WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH... PASS IT ON!

There is a great difference between failing to achieve a result and the conclusion you draw about yourself. In Carol Dweck's book 'Mindset' she explains that those who stay down after a setback make a judgment that they have failed, not just that their attempt failed. Moreover, people with a 'fixed mindset' often generalize from their “failures” to conclusions such as, “I am a loser,” and “I will probably always fail. Therefore, they assume, there is no point in getting up and working at problems and issues. So they quit, they give up and they seek a more comfortable option such as eating, drinking, shopping whatever to avoid facing what they consider to be their personal failure.

THE STORY OF THE SAND AND THE STONE!

I found another powerful story on the web. It tells the story of two friends... "Two friends were walking through the desert...

THIS FRIDAY READ THE COFFEE STORY!

Where do the weeks go? I can't believe that it's Friday again...another week has flown by and I am constantly reminded that I don't do enough to stay in touch with friends and family and this great story reminds me about the things that really matter...

"A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was...

A BRILLIANT OPPORTUNITY: GETTING TO KNOW HMRC!

I had a great meeting this morning with Angela Asif and Jackie Cawthorne, from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in Sheffield. Angela and Jackie are passionate about HMRC and the opportunities within the organisation for young people. HMRC is the only branch of Government actively recruiting more staff and I am delighted that Angela and Jackie are working with us to develop the new 'Made in Sheffield' HMRC Ambassador programme, which will start in September.

A BRILLIANT OPPORTUNITY: GETTING TO KNOW WHO CARES!

I had a really good meeting with Sharon Pressley from Progressive Care today. Sharon is passionate about the care sector and the opportunities for young people in the sector, which is a huge employer in Sheffield. I am delighted that Sharon is working with us to develop the new 'Made in Sheffield' Care Ambassador programme, which will start in September.

CULTERS' MADE IN SHEFFIELD: THE ENGINEERING STRAND!

I was over in Sheffield again yesterday with colleagues from the four schools working on the engineering/advanced manufacturing strand of the Cutlers’ “Made in Sheffield’ Programme. These schools are Bradfield School, Firth Park Community College,  Stocksbridge High School and Yewlands Technology College.

THE STORY OF THE GEESE... THINK TEAM!

I have been thinking about the fragmented educational landscape and the important of teamwork and I love this story..."This Autumn, when you see the geese heading south for the winter, flying in a "V" formation, you might consider what science has discovered as to why they fly that way."

THE PACIFIC INSTITUTE, INVESTMENT IN EXCELLENCE AND STEPS!

"Whether they burst with excitement or simmer quietly, when you are in the presence of enthusiastic people, you feel happier and more excited about your life, perhaps you even feel inspired."
How do we create a culture of excellence? A culture where everyone goes the extra mile to achieve that bit of magic. A culture where everyone cares about the business and everyone feels a sense of ownership. A culture where everyone is trusted, empowered, valued and respected for the unique contribution they make. A culture that is rooted in developing those unique talents alongside core skills, character and higher level skills.

LEADERSHIP IN FRAGMENTED TIMES!

It's a sad reflection on these fragmented times that the leaders, across the educational landscape, aren't all pulling in the same direction. Of course, I know that in today's crazy pressured world, school leaders are juggling multiple agendas and managing tight deadlines and there is barely time to talk, much less agree about a common purpose. It's challenging enough just keeping up with today's demands from governors, DfE and OFSTED! 

THIS SUNDAY, PHONE A FRIEND!

This Sunday, remember what is important in life. It is't fame or celebrity or money... it's faith, friends and family. I was contacted by an old friend this week and it reminded me that when it comes down to what really matters, faith, family and friends make life worth living!

REMEMBER!

OPERA NORTH'S 'LA BOHEME'

I went to see Opera North's latest production of Puccini's La Boheme last night at the Leeds Grand Theatre. Those who know this fantastic piece of music will know that it’s a story of love at first sight when young struggling artist Rodolfo meets the poor seamstress Mimi in the grim reality of penniless life in the cold the Parisian Winter.

IT WON'T BE EASY, BUT IT WILL BE WORTH IT!

I don't know about you but throughout my life people have told me things are impossible and it's not worth even trying to succeed in so many areas.