In "Schools for Exploration and Improvisation," Episode 6 of the NAIS New View EDU podcast, hosts Tim Fish and Lisa Kay Solomon explore the idea that complexity deserves an improvised response, and opportunities might reveal themselves if we apply the principles of improvisation to leading our school communities.
The guest is Rob Poynton, author, co-founder of the online learning space Yellow, and associate fellow at the Saïd Business School at Oxford University. Leading from the insight that improvisation is actually a discipline with its own set of guidelines and practices, Rob shares the deliberate process behind making choices that set the stage for deeper learning and relationship-building in a classroom.
Use these prompts to spark discussions with your leadership teams. (You can also read the full episode notes here.)
Key Takeaways
Rob makes a point about the power of beginnings.
- How can you reflect on how you prepare for beginnings? What do you want to bring into this new year, new day, new meeting?
Rob also talks about the power of “mood” and “tone,” particularly for leaders.
- How does mood and tone show up in your work? How often do you take time to reflect on them—either before, during, or after an exchange or meeting with others?
- How might you more intentionally set your mood and tone?
Rob talks a lot about attention and energy.
- Where are we putting our attention and energy? What is the energetic cost of trying to outline all of the things we’re trying to avoid?