We, as teachers, are expected to know everything. Of course, that is impossible and unrealistic. Try as we might, the best we can do is to ask better questions. Asking better questions of ourselves is the only way we can get the answers we need to continue to improve. Perhaps we are truly at our best when we realize we don’t know it all.
We have to confront ourselves. Do we like what we see in the mirror?
And, according to our light, according to our understanding,
according to our courage,
we will have to say yea or nay - and rise!
— Maya Angelou
Pencil sharpeners were once a necessity for a well-equipped classroom, and they provided a good excuse for an active kid like me to get up and move around a little.
Demand for these devices has faded, but staying sharp and prepared is vital for us. Honing our intelligence and influence requires often updating our self-knowledge.
Highly effective educators remain reflectively curious about their habits and results. Feedback is vital as we persistently and honestly advance our life-changing abilities.
Judge a man by his questions
rather than by his answers.
— Voltaire
Asking better questions gives an accurate image that isn't enhanced by our own AI. It gets uncomfortable at times, but we understand the importance of self-exploration by rigorously correcting assumptions, clarifying intentions, and checking behaviors.
What is it like to be on the other side of me? How will I adjust my habits to grow?
What does success look like in this next season? How will I measure progress?
What decision would I make if I wasn’t afraid? How am I limiting me and my team?
For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror;
then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part;
then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
— 1 Corinthians 13:12
Rise up using self-development questions to anchor growth and enable adaptive intelligence to thrive even when the people and conditions around you are changing.
Rather than being stuck in misplaced confidence, we value curiosity and listening. Humility, respect, and mindfulness are proven elements of educational excellence.
We're at our very best when we willingly acknowledge that we don't have all the answers, so we consistently strive to be adaptively aware and thoroughly teachable.
When you ask better questions, you’ll be keeping an open mind and heart to see more clearly as you become the best version of you.
