Losing the Crowd

I would just like to start this post with a huge thank you to everyone who has taken the time to ready my posts.  It has been very humbling to realise that people would take the time to read my opinions online.  Thank you so much and I hope you are enjoying the #28daysofwriting.

So I am sitting here watching X-Factor New Zealand.  I think that might be bad enough in itself.  But it is the early auditions where many of the contestants can’t sing either.  But many of them charge on regardless of the fact that the audience is cringing.

And that inspired this post.

How many times have we been teaching or taking a meeting or presentation and we can just tell it isn’t working?  You know the feeling.  Everything feels horrible but you have no plan B so you just keep going.  The audience, students, teachers or parents are bored, you lose them and really you are just wasting your time.  All because you have a plan and feel like you have to stick to it.  

The video is of Michael Bay when things didn’t go well and he pretty much lost it.  In contrast watch this…

Steve Jobs comes back really well from this and it was because he was able to adapt and change on the spot.  

As educators and leaders we need to do the same thing.  Our jobs are often as much about inspiring and engaging as it is about the content and sometimes when the content isn't right because it’s too hard, too easy or too irrelevant then we need to have something as a back up.

Be safe to start with and make sure that whatever  you have planned is interactive.  Everyone always likes to feel like they are doing something.  In terms of teaching this is a given, but make sure when leading staff this happens too.

Have a plan B and be prepared to revisit ideas if your audience isn't ready for your message.  Sometimes people just aren't where you think they are.

Have examples.  So important for teaching and leadership.  Like with teaching, students need to see what you are talking about.  Do the same when leading.  It is always easier to have a start point and for people to see what you mean rather than rely on their imagination.

Lastly have a plan B.  One that connects you to your audience.  At the end of the day if your content is wrong for whatever reason, at least use the time to build your team and relationship with those in front of you, either students or colleagues.  I am not saying that you should fail like this a lot or use it as an excuse to be unprepared but if it does happen it might just be some of the best time you spend.

I hope you enjoyed tonight's post,  it was a little off education and different to what I have been writing about.