Alan E. Simon is an associate professor of educational leadership, College of Graduate and Innovative Programs, at Concordia University Chicago in River Forest, and a former school superintendent.
Yogi Berra once said: In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice, there is.
As one of the great baseball figures of the 20th century, his legend partially was built on a series of malapropisms associated with his persona. These funny, usually well-known sayings illustrate that common sense can take many forms.
In my classes I often use quotes to tie everyday life to the work place and put professional life in perspective. Quotations and phrases also can be used to clarify roles and responsibilities within the school district. They often generate other ideas that can be connected to the practical side of school district leadership.
Let’s see how Yogi can help …
You observe a lot by watching.
It is often better to listen than to speak. Knee jerk reactions antagonize and alienate the chance to gather information. Get data before you decide. Listen to professional advice, but do not be blinded by it.
If you don’t know where you are going, then you might wind up somewhere else.
Planning and organization are essential, but so is the ability to adjust and adapt those plans. Michael Fullan of the University of Ontario, author of a number of books on educational change, is perceptive when he notes that life is a journey and not a blueprint.
I wish I had an answer to that because I’m tired of answering that question.
Many people will not accept your answer and you must continue to rephrase and refine until there is an understanding. Ask for questions of clarification and a restatement. It is never the same the second time. A wise educator once told this writer that “communication is the negotiation of meaning.”
I never said most of the things I said.
You may have said it, but you didn’t mean it that way. Look at the perspective of the listeners. Every person has filters and different lenses. Written language needs to be more precise than spoken language. Thus, spoken words need more clarification.
If you ask me anything I don’t know, I’m not going to answer.
Yogi is almost on target. Admit it when you do not know the answer and provide appropriate feedback with a specific time when you can, and will, answer.
If you come to a fork in the road, take it.
Before making a decision, provide options, alternatives and several quotations. What are the consequences of each decision? If you take the wrong path, you usually have the opportunity to retrace your steps and start over.
The future ain’t what it used to be.
Learn from history, but do not be trapped by your past. Younger people do not remember the good old days, and sometimes older people don’t remember exactly the way things really were.
It’s like déjà vu all over again.
This is Yogi’s most famous saying. If you have been a board member (or a superintendent) for a while, you have seen it all before. Almost 40 years ago, as a new administrator, a wise principal gave some sage advice: “The names and faces may change but the issues remain the same.”
The game isn’t over until it is over.
In education and politics it is never over!
The next time a major issue arises, it might be a good idea to look for ideas and inspiration from quotations … or maybe even baseball.
Reference
Yogi Berra quotes: http://www.baseball-almanac.com/quotes/quoberra.shtml