Yes, there's still a mountain to climb. Yes, there are moments when it feels like we’ll never see the summit. Yes, every week (if not every day) will bring an unexpected surprise. Nevertheless, I’m confident we have the tools, the team, and the desire to make it happen.

We just have to take a breath and grab a fork.

As a leader, I’m focusing on what I’m looking for.

When the kids were little, I was given (or maybe I appointed myself, but let’s not get bogged down in the details 😉) the title of the Great Finder of Things for my “uncanny” ability to find items left around the house.

High performers and great groups use comfort with the process as fuel to push the limits of their creativity and strive for a higher level of consistency, BUT

In the classroom, we’re talking about ‘EEG’ this week.  As I share more, keep in mind that I’m not an excellent speeler ;).  (It was the 4th grade before Mrs. Shutts loved me enough to tell me you do not spell enough “enuff” - wish I was making this up!)  I digress…EEG is about engagement and leveling up rehearsal effectiveness.

Slow is smooth; smooth is fast: A dear friend and former colleague taught me this concept years ago, and I’m constantly reminding myself of it during this time of year.  The problem is that slow is not my favorite speed.  

I live cranked up to 11 and have a reputation for being wound tight enough to make coffee nervous. 😂 BUT, our organization craves long-term high achievement, and

This summer, I’ve been asking the kids their favorite song from middle school.  (Mine was Ice Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice, but that is a completely different therapy session).  Last week, a kid shared that theirs was Man in the Mirror by MJ.  His response raised his stock price significantly (if I have to keep pretending that anything by Tyler the Creator is music…).  

You see, April 27, 1988 changed my life forever.  My mom took me out of daycare early (I was only 9…quit laughing; that’s not a joke 😂) to see the Bad Tour at Reunion Arena.  MJ was the biggest act in the world, and that night is still etched in my memory as if it happened yesterday.  While I was more impressed with Smooth Criminal and Beat It, I can still feel the energy of Man in the Mirror as his second encore.

As we head back into the classroom full-time, Man in the Mirror reminds me