Taylor Stichka

[Adam Grant @AdamMGrant]

Insecure leaders ridicule others. Secure leaders laugh at themselves.

The ability to make fun of yourself opens the door to candor. It’s a mark of humility and a catalyst for learning.

Great leaders take their work seriously, but they don't take themselves too seriously.

[Adam Grant @AdamMGrant]

Heavy screen use might create a vicious cycle for young kids.

New data: the more time 3.5-year-olds spent on tablets, the more angry outbursts they had at age 4.5... and the more they used tablets at 5.5.

Digital soothing is not a substitute for teaching emotion regulation.

[Dr. Greg Goins @DrGregGoins]

Any school leaders out there have experience creating a “Parent Center” in school buildings? Not just a homework hotline or resources available in the office, but a real space to drive parent engagement - maybe even with a “Team Store” to promote school spirit.

[Emily Paschall @EmilyAPaschall]

We had a data meeting this week.

❌We didn’t look at numbers.
❌We didn’t look at who wasn’t yet at benchmark.
❌We didn’t even plan next steps.

We simply went around the room and celebrated milestones students have reached.

‼️Maybe they just learned to write their name.
‼️Maybe they are repeating a grade level and are no longer need Tier 3 intervention.
‼️Maybe they are academically inclined but have recently made drastic social and behavioral improvements.

Let’s be sure we are taking the time to celebrate our kiddos for simply reaching their personal best.

Is there a time and a place for dissecting and reflecting on data? YES. Analyzing data is essential. But there’s also a time to pause, soak up the growth, and celebrate the milestones. Why? Because data is more than just about the numbers. Behind each "number" is a human who simply wants to be reach their best. These moments remind us [teachers] of our purpose and keep us grounded on the hardest days.

Teachers are amazing. Let’s make sure we take the time to help them see the impact they’re making. 🤍

[Dordt University Master of Education @DordtMEd]

A huge congratulations to @DordtSL alumni @taylorstichka on being named the new TK-2 principal at @mocfvcsd. Taylor, we are so proud of you and know you will be a difference-maker in that community.

[Taylor Stichka @taylorstichka]

@KariSchmally An absolute joy to watch this team do their thing. I wish I could bottle up the excitement and pride our boys had watching them. Little ones are always watching. So proud to be a Warrior! 💙🧡

[Taylor Stichka @taylorstichka]

@SCCSDK5 @Mel5hawk I feel like I was just in that classroom. An incredible environment for learning.

[Sioux Center CSD (Kinsey and Intermediate) @SCCSDK5]

#DeterminedandEmpowered learners in a variety of ways! Teacher-led, self-paced, and #collaborative learning are all happening at the same time in this math session!

[Lauren Klapatch @ProfeKlapatch]

Fear is what destroys dialogue quicker than anything. People react more to how safe they feel in a conversation than what is actually being said. #toughconvos @tvansoelen

[Kevin Vanderwal @Coach_Vanderwal]

What's odd is that the most talented, not the least talented, who are continually trying to improve their dialogue skills. As is often the case, the rich get richer.

#toughconvos
@tvansoelen

[Taylor Stichka @taylorstichka]

"The best don't play games. Period." To solve problems, you'll need to talk about them, and talking about them in an open and honest way that creates safety for everyone is critical. Step out, make it safe, step back in.

#toughconvos
@tvansoelen

[Taylor Stichka @taylorstichka]

Comforting that my style under stress score aligned in many ways with what I anticipated, not really any surprises. Affirms strengths and areas for growth and development. Stating my path and exploring others' paths was strong. I'm a sucker for silence

#toughconvos
@tvansoelen

[Taylor Stichka @taylorstichka]

My style under stress is MOS DEF silence, mainly through avoiding or withdrawing, not masking. I'm not a sarcastic, sugarcoating type of communicator. In the past, I can exit a conversation without exiting the room with the best of them.

#toughconvos
@tvansoelen

[Taylor Stichka @taylorstichka]

"When it's safe, you can say anything"

[Taylor Stichka @taylorstichka]

Had a conversation today with colleagues that started to feel like a crucial conversation. I noticed myself noticing this fact and I felt more in control than I otherwise would have been. Might be time to start gearing up for a crucial conversation.

#toughconvos
@tvansoelen

[Taylor Stichka @taylorstichka]

The main thing I noticed that was different from the conversation approaching cruciality is that it felt safe for us to share with each other how we really felt about a contentious topic. No immediate resolution but the table feels set.

#toughconvos
@tvansoelen

[Taylor Stichka @taylorstichka]

The core of every success in #toughconvos: get all relevant information from everyone out into the open. 100% honesty while bein 100% respectful. Easier said than done, but you know it when you see it.

@tvansoelen

[Taylor Stichka @taylorstichka]

How often to we make a fool's choice (making a choice between two bad alternatives). Even simply naming and claiming that it seems this is happening can help to shift the tone and tenor of conversations.

#toughconvos
@tvansoelen

[Taylor Stichka @taylorstichka]

"Could failed crucial conversations lead to failed relationships?" Most certainly imo. Influence in my organization is so directly tied to positive/impactful relationships; already constructing ideas and needs for #toughconvos that can happen soon.

@tvansoelen