Accelerate Your Performance

What kind of impact does the energy we bring to work have on others? There are three things leaders will want to avoid in order to inspire positive attitudes and productivity on their teams. In today's episode, Quint Studer and Janet discuss seemingly harmless, yet dangerous patterns of thinking that can be destructive to our organizations. Listen as we share practical tips that will help us...

" Good communication is the bridge between confusion and clarity ." — Nat Turner That’s how our guest, Leader Coach Dr. JoAnn Sternke started today’s episode. Due to uncertainty and a rapidly changing external environment, leaders are being bombarded with questions. It's critical for us to respond with messages that are well-framed to enhance clarity, build trust, and reduce anxiety...

We all have preconceived notions of what a CEO should look like, or act like. But the truth is, the best leaders have a variety of qualities and no two are the same. There is one thing successful leaders have in common: they are true to themselves. We have to know who we are as leaders, and most importantly, we have to know who we are not. In this episode, listen as Quint Studer and our host Dr. J...

Feeling depleted is something many of us have probably experienced at some point during 2020. Maybe you’ve heard others you work with say they feel tired or burnt out. Can you relate? In the midst of COVID-19, a Presidential election, and racial tensions we face an ambiguous loss. We are not in control. There have been drastic changes to our way of life and what was familiar to us. In this episode...

It’s not easy when employees leave. Sometimes people leave to advance their careers in another organization. Sometimes they leave because we are forced to make layoffs. Other times, it may be because it's time to let a low-performer go. Whatever the reason, people are watching how leaders treat those who exit. In this episode, our Host Janet Pilcher and Quint Studer discuss how we can support...

We've finally reached the start of a new school semester and with that comes the execution of new plans. On today's episode, Studer Education Coach Dr. Melissa Matarazzo , and Studer Education Coach Dr. KK Owen , join Janet to discuss their perspective around returning to learn based on their experiences with school leaders across the country. While it will be essential to build confiden...

At the beginning of any academic year, students, families, and school personnel experience an array of emotions. However we all know by now, 2020 has come with a unique set of challenges and emotions to manage. Today, Principal MaryJo Raczkowski-Shannon, describes the excitement students and teachers are feeling during their first week of re-opening Hunt Elementary School . In this episode, Janet...

It seems right now there are no easy decisions. It's uncomfortable for us as leaders to be living in a place of uncertainty. But as today's guest explains, leadership isn't comfortable. When faced with a crossroads of choosing character over comfort, most leaders will say they choose character however, subconsciously we are often choosing comfort. In order to create better communiti...

When Teachers, Principals, and Superintendents work together, every child has the best chance to be prepared for their future. In this episode, we hear a story that testifies the powerful role school personnel play in students’ success. Enga McClendon, a former teacher at N.B. Cook Elementary School , shares how two students overcame personal challenges and went on to graduate. Studer Education Le...

As we start to welcome students back to school, leaders are focused on how to help ease the anxieties of students and families. Dr. Michelle Rodriguez and her team at Pajaro Valley Unified School District have built systems and processes to do just that. This school district exemplifies how a heart service can help lead to swift, decisive action. Listen as Michelle and Janet discuss how a strong c...

Some leaders may find themselves agonizing over decisions that will impact students, families, and communities this fall. This is a time where there are no easy choices or decisions. Yet, when we collaborate with others, we can help ease the weight and also discover victories worth celebrating. In this episode, Dr. Tim Dilg, Superintendent of Valley Park School District in Missouri, shares how the...

School leaders are facing multiple angles ahead of the fall semester. Strategies for instruction, how to screen students, and manage transportation are just some of the decisions being made right now as leaders plan for multiple scenarios amid uncertainty. Today’s guest represents a school district planning for four scenarios ahead of reentry this fall. Dr. Matt Hillmann, Superintendent of Northfi...

People may come to work for a paycheck, but they’re motivated to work where they feel valued. As we're working with others, overcoming obstacles we've never seen before, we must remember to recognize our people. Studer Group Flame Award winner, Paige Bindi, joins Janet on today’s episode to discuss what recognizing success means for employees and why it’s an important practice for leader...

In our work and personal lives we all want to feel that what we do matters. Staying connected to our purpose can infuse meaning into all that we do. Giving, serving, leaning into our values, and thinking about others can all help fuel us with a sense of purpose, as our guests today share. In this episode, listen as Leader Coach Nannette Johnston , Digital and Software Analyst Basil Kuloba, and Tea...

We often hear about purpose talked about it in a singular way. For many of us, this may resonate—we know beyond a shadow of a doubt what drives us and why we find meaning in our work—but that’s not always the case for everyone. Perhaps we have many interests and our work roles have evolved and taken many different forms over the years. This rings true for today’s guest, Casey Kuktelionis , our Str...

In uncertain times, it’s more important than ever that we stay connected to our purpose. Connecting to the meaning behind our work keeps us going. Purpose keeps us motivated and fulfilled in our work, despite the obstacles that come along. As leaders, we can encourage individuals to find meaning to invigorate their work and demonstrate they are valued. In this episode, listen as Dr. Janet Pilcher...

With many schools re-opening in a few weeks, school leaders across the country are busy finalizing reentry plans and making decisions. Change often comes with pressure and stress, but as today’s guest points out, change also brings opportunity for creativity. In this episode, listen as Sergio Mendoza , Superintendent of Burton School District , shares about the difference that Evidence-Based Leade...

Establishing a system of continuous improvement doesn’t have to be complicated. Our partner, Ryan Carpenter shares how the Estacada School District started slow to go fast while implementing Evidence-Based Leadership℠. Hear how their team improved results by developing deeper relationships and including community voices. While there is no playbook for leaders right now, in this episode, Ryan discu...

Most would agree adopting a continuous improvement effort is good for a team or an organization. However, after implementing improvement science, many leaders find themselves wondering if they are in fact making any improvements and find it difficult to define and sustain progress. In this episode, Superintendent Ryan Carpenter , Estacada School District , discusses why his team made a commitment...

As fall quickly approaches we are seeing that school leaders are in various stages of planning and communicating to their communities. Some are still waiting for answers and guidelines from local agencies and organizations, some have begun announcing plans for the 2020-2021 school year. In this episode, Dr. JoAnn Sternke, Studer Education Senior Director and Leader Coach, reminds us, it’s not just...

Leading through challenges requires honest conversations, resiliency, and a positive outlook. Currently, leaders are facing pressure to make difficult decisions regarding the health and safety of their communities. Recommendations are uncertain and ever-changing. In episodes 93 and 94 we heard Waukesha County Government leaders explain how they’re collaborating with schools in their community. Thi...

Reentry is top of mind for school leaders across the country. Many of these leaders are struggling with how to move forward with little guidance. They’re preparing for best- and worst-case scenarios. As we work to keep employees and students safe, collaboration across communities is key.  In this episode, Waukesha County Executive, Paul Farrow, and Waukesha County Director of Parks and Land Use, D...

Crisis times expose who we are and what we’re made of. For those who have committed to relationships and the process of improvement work, crisis times can be an opportunity for an organization’s strengths to shine through. Our partners in Waukesha County exemplify this—having a foundation that has helped them thrive despite disruptive circumstances. Our guests today are Waukesha County Executive,...

As schools and organizations across the country prepare for reentry, leaders are feeling the pressure to be decisive. We are facing a wide variety of scenarios—many unprecedented. Due to the uncertainty, emotions at the forefront for both leaders and their people. Dr. KK Owen is one of our coaches helping partners create a plan moving forward for reentry. In this episode, listen as KK shares about...

We’re in changing, challenging times, and the emotions that go along with that are very real. Our people are feeling them and need our support in order to thrive. That’s why it’s more important than ever for leaders to be intentional in how we support and serve our team members. In this episode, listen as Studer Education coach Dr. Melissa Matarazzo shares some game-changing practices that have he...