Reach for Greatness; Perspective Becomes the Reality

 

    Yong Zhao wrote an introduction to his book, "Reach for Greatness". The introduction powerfully portrayed images of opportunities to take an optimistic perception over a deficiency mentality. He uses the story Benjamin Franklin reported of his friend with a bad leg. The philosopher friend of Franklin reflected on the behaviors of others when seeing his bad leg. Some pitied him and found him to lack greater ability because he did not have the perceived ability. Yet, the ones who made the greatest effect on him were the people who realized the strength he had in his "handsome leg". Zhao also used the story of Rudolph the red nosed reindeer. What was the reason that his nose needed to be hidden. Both stories shed light on the influence of perspective and how it dictates the reality of others. In education, this can be detrimental to students who do not simply fit "the box" traditional education has created.

    The glass half empty or half full is the idea behind perspective is reality concept. The school I lead must have a perspective on the education of students and their ability to learn. My staff is given the freedom to teach and love on their students with a perspective of not "fixing them"but appreciating their strengths and highlighting their abilities. Each child has gifts and talents just as the teachers leading them in their classes. To create a "safe place to learn" requires the creation of a "safe place to teach". The challenge can be how to support growth in learning while appreciating differences. Additionally, I must guide my teachers in best practices while appreciating their different strategies and perspectives. In my opinion, there must be a strong balance of love, support, and boundaries. Essentially I am saying, "I love you too much to let you believe you are not able to accomplish more, but also appreciate you may do that in a very different way than your friend."