Listen, do you want to know a secret? (The Beatles)

Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash

It really bothers me when I'm talking to someone and they are scanning the room looking for the next person to talk to.

Whenever I attended parties back in the day (okay, yes, it was a long time ago, I admit) it was often a girl or guy distracted by the pretty face entering the room.

I like to feel valued. Who doesn't?

Here's some useful advice if you're easily distracted or not a good listener:

Pretend that every single person you encounter has a sign around their neck that says, ‘make me feel important.’

Here's some more (mostly good advice) courtesy of Dan Rockwell's blog:

• Put away your cell phone.
• Notice something good about everyone.
• Stop looking around. Eye contact signals interest and respect.
• Ask, “How did you learn to do that?”
• Speak hard truths with forward-facing kindness. [Yeah, I don't know what that means either]
• Seek input/advice. “What do you think?”
• Provide useful feedback.

Follow your bliss (Joseph Campbell)

Respect.

Teaching in the primary school is a career pathway I deeply respect, but it's not for me.

I've been a secondary school teacher since 1983, I've always maintained that I could never have been a primary school teacher.

I like to visit, but I couldn't live there.

My patience wouldn't hold. 

Talking to primary teachers at school, they indicate they couldn't work in the secondary part.

Interesting, how we find our niche.

I respect this ability to access our own realities.

Together we make a great team. Professionals being challenged inside a niche environment of their own choosing. 

Making connections and developing relationships. 

Doing the best we can.