"They're Montessori Kids"

I visited the Montessori High School in Cleveland with two parent-trustees from my school. We were inspired by what we saw. Those little 3-year olds do grow up.

One of my companions said of the high school students, "They're Montessori kids."

I asked what she meant.

"They aren't trying to impress each other. They're comfortable in their own skin. They are kind to each other and respectful of the adults. They're engaged in their work."

That doesn't just happen.

But it happens consistently in Montessori schools. Magic? No,design.

relentless positivity

Coach,

Thanks so much. "Positivity Reconsidered" (scroll down to find it on p.3) is very powerful and very subtle – and not so coincidentally (because it is one of our relentless themes…and a spirit that we aspire to) ties in perfectly with my lead story in this week’s newsletter.



Relentless positivity does not mean that you ignore errors, just that you avoid “going negative”. I loved this sentence: “A coach who can have hard conversations with kids while remaining positive and optimistic will be more likely to get them to change their behavior.”



And it contains humbling reminders for me as a leader, and for all of us as leaders of kids. Thanks for sending me this,

John