob.  The mob then becomes that for which we protect even to the point where we blindly agree with things that we know are not just. To be a part of the mob comes at a great price. As we reflect on and observe this” King” in our lives;  let us make sure that in our businesses, our families, in our churches, and in our homes we do not succumb to allowing mobocracy to reign supreme over democracy, justice, peace, and most of all the liberating power of loving our neighbors as ourselves.

Peace, love, and observation.

T2

MY NEW YEAR’S REVOLUTION

Greetings friends and family, allies and foes, haters and up-lifters; happy new year.

As we enter 2011 and exit 2010, I reflect upon this past year and the greatness that has occurred in my life. I stand humbled, thankful, reflective, and overwhelmingly excited about what is in front of me for the coming year. My family is well, my children are healthy, and the future is bright.

I am looking forward with great anticipation to this next year,  however as I look around this world I observe what is going on from a global, national, state, regional, city, community, and home perspective; I, in the midst of all of this excitement and optimism, am somewhat apprehensive, and afraid of what I see.

2008 marked a time of great hope, transition, challenge and change for the United States of America.  We were all spellbound by the feelings that ran through our bodies as we elected America’s first president of color.  As we worked on trying to solve these large human issues ( i.e. Social Security, healthcare, the wars overseas, the economy, the near depression), we were faced with huge adaptive challenges. Challenges and issues that brought about tribalism at its best. We saw the birth of a tea party, a green party, a common sense party, party crashers, and a “the rent is too damn high party”.

All of these factions and tribes were created because of the dissonance and disconnection between the lives of individuals and leaders. The most dangerous party of those that arose out of this time of great change and challenge was “the party of “NO”.  For generations,  the party of no has sent out invitations to all of us for membership. Every day, every moment of our lives presents new challenges where we face and wrestle with our most innate human traits, “fight or flee”.

As we look at ourselves,  our humanity, our fears,  and our inadequacies;  we began to become afraid of the totally of all that is in front of us, all that we don’t know, and all that we cannot see.  And instead of doing the work of leadership, we turn onto chicken drive and stay there. Instead of tackling the issues of the day we just have learned to say no.  No to our dreams, no to are ambitions, no to the best in us.  Instead we respond in the affirmative to the worst in us.

It has been interesting to observe the “leaders” who bring no ideas to the table except those that would cause dissension. It has been nearly frightening to watch those in leadership display cowardice and confusion as strategies to change the world. On the issues that matter to people the most (like the economy, healthcare, and national security) we have found nothing but baseless dissent, and childhood measuring contests (men, you know what i’m saying!) These strategies employed by authority figures have become “weapons of mass confusion” as Dr. Cornell West would put it.

Well, these times of great challenge call for leaders who will do the work. Leaders who will mobilize people and say those things that aren’t necessarily popular or financially gainful. This is the time for those who will be courageous, those who clearly understand that leadership is not a comfortable place but a place of action.

I am deciding for 2011 to refuse membership into the party of no. I refuse to allow fear to derail my purpose in this life.

I refuse to allow factions to be formed in my own mind and heart that would fight against moving this community, this family, this life that God has given me to the place it was destined to be.

The party of no has no place in my life and I refuse to avoid the work of making this world a better place.

I have no illusions that the journey without the party is difficult.  I have no illusions that it will be difficult to stay in the fight. However my own life history has taught me that quitting, saying no, being divisive, and allowing my own insecurities and immaturities to rule my life is a sure recipe for disaster.

As you reflect and vision into the new year please make certain that whatever party you decide to join;  the party of no is excluded from your choices.

God’s Best for you in 2011!

T2

THE MIGHTY MAROON GIANTS, BUT WHY?

“We are the Giants, the Mighty Mighty Giants!”

For those of you who had a mediocre high school experience, this blog is not for you. Well, maybe it is for you because the words and the analysis I’m about to present has everything to do with the enduring human spirit. The way I see myself, and the way I see others is all wrapped up, tied up, and put together predominantly at one location; 2432 N. Drake Rd. in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Otherwise known as Kalamazoo Central World-Class High School.

So I learned a lot about myself through being identified with something much larger than me: the maroon giant legacy. Kalamazoo Central was the first public high school in the state of Michigan founded in 1859. Now, I wasn’t around obviously in 1859 when the mascot “maroon giant” was chosen. I don’t know why they chose maroon and white. I don’t know why I keep going back, it’s just a school.

Or is it just a school? See the further away I am from N. Drake Rd., the more I understand how much North Drake is inside of me.  I carry it with me everyday, everywhere I go. I learned there that one human being can make a difference. I learned that it is imperative for all of us to be a part of something that’s larger than us. For if we are not a part of a larger “we” then were destined to live out his life all by ourselves with nothing to show for our existence.

All of the maroon giants that I know, or those individuals who worked on behalf of the maroon giants were all outstanding people who believed in collective success. A vast majority the alumni of Kalamazoo Central high school  have gone on to do wonderful things in this world, to transform the human condition, and to leave this world a better place than they found it. As I research maroon giants I found that there was a whole another group of maroon giants that lived long before the high school.

In the New World as early as 1512, black slaves had escaped from Spanish and Portuguese owners and either joined indigenous people or lived on their own. As early as 1655, runaway slaves had formed their own communities in Jamaica and by the 18th century other villages begin the fight for independent recognition. These early slaves who banded together and subsided independently were called “maroons”.

One of the amazing attributes of these maroon people was that they gained their independence from the British many years before the abolishment of the slave trade. These were individuals who created their own economic structure, participated in the care of their own communities, and who were committed to the abolishment of one of the largest sins known to man; treating another human being as less than human. When I read about the maroon people, the word that immediately came to mind was ‘giant’. These maroon people as well as the maroon giants for whom I know are aptly named maroons.  The 1500’s maroon giants and the present day classes both continue to abolish people’s low expectations of them. And furthermore the maroons made the world a better place than what they found, and so do maroon giants today!

There are great lessons to be learned both from the maroon giants of this age and the maroon giants of afore-time.  I continue to learn lessons about how these maroons are the ones that we need today and forever more.

So if you’re a maroon giant, Loy Norrix Knight, or a San Diego slugger; it’s of no consequence. What is of great consequence is your ability and willingness to abolish those forces that would hold you and others back from reaching their full potential, and committing yourself to making sure that you rise above the crowd to make a real difference in the world.

As in my other blogs I continue to urge all of us to exercise leadership in our own space. And there’s only one question left to ask…will the real maroon giants please stand up?

Peace, joy,  and Go Giants!

T2

WHY?

“There are two great days in a person’s life – the day they were born and the day we discover why.”

— William Barclay

The whole idea of ‘purpose’ and how it drives our actions in personally, collectively, organizationally, and community-wide is a fascinating phenomenon.  This TED video about how inspiration is birthed and why purpose is so connected to inspiration is a great watch for us all.