EntreLeadership

This was one of my most inspiring Fridays I've had.  I spent the day at a Simulcast of Dave Ramsey's EntreLeadership. I've been to his Total Money Makeover Simulcast in the past, so I knew how entertaining he can be.  Of course he did not let me down.  While the lessons are geared for those running their own businesses, it had a wealth of information for me, a teacher.  There was not a single item he covered that could not be applied to a classroom setting.  In addition, there were great lessons to learn about being a person of integrity and character.  That certainly applies regardless of work, company or industry.

One of the quotes that I found incredibly valuable, from Benjamin Zander, that I think can directly apply in the teaching arena is "Who am I that my _________________ eyes are not shining?"  Fill in the blank: students', employees', children's, spouse's....the possibilities are endless.  This calls upon us to make a difference, and constantly re-evaluate what we are doing and how we are doing it.  Aren't quality teachers those that seek to make a difference and regularly re-evaluate themselves and make "course corrections?"

In watching the comments about it come in on Twitter, I see many other attendees who were equally moved.  (Leadershipfreak, Dan Rockwell -Twitter @Leadershipfreak USA, also on Facebook- attended at the Nashville location.)  One post brought up the question Dave discussed, "Do we shoot our wounded or carry them until the healing comes?"  In the booklet the quote is listed as "Never shoot your wounded." At the seminar, Dave spoke about "the wounded," pointing out you don't shoot them, you quantify their need and assist as you can in the healing. He gave examples of "the wounded" as individuals with sick children, those going through a divorce or other tough circumstance.  Don't those things happen to our students?  To our co-workers?  Our family?  Are we shooting our wounded?

He closed with Winston Churchill's Harrow School commencement address  "Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never--in nothing, great or small, large or petty--never give in, except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy."  That too is the essence of teaching isn't it?  Never to give in (or give up) on our students, on their potential, on our ability to positively influence them, on ourselves.  Also, isn't that the essence of living a life of substance, not a life defined by your career or job, but a life of impact?

This day was both time and money very well invested....