A Mantra for Each New Year

Do the right thing for the right reason.

That's the mantra I shared with my leadership team as the school year set to begin. Each year is a blank slate and a new opportunity for everyone. As each new year begins, it's important to set guidelines and goals — and plan how the year will go.

Too often, people lose focus and do the wrong thing for the right reason or the right thing for the wrong reason. It is imperative, though, to always do the RIGHT thing for the RIGHT reason. Sometimes that doesn't feel so good. Often, it leads to stress. It may even muddy the waters before the waters can be cleared.

Every single day we are faced with decisions. It is imperative to ALWAYS do the RIGHT thing!

Making a choice after considering all aspects and facets — and determining what is right for all — is the way we should be measured as leaders. We must all focus more on listening to information, examining the information, and determining an appropriate course of action.

Have a great day. (Make something happen.)