Knowing when and how much to push is the difference between success and failure.
Cycling in San Francisco is a joy and challenge. The hills are the challenge. The joy – the many shops along the way.
Bad habits are hard to break. How can anyone resist shopping? Even when riding your bike. It’s the last leg of the trip. Bags are strapped to the handlebars. You’re going uphill. A steep hill. Very slowly.
Something different happens.
Like a scene from a movie. A very serious looking biker rides alongside and casually asks “You need a little help.” He places his hand on my back and swoops me up . The petals are spinning and I am moving. Flying. What perfect timing.
Without losing a beat the specimen of fitness replies – Well you know sometimes all you need is a little push – and then as miraculously as he appears, he disappears into the sunset. Well not the sunset, just another hill in San Francisco.
With the widest of smiles, I sail home. Impeccable timing. Just enough of a push.
Sometimes all you need is a little push.
A push that will get you over the hill. Sailing to your destination.
A push that is not to strong to flip you over. And not too weak to have no impact. A push that is just enough. The perfect push at the perfect time.
So what does this have to do with education?
Everything.
Education thrives on support. Interventions that do not work. The programs are fine. It’s the timing and degree of the intervention that is wrong.
Spend more time deciding when and how to push.
Stop pouring 100% of energy into creating a gorgeous product that flops. Spend more time on the implementation plan – the how, when, and where.
A push at the wrong time gets you no where.
- Teachers – don’t be married to assignments. The test is today. It’s a necessary test. But the kids are off. You can tell. They are not in the right place. So why push? Change your timing. Will it make much of a difference if you give the test tomorrow?
- Principals – don’t be married to reviews. The observation is scheduled. The teacher is upset. His last class was awful. What is the harm in rescheduling another day?
- Parents – don’t be married to appointments. You have a meeting with the counselor. It’s not really an emergency. The office is in the middle of something big. Can’t you come back another day?
A push at the right time gives results.
When the students take the test, the teacher is evaluated, the parents meet with the counselor – at the right time – the outcome is positive.
Guarantee. Right timing. Appropriate push.
Appreciation is the icing on the cake.
Knowing when and how to push involves an extra touch of kindness. Others appreciate and respect consideration and work harder. Better results for everyone!
