Last year at a conference I heard, “What comes from the heart reaches the heart. People know when we are genuinely interested in them and their passions.” That quote stood out in my mind. People innately feel when you are working or speaking from the heart and that is the energy that is most catching. Have you ever felt that tug in your heart when someone is speaking to you, and you know that they just get it? They have somehow connected with your heart. If you want to see a real change in the culture of your school, you must start from the heart.
As stated in Innovator’s Mindset, change can start with one person. That person is you! You can be the catalyst for innovation and change, and it starts with building relationships and creating connections. How can you start?
Be open, get to know what is important to them, and listen.
Remember the 3 E’s
- Engage the people around you.
- Energize them by asking questions and showing that you care about their ideas and dreams.
- Empower them through listening and support.
“If we want meaningful change, we have to make a connection to the heart before we can make a connection to the mind.”- George Couros
Connect with hearts and watch the culture grow in a positive direction!
We all need to find our state of Flow
This was absolutely wonderful and refreshing. Some teachers were contrasting two colleagues who have the same role and we couldn’t put our finger on what made them so different. But we knew one of them just had “it.” You’ve put words to that it! She definitely approaches every situation, no matter how big or small, from the heart. And she’s the one who when you talk to her you really feel like she gets what you’re saying, the heart connection you so beautifully described. Thank you!
This is a heart-warming post, Crystal. Everyone wants to feel valued and understood. For a students and teachers alike, we will move mountains for those that we know care. And . . . it starts from the heart. Thank you for writing and sharing.