Time to Act

Time to Act 

Right now, we’re in the midst of an amazing time in our history. For many, this has been a time of paralysis, tremendous uncertainty, and pain. Now, as the world begins to find out what life will look like post COVID-19, I want to point out that this is a time for resolve and action. And the key to finding our way in this new world is to act wisely and, just as importantly, swiftly.

It Doesn’t Need to Take Forever

I’ve worked with schools for a bit over four decades. During that time, I’ve seen amazing things accomplished on all levels. I’ve also seen the oft-quoted “paralysis by analysis,” more often than I’d like to admit. For a minute, think about the projects that you’re truly proud of in your career. Compare the process of working on these with a great teacher you’ve observed or, for that matter, had yourself. I needed to kick-start my consulting business. When I discovered Commit, a Brooklyn based strategy, and creative firm, I was intrigued by the timing of their deliverables when working on a project. As I became involved with them, I found myself eager to learn how they could work so efficiently, and how I could use this in my new business and my own life. It revolved around three basic tenets.

We Don’t Talk Without Acting

This was an interesting start to begin understanding Commit’s methodology. As we worked together, the four of us on a Zoom call, this statement came to life. Following the roadmap that was prepared, as one spoke, others physically acted on the discussion. In a matter of hours, my website came to life, Better Schools With Paul. It was a fast and furious, concentrated effort that yielded results we were all proud of. I reflected on the great teachers and classes I’d observed over the years. I thought of the projects that were done efficiently and soundly. They all shared the idea of avoiding procrastination and focusing on actions.

We do It Right Now

The outcome wasn’t a huge to-do list, but rather it was the project that we wanted to finish. How many meetings have you been in where you finished feeling further from your goal than when the meeting began? You ended up with pages of notes that led to action item lists and further meetings. In a day’s work, I came out with a website, a list of brand assets, a business card template, a pitching deck, a letterhead, and an email template. Again, lists are fine, but results were so much more rewarding.

We Embrace Imperfection

They embrace imperfection because perfection isn’t the goal, excellence is. It seems too often we chase the perfect result, which is unattainable, and are left with no result. Producing excellence is wonderful, and the goal of every great classroom I’ve been in. As I learned with the Commit Team, it’s also a great business model for Better Schools.

What I’ve Learned

What we all desire for our schools is what we desire from our students. To be better at the day’s end than we were at the beginning. Whether it is a strategic plan, a philanthropic plan, a roadmap for governance excellence, or enrollment enhancement, you simply want results. And with a bit of help from some brilliant women in Brooklyn, that’s what Better Schools will deliver.