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Thursday, April 2, 2009

Quality 10 - Intentional

Favorite quote - "You've got to think about "big things" while you're doing small things, so that all the small things go in the right direction." Alvin Toffler

What does it mean to be intentional? Intentionality comes from making every action count by knowing both what you are doing, and why you are doing it. Chapter 11 is about the big picture. This chapter is about the little actions that bring the big picture into focus. As in any endeavor, the highest level of quality comes from the small things we do to make the big things happen. It's about doing the right things day to day, even moment to moment, all on a consistent basis. What do intentional people have in common? Maxwell says that they;
  1. have a purpose worth living for. Without a sense of purpose, intentionality cannot develop.
  2. know their strengths and weaknesses. They do what you are good at, then do some of the other stuff too.
  3. prioritize their responsibilities. Because they know the why of their lives, the what and when come easier.
  4. learn to say no. No one can do everything.
  5. commit to long-term achievement. As my late, good friend Marvin Cely used to say, "Ain't nothing good ever easy." Marvin founded Marvin's Kids, a non-profit Christmas program that has served thousands of children and families over the years.

How do we become more intentional?

  1. Explore your strengths and weaknesses. Think about it. Ask around for candid feedback - more is better.
  2. Play to your strengths. Resolve to spend more of your time doing what you are good at.
  3. Plan your calendar with purpose. If you think daily, plan for a week.

We can't choose more time, but we can choose to use time more wisely.

13 comments:

  1. #9. Enthusiastic: Attitude is a choice. Make a good choice regarding your attitude. "People can succeed at almost anything for which they have enthusiasm."

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  2. #8.Enlarging: The quality that adds multiplied value to the teammates and the team. Your contribution adds inspiration. It truly is so rewarding to add value to the lives of others. As educators we are blessed with this opportunity on a daily basis.

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  3. #6. Dependable: A dependable team player displays a strong sense of responsibility. A responsible person is motivated, has the "want to." Being dependable and responsible are necessary qualities to model for all age students.

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  4. #5. Competent: -to be well qualified. A team wants players that perform with consistency.

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  5. #4.Communicative: Each person must be open in communication for trust to exist, which leads to a feeling of ownership and therefore participation. Always remember that once trust is broken, it is much harder to restore.

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  6. #3. Committed: To make a true commitment, you have to believe in it; base your choices on solid life values. Don't commit to things that you can't morally support.

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  7. #2. Collaborative: Both you and others win as a team. Emphasize complementary gifts by working together; strengths cover weaknesses of another.

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  8. #11. Mission Conscious: Knowing your own skills are not enough. You must keep the team goals and mission foremost in your mind and be willing to follow the leaders guidance.

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  9. #12. Prepared: Assess initially to be able to correctly know how to align your preparation & attitude so the actions you take are on target.

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  10. #13.Relational: Teammates' positive relationships are essential. There must be respect and shared experiences to produce mutual enjoyment.

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  11. #14. Self-improving: This is important for everyone. Become highly teachable. Plan your progress. Value self-improvement, not self-promotion.

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  12. #15. Self-less: Generous, loyal, interdependent, not political

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  13. #16. Solution oriented: Having options to consider are great. Refuse to give up. Refocus your thinking. Rethink your strategy. Repeat the process.
    SOLUTION- - We all want the answers.

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