Be Creating

Ryan P. Along the way I’ve managed to pick up some little ditties that help me keep big ideas front and center in my thinking.  For example: Ask – Don’t Tell Experience First-Label Second Show-Model-Teach What-So What-Now What KWL (Know-Want to know-Learned) Big Picture- Small Pieces-Big Picture Relationship First – Content Second I don’t care what you know til’ I know that you care I’m not sure if I read them, I created them to help me remember or if someone said it and now I parrot them. They have however served me well in keeping focused especially when I’m working with others. Today as I was floating in the lake reading I was reminded of one that at first I wasn’t quite sure I accepted as true.  “If they knew they would do.”  As a parent and educator I have met many people when working with them I’ve found myself thinking – dang come on – you know better than that.  I hope those words have never passed my lips.  Then o...

Sherod Miller In the early 80s I was working as a regional facilitator for the Minnesota Educational Effectiveness Program.  In this role I had multiple opportunities to learn from some of the leading figures in business, education, organizational development and the learning brain.  One of the individuals I was privileged to meet and work with was Sherod Miller.  Sherod and other researches from the University of Minnesota were known for extensive longitudinal research in interpersonal communications .  At the time malpractice medical insurance was skyrocketing and the University was looking for answers on how to decrease malpractice claims. The study was conducted with engaged couples who were then followed long term to assess their ability to communicate effectively.   I begged my supervisor to attend his multiday training in the Twin Cities.  Actually the training wasn’t an open training it was being conducted for up and coming managers for...