“If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.” - Maya Angelou
Great leaders focus on people, relationships and empowering others. I firmly believe that one of my responsibilities is not only to inspire others but, more importantly to be inspired myself and make time to listen to and learn from others. The recent challenging times have provided me with a great source of inspiration, none more so than the daily 'wow' moments of creativity and positivity from the staff and children at DESS.
The dedication, enthusiasm and commitment of all members of our DESS community have been tested like never before and in true DESS style we have continued to focus on the opportunities and silver linings rather than the barriers. With their solution focused and positive attitudes our staff and children have embraced the unknown and confidently negotiated their way through the various changes that have come our way. We have seen adaptability and resilience by the bucketful, and I am certain that for many we will come out of these uncertain times in a better place than when we went in.
Never complacent, this week the DESS team have been focusing on how to be even more brilliant through inspiring online professional training led by the Doctor of Happiness, Andy Cope. In his work Andy encourages us to be the best versions of ourselves, to focus on what we want to be rather than the list of jobs that need to get done and to be what he calls a 2%er: someone who ignites a ripple of happiness wherever they go through their actions, words and attitudes. These 2%ers are probably the people you most enjoy spending time with and who inspire you the most in your day to day life.
This year I am lucky enough to be leading the Student Council, a group of children that represent all classes from years 1-6. In this important leadership role, the children will learn the importance of listening to and being inspired by others and that sometimes really listening is the hardest thing to do, often much harder than having something to say! I am looking forward not only to learning from the children, but also to empowering them to be successful leaders who make a positive contribution to life at DESS.
Have a great week everyone.
Mrs Miller
