Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Wk3 Reading - The Art of Possibility (chapters 5-8)

The sign that now resides above my desk.

The more I read the book the Art of Possibility by Rosamund and Ben Zander (2000) the more I love it. It’s been a comforting read as well as quite entertaining. Thank goodness for a book that makes me want to read it to see what the next chapter is going to reveal.
For me the major highlight from these four chapters (5-8) was the Rule number 6 focus in chapter 6. Even though I have a tendency to joke around to alleviate tense situations it’s usually a cover-up for the stress I’m bringing into the situation. I tend to think very much using my calculating self even though I think I am using my central self. It would be nice, some time, to actually have the presence of mind that Roz Zander portrays in this book to break things down and find a different, more positive collaborative way to get through a problem. I have now created a little sign of my own for every time I feel myself taking things too seriously.
Another thing I took away from these chapters was the idea of leading from any chair. It really came across as an empowerment piece and I was wondering how often as a teacher I squish students like the overbearing conductor just to get through the day. On Sundays I play guitar at church and afterwards I mentor a few teenagers in their playing. It’s funny how I can be the sort of person Ben Zander talks about, not being judgmental or desirous of credit as the boys get better in their playing, but supportive of them personally as they see themselves through their playing. Maybe I relax more with music than with core subjects.

6 comments:

  1. Peter,
    I often realize too late when I am taking things too seriously. There is usually an uncomfortable moment or event that happens as the signal that finally gets through to my calculating self. Then, when I "lighten up", things suddenly become much easier to manage. I find that when I allow the students in my classroom to become part of the control mechanism, then we are able to work well together to accomplish all that we want to get done. This week I made it a point to include students in the plans for classroom activities and our testing schedule. We made a plan to cooperate while testing was going on, and incorporate extra projects into our work this week, that students would work on independently. We are watching videos from our Schoology Life Cycle class, and completing projects based on our viewing activities. I have had the best testing sessions. It has been a "win-win" process for all of us.

    ReplyDelete
  2. @Peter
    I too really enjoy reading the textbook – which is quite a rarity for anyone to say. My mother who is seemingly calm and collect in any stress raised me to look at the positives in any negative situation. I remember when my mother was in a car accident and the family rushed to be by her side, she was on the hospital gurney laughing through her pain because the paramedics forgot to take her hair clip out when they put the brace on her neck and she found it ironic to look good in a brace. I have taken her outlook on life and have overcome so many negative obstacles through seeing how things are.
    I always wonder why so many teachers fall into the conductor’s role. I am not the traditional stand in front and lecture teacher, I rather start the lesson and let the kids lead since they ultimately are in control of their own education and what they take away from the lesson is what they felt they needed.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I, too, am enjoying this book. You and I seem to have a similar take on life as well as a common yearning for adapting to the concept behind Rule #6. As I mentioned in my post, humor can break the silence of tension but I do know what you mean by allowing it to mask anxiety and stress. I, too, often will use this tactic to divert attention from my true feelings or even embarrassment.

    Your take on leadership was spot on. Whether in the classroom or even in the home, the most important characteristic of being a leader is being a good supporter!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Nice sign! I too find it hard to realize and reflect on the difference between my “calculating self” and my “central self”. It’s hard sometimes to separate yourself, emotions, background, etc. from a situation! It’s true, we as teachers forget that we may be, in your words, “squishing” our students instead of empowering them. I like how Zander suggested that we need to ask ourselves who we are being that they are not performing to their full potential. I try to do that when I ask my students how I can help them make the best artwork possible. What tools can I give you? What examples? What techniques? I am often surprised and delighted at their responses, and it gives me satisfaction to know how I can help. I think the important thing here is that we are aware of our two selves, and continually reflect on how we can do better. Everyone is human and our nature seems to be that we will continually navigate to our calculating self, but if we are innovative and motivated, letting life “go” and reminding ourselves of rule #6, we can prevail in any situation, even if its negative.

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a great response to this weeks reading! I took away a lot of the same things that you were able to find in the reading. And you're right, this is one of the few books that I've looked forward to seeing what the next chapter will bring.

    I also liked the Rule number 6 and found it to be a highlight of the four chapters we were required to read. Even though it is only one rule to remember, I really think it is very important. People take themselves too seriously and should take a step back to think about the situation.

    The sign you created was a good idea, I may have to do the same!

    ReplyDelete
  6. It's interesting you innately apply some of these concepts in your work teaching/mentoring music, yet the same control/presence is hard to relinquish in the more traditional classroom setting.

    I agree, it probably does have to do with how you relax into music Peter. But now that you have this realization, do you think it will be possible to mimic in your classroom?

    Someone once told me - "Fake it till you make it." If letting go of that conductor's role doesn't come naturally to you, perhaps it can with a little practice.

    Cheers Peter.

    ReplyDelete