As I engaged with an online course yesterday, I realized that the course leader was asking questions I value. Her leadership was a super fit for how I learn, and what I wanted to learn. Not only did she show me how to perform the skill, but she taught me why the steps are positive and what those steps do for your body and mind--I like this kind of holistic learning from experts.
When I was in college, I chose professors and courses by the description of how professors taught and their impact on students. I took so many awesome courses by gifted professors in a large array of subject areas. it was a great education.
Just recently, I left my place of employment--a place I had dedicated significant time and energy to for 34 years. I left mainly because the leadership didn't value what I valued--they were not asking the questions that I thought were most important with regard to a good education and a top-notch learning community. My research, knowledge, dedication, and beliefs about what constitutes good learning and child development were not reflected in their pandemic-related plans and priorities. I didn't feel safe. I didn't feel heard. I didn't feel respected. The choices made put me in the position of peon rather than professional educator--I could not withstand that treatment anymore. It was time to leave, and fortunately given my tenure and savings, I was able to leave and still support my family's priorities.
As you look for new jobs, get involved in new pursuits, and forward your life in any way, it's important to consider the questions your leaders and colleagues are asking. You don't want to place yourself in a position where leadership or colleagues' focus is different from yours in dramatic and obstructive ways. You want to place yourself in positions where people are asking questions that are meaningful to you--questions you can invest your time and energy in with depth and purpose. This is valuable. To surround yourself with people who are asking questions that are meaningless, negative, or destructive is not positive for you, your work, or your future.
So as I collect a new team of leaders and colleagues via new pursuits in the areas of health, community development, education, and family life, I'll be listening closely to the questions leaders and colleagues in those fields are asking, and I'll pay close attention to their goals and dreams too. I want to work for and with people who are dedicated to good, holistic living and learning--the kind of living and learning that truly enriches and empowers lives in significnat ways. I don't want to place myself amongst leaders and colleagues who simply check the boxes, take care of self, or dismiss the skills, knowledge, dreams, and energy of the team members.
Where will this lead me? I'm excited to find out.