Why Not?
Throughout his career, Jimmy Carter shared a story from early in his military service that shaped his approach to his work for the rest of his life. He was being interviewed by a high-ranking officer for an highly sought after opportunity. After sharing about his stellar performance in the Naval Academy, he expected congratulations and adulation. Instead, he was asked, “Did you always do your best?” When the future president responded that there were times when he did not, the officer followed up with, “Why not?”, and then walked out of the room.
This interaction would cause Mr. Carter to reflect on his effort for a long time and it surely influenced the work that would lead to achievements that few people could hope to reach.
I think asking ourselves the same question that stymied him is important for every leader and professional.
Our district has a core value of, “Bring your best every day”. Our work is too important for us to do it halfway. This value acknowledges that our best from one day to the next may be different, but whatever it is that day, our students deserve it from us.
Each professional should consider if their best that day was the best it could be. If not, why not? If we are courageous enough to ask this question and answer it honestly, we can address the various forms of resistance that get in the way of our work.
So, now it's your turn. Did you always do your best this week?
Why not?
Comment below or at least write it on a note you will see first thing Monday morning.