One of the great things about my job is that I get to visit and observe schools all across the country.  And due to these visits I can report that there is often a noticeable difference between the school that has regular visitors on campus and in its classrooms and the school that does not.  The difference is how “sharp” the school, rooms, teachers, and students look and act. 

The correlation is more visitors = more sharp; less visitors = less sharp.  We could come up with the reasons why this is (or is not) the case, but for me it comes down to personal pride. If no one is watching, it is easier to cut a corner here and there. If someone is watching, the corner doesn’t get cut. 

I don’t see this as coercive, I see this as professionals showcasing their talent.  And the reason why I make this connection is that on my travels I will often take public tours of operational plants and facilities (example: a visit to a local bottling plant).  On these tours you will notice how smoothly things operate and how sharp and professional the employees are, regardless of the industry.

When we know we have an audience, we put on a show.  The show is a good thing.  If you are a campus/district leader, provide your team and students with a random, regular audience.  Trust them with the opportunity to proudly put on a show.  

Think. Work. Achieve. Your turn…

• Call Jo at (832) 477-LEAD to order your campus set of “The Fundamental 5: The Formula for Quality Instruction.” Individual copies available on Amazon.com!  http://tinyurl.com/Fundamental5
• Now at the Apple App Store: Fun 5 Timer (Fundamental 5 Delivery Tool); PowerWalks CLC (Networked Formative Observation Tool) 
• Upcoming Presentations: The Fundamental 5 National Summit (Multiple Presentations); American Association of School Administrators Conference; National Association of Secondary School Principals Conference (Multiple Presentations) 
• Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation  and like Lead Your School on Facebook