This weekend, I had the incredible opportunity of sharing my Learn Forward™ Nest-building content with school leaders from across the country. We sat in a circle, each participant held a Nest-building booklet, and I told my story of designing a home life for thriving.
Indeed, Nest-building creates a rare opportunity to reflect and design the meaningful changes you desire for your family to deepen your connection so you can grow – happier, healthier, and stronger from the inside out. Surely, every EdLeader wants this for their lives?!
Core Belief #1
Nest-building is based on the core belief,
My leadership story inhabits my life story.
As I stepped out into leadership about 16 years ago, the nest of my family
went SPLAT!!!
So, my pilgrimage in the family domain sometimes feels like the dramatic fourth episode of Lord of the Rings. It is somewhat treacherous, filled with passion, includes a relentless quest for truth, and in some parts, I even wished I could disappear.
Through marriage, two children, divorce, co-parenting; through a health crisis, disabilities, moving to different countries, and career changes; then, with remarriage, restoration, a bonus baby, and two big kids who became adults, I’ve traveled many miles. That’s why my heart yearns to reach out to families.
While my personal résumé is not always impressive, it is filled with an abiding love, an authentic quest to learn and grow, and a commitment to thriving within the context of our family.
Now, I consider Nest-building a crucial dimension of my leadership and life. Ultimately, I am aiming for the double win of being a dynamic leader and creating a warm and wonderful family life.
Core Belief #2
Another core belief for Nest-building: it is inclusive.
Every type of family,
- from the single professional
- or single parent,
- the divorcee, or
- the blended family
- the married with kids
- or married without kids,
- and, of course, including the empty-nesters…
Every family…
Every family can be a loving family.
Nest-building with EdLeaders this weekend was vulnerable. No one, I mean no one, wants advice on their family life. During the session, there were emotions. It was intense because it is personal. It is sacred ground.
Yet, when we go together, with honesty, it makes all of the difference in the world!
Core Belief #3
Education is in the business of supporting families who are part of our community. As EdLeaders, we must deepen our investment in families. If we are people of integrity, this journey begins in our own lives and extends from there.
Because we are growing up and educating children, we must courageously acknowledge, we do this as schools and families, arm-in-arm. Certainly, it is holistic and expansive. We must include parents in new and dignifying ways.
To illustrate, Learn Forward™ uses the metaphor of the Table of Learning: educators, parents, and students. Learning is at the center. Then, we are all on equal ground. This is supported by Indigenous ways of being, honours equity, and builds community.
Family Nest-building is the most crucial design in a child’s education.
Train Together
Tending to our nests, personally, in order to ensure we lead from a secure foundation is vulnerable and essential work. With personal experience, along with the accompanying wisdom and humility, we can invite our families into a community of support (for the sake of the children). Re-establishing community is critical and innovative work for EdLeaders right now.
The reality is,
“Alone, I can go fast. Together, we can go far.”
In conclusion, I know school leadership is an expedition without a map. But, we don’t have to do it alone. Learn Forward™ is announcing a tiered subscription package to help you unfold the ‘Soul of your Leadership’ and design a thriving school community. Truly, you can adapt, focus, and thrive!
Pre-Register for EdLeadership Peak Training today. Act now to unlock a valuable bonus prior to our January subscription launch.