How Great Leaders Inspire, a TED Talk by Simon Sinek
Simon Sinek believes that there are leaders and those that lead. He believes the difference between these two is that those that lead, do so because they have a strong belief or purpose. He created a graphic, called The Golden Circle, to illustrate his theory of what makes a person or company successful in leading. 
He gives examples of Apple and Martin Luther King, Jr. Both were successful because they believed in what they were doing. They both started with their "Why". People want to buy Apple products because Apple has a vision for what people wanted. MLK, Jr. filled the Washington Mall with thousands of people because he so strongly believed in his dream that others began to share his dream and they followed him.
So how does this apply to me and to teaching? Well, I guess I now understand why Dr. Bogads began Day 1 with her Why. Honestly, I didn't think much of it. And I certainly didn't think about what it had to do with a Digital Media Literacy class. But I think this class is more than just Media Literacy. She's modeling Sinek's Golden Circle. She is leading with her belief. And it's worked! I am buying in! It's helping me think deeply about my WHY. Why am I teaching? What is it that I believe in? Again, on Day 1, we were asked to finish the sentence, "I believe learning happens when...." In just the 4 quick days, I've had to do some critical thinking about myself personally and myself as an educator. I believe learning happens when my students feel safe, loved, encouraged, challenged. When they know it's okay to 'fail'. When they know it's important to ask questions, share thinking, listen to others, and consider other people's thoughts. But I also believe that all of this is possible when the children know that teachers and parents are working together. It is a triangular connection.
He gives examples of Apple and Martin Luther King, Jr. Both were successful because they believed in what they were doing. They both started with their "Why". People want to buy Apple products because Apple has a vision for what people wanted. MLK, Jr. filled the Washington Mall with thousands of people because he so strongly believed in his dream that others began to share his dream and they followed him.
So how does this apply to me and to teaching? Well, I guess I now understand why Dr. Bogads began Day 1 with her Why. Honestly, I didn't think much of it. And I certainly didn't think about what it had to do with a Digital Media Literacy class. But I think this class is more than just Media Literacy. She's modeling Sinek's Golden Circle. She is leading with her belief. And it's worked! I am buying in! It's helping me think deeply about my WHY. Why am I teaching? What is it that I believe in? Again, on Day 1, we were asked to finish the sentence, "I believe learning happens when...." In just the 4 quick days, I've had to do some critical thinking about myself personally and myself as an educator. I believe learning happens when my students feel safe, loved, encouraged, challenged. When they know it's okay to 'fail'. When they know it's important to ask questions, share thinking, listen to others, and consider other people's thoughts. But I also believe that all of this is possible when the children know that teachers and parents are working together. It is a triangular connection.
How Great Leaders Inspire, a TED Talk by Simon Sinek
I am glad that things really fit together for you as you listened to Sinek... came full circle so to speak. I know that starting with What Do You Believe... can be an odd beginning for Media Literacy. But I am happy that it is all making sense for you!! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the connections you make between this TED talk and our class. We've done a lot of thinking about our "why" and our own teaching philosophies, and I agree that now it all makes sense. Lesley did "lead with her belief" - well said! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
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