Communication: Jazz-Style
One of the characteristics of jazz, that is too often missing in daily conversations, is mutual respect in the exchange of ideas. Instead of really listening to another point of view, we too quickly form an opinion and respond carelessly. We allow time, deadlines, and stress to place limits on our interactions with other people.
Diverted Plans
Students enroll in accredited institutions that they decided best meets their learning styles, professional goals, and busy schedules. Then when life changes occur, students must adjust their educational plans. They are told, too late, that their earned credits will not transfer leaving them to start all over.
When To Let Go and Move On
Change provides a limited opportunity for institutions to look inwardly in order to meet outward needs. The ones who are successful are those with the right people, the right vision, and the willingness to make the hard choices to better serve a growing need.
In the Weeds
Since education is accountable to various state and federal regulations, students, and the public, new and innovative is quickly followed by hesitation, push-back, and skepticism. This is when leaders look to their detail-oriented team members to ensure all checks and balances are in place.
Realistic Goals Not Ridiculous Resolutions
Without a plan of action that includes an understanding of the how and why, a goal is, well, just a resolution.
A Band, a Bus Ticket, and Bitterness
Dave Mustaine’s story resonates with us all. Sometimes we are our own biggest enemy and barrier to achieving our goals. We hold on to our past shortcomings and allow them to define our future. We let our failures to cloud the triumph of our later successes. We focus on the achievement of others instead of acknowledging our own progress.