2017-18 is one quarter in. What a busy school year it has been. New initiatives, courses, faculty members, the list goes on. Oh, and I’m in a new position this school year. Lots of new – but I’m embracing them all.

Longtime followers of my blog and close friends of mine know my maternal grandfather had and continues to have great influence on my life both personally and professionally. One of the things he said repeatedly in our 17 years together on this earth was the importance of adding value to others. In turn, others should always add value back to you, my grandfather would always say.

If you follow Dr. John Maxwell’s work you know this is a cornerstone of his leadership practices. One of my favorite A Minute with Maxwell segments sums this up quite well and this in particular comes from a question posed by a fellow educator:

Each day when I wake up I have determination. Determination to do my best, grow in some capacity whether as a leader, learner or educator. Ideally all three.

I also am determined to make a positive impact in at least one person’s life. A colleague at school or the district level, a student, an employee at your local Target or at the mall. Positivity goes a long way and adding value goes hand in hand. Normally, this can be achieved not once but several times a day.

By the same token, we should always be cautious when choosing friends. Quality over quantity. Adding value should be a cornerstone of friendship. If this isn’t the case – cut the cord. Nonnegotiable. 

Adding and receiving value should be an ongoing process. Learning and growing daily. Make it a great day or not daily – the choice is yours.