Introduction: Embarking on "From Equity Talk to Equity Walk" was a journey ignited by a recommendation from a DEI expert. I am profoundly grateful for having picked up this insightful book. Despite its concise nature, it serves as a powerful reminder of the gaps in our understanding and the importance of adopting a learner’s mindset in the complex work of equity. Synopsis: This book traverses the challenging landscape of educational equity, addressing the deep-rooted injustices through systematic marginalization based on race, ethnicity, and history. It advocates for a clear articulation of equity, underpinned by the necessity to understand and correct educational injustices. Through principles of equity by design, it calls for a paradigm shift in practices and policies to not only recognize but accommodate the diverse contexts of student learning. This work stresses the importance of ongoing learning, data disaggregation, and critical questioning to foster a truly equitable educational environment. Strengths: The book’s brevity, surprisingly, does not detract from its impact. Instead, it makes for an accessible, digestible read, achievable within a week. Its straightforward language and approachable format are designed to comfort the discomforted, challenging faculty and staff to confront hard realities without stigmatizing first-generation equity practitioners. Through practical examples, like the impactful case study from the Community College of Aurora, the authors highlight the transformative power of disaggregating data, making the case for equity-minded practices in tangible, relatable ways. Opportunities: Despite its strengths, the book may not bridge the gap to those yet unconvinced of the value of equity work, speaking more to those already engaged in the conversation. It primarily addresses faculty, leaving a gap for administrators seeking to champion equity from their positions. While rich in actionable insights, a deeper dive into the 'why' of equity work could broaden its appeal and impact, offering more comprehensive guidance for implementing these critical practices across the spectrum of higher education roles. Conclusion: "From Equity Talk to Equity Walk" is an important read for anyone within the higher education sphere committed to understanding and advancing educational equity. While I rated it 4 out of 5 for its concise yet impactful contribution, I longed for further exploration into administrative roles in equity work. Nevertheless, it has been a grounding read, one that I've already recommended to colleagues, underscoring its immediate value and relevance in today's educational landscape. #EquityInEducation #FromEquityTalkToEquityWalk #HigherEdEquity #TheClarkCommunique
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Introduction: A Timely Recommendation Upon my father's recommendation, I turned to Brian Tracy's "Negotiation" during a crucial phase of career advancement and transition. This book arrived as I navigate the complexities of job hunting and prepare for roles that require adept negotiation skills, particularly in environments influenced by union environments. Having appreciated Tracy's insights in "No Excuses," I was intrigued to see how his second book would equip me with strategies for these specific challenges. Comprehensive Overview: Negotiation as a Lifelong Skill Tracy's journey through the negotiation process, from the first to the twenty-first chapter, underscores the practice as both a relational endeavor and a skill that one can develop over time. The book emphasizes the pursuit of win-win outcomes and the value of negotiation as a learned competence, resonating with my belief in the importance of fostering positive relationships while achieving one’s objectives. Strengths: Directness and Practical Application The core strength of "Negotiation" lies in its succinctness and the practicality of its examples, which span from employment negotiations to buying and selling in personal life. Tracy's ability to distill complex negotiation scenarios into actionable strategies provides readers with a concise guide that is both informative and easy to digest. Areas for Enhancement: Depth of Relationship Building While the book succeeds in covering a wide range of negotiation contexts, it could delve deeper into the nuances of mindset and relationship-building in negotiations. Although it champions an empathetic approach, certain strategies presented, such as the 'walk-away' technique, seem to contradict this philosophy, hinting at potential manipulative undertones. Conclusion: A Worthwhile Read with Room for Improvement Overall, "Negotiation" by Brian Tracy is a valuable resource for individuals stepping into leadership roles within unionized settings, offering a broad spectrum of negotiation strategies. My Goodreads rating of 3 out of 5 reflects its practical usefulness, tempered by a wish for a more in-depth exploration of the relational aspects of negotiation. Despite its occasional dryness, the insights gained are undeniably beneficial for those looking to enhance their negotiation capabilities. #Negotiation #BrianTracy #NoExcuses #TheClarkCommunique #Leadership #UnionNegotiations #BookReview Introduction "Emotional Intelligence 2.0," authored by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves, comes highly recommended by the Executive Leadership Institute for the League of Innovation in Community Colleges, a testament to its invaluable contribution to understanding and enhancing emotional intelligence (EQ). The authors, renowned for their expertise in emotional intelligence and leadership, present a compelling narrative that aligns closely with the Arbinger Institute's teachings on the outward mindset. As an Outward Mindset facilitator, I was eager to explore this book, anticipating its alignment with my own practices and principles. Indeed, the connections were clear and profound. The analysis and insights into emotional intelligence provided in "Emotional Intelligence 2.0" were not only insightful but deeply resonant with my professional experiences, further enriching my appreciation for the intricate relationship between emotional intelligence and effective leadership. Summary and Personal Reflection "Emotional Intelligence 2.0" offers a comprehensive exploration of EQ, beginning with a highly engaging assessment where I scored an 85 out of 100. This score reflects a high level of emotional intelligence with room for growth, a revelation that as both a learner and achiever, I found profoundly inspiring. Recognizing my capabilities while acknowledging the space for improvement embodies my belief that learning is a never-ending journey. The book delves into the core areas of EQ: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management, providing clear definitions and the foundation for the subsequent exploration of these domains. Each section not only defined these areas but also connected them to practical strategies for enhancement, aligning with my ethos of continuous personal development. Strengths of the Work One of the most striking strengths of "Emotional Intelligence 2.0" is its readability and accessibility. Utilizing digital resources like Libby for the ebook and Audible for the audiobook version facilitated a seamless experience of engaging with the content and taking notes. The initial assessment serves as a powerful tool for self-reflection, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of the book's core concepts. The authors present each of the four components of EQ with clarity, complemented by 15 to 17 strategies for development in each area. This wealth of options empowers readers to tailor their EQ growth journey to their specific needs, making the insights both actionable and practical. Opportunities and Recommendations While the book excels as a how-to manual on developing emotional intelligence, its format might suggest a more academic or prescriptive approach than some readers might prefer. Its detailed strategies and annual reading recommendation underscore its utility as a manual for ongoing personal development rather than a collection of case studies or narratives. This could potentially limit its appeal to those already curious about or committed to improving their EQ. However, the suggestion to revisit the book annually is a testament to its depth and the potential for continuous growth it offers. A more succinct presentation, perhaps through a website or webinar, might broaden its accessibility. Conclusion Despite the aforementioned opportunities for a more streamlined presentation, my engagement with "Emotional Intelligence 2.0" was profoundly enriching. It's a testament to the book's quality that I rate it 4 out of 5 on Goodreads. The insights gained, coupled with the practical strategies provided, not only invigorated my personal development journey but also affirmed my commitment to practicing and reassessing my EQ in six months, as recommended. This work is undeniably a valuable resource for anyone on the path to self-improvement and emotional mastery. The blend of theoretical knowledge and actionable advice makes "Emotional Intelligence 2.0" a must-read, worth both the time and effort invested. #EmotionalIntelligence #EQ #ContinuousLearning #SelfImprovement #TheClarkCommunique Strategic Transitions: A Review of "The First 90 Days" and Its Impact on Leadership Onboarding2/1/2024 Introduction to "The First 90 Days" I embarked on reading "The First 90 Days" after observing a respected and admired president's structured approach to onboarding new vice presidents. This approach, meticulously divided into 30, 60, and 90-day plans, was both impressive and intriguing. When I learned that this methodology was inspired by Michael D. Watkins' book, my curiosity piqued, prompting me to dive into its pages in hopes of gleaning insights for my professional development and to enhance my onboarding strategies for future hires. Summary of "The First 90 Days" "The First 90 Days" serves as a comprehensive guide for leaders navigating transitions. Watkins introduces the STAR model to assess organizational states—Startup, Turnaround, Accelerated Growth, Realignment, and Sustaining Success—providing a framework for leaders to identify the specific challenges and opportunities within their new roles. Each chapter is dedicated to a strategic element of transitioning, including learning, aligning strategies with situations, securing early wins, building teams, and creating alliances. The book emphasizes the importance of negotiating success with superiors and managing oneself amidst change. Through case studies, Watkins illustrates the application of these strategies in various contexts, making the advice concrete and actionable. Strengths of the Book The book's primary strength lies in its applicability; the strategies and models presented can be directly applied to create detailed 90-day plans for oneself and one's team. The STARS approach provides a valuable tool for assessing and navigating the complexities of different organizational contexts. Additionally, the use of case studies throughout the book not only exemplifies each strategy but also enriches the reader's understanding and engagement, making the theoretical aspects tangible and relatable. Opportunities and Weaknesses While "The First 90 Days" is rich in valuable content, its length and repetitiveness may detract from its accessibility. The prose, at times dry, can make for a laborious read, potentially overwhelming readers with its depth when a more concise presentation might suffice. Furthermore, the book's primary focus on business-oriented examples may limit its immediate relevance to those in higher education or nonprofit sectors, despite the existence of a version tailored to these audiences. A more integrated approach that encompasses diverse sectors within a single volume could enhance its applicability and appeal. Conclusion Ultimately, I rate "The First 90 Days" a solid three out of five. While the book presents a somewhat lengthy and dry read, the underlying principles and strategies it advocates are undeniably valuable. The serendipitous opportunity to engage with the book's framework at the Executive Leadership Institute, hosted by the League for Innovation, offered a summarized perspective that could have sufficed for practical application. Nevertheless, my journey through its pages was not in vain, as I am equipped with actionable insights ready to be implemented. A hearty acknowledgment goes to Michael D. Watkins for crafting a guide that, despite its flaws, stands as a beacon for leaders seeking to navigate transitions effectively. #TheClarkCommunique #LeadershipDevelopment #First90Days #ExecutiveOnboarding #ManagementBooks #ProfessionalGrowth #StrategicLeadership #TeamBuilding #OrganizationalChange |
AuthorDr. Jess Clark is a trained historian and higher education leader passionate about leveraging technology, including AI, to enhance learning experiences. A lifelong learner and servant leader, she empowers educators in the digital age. Through her blog, she shares expertise on educational leadership, curriculum development, and integrating technology in higher education, inspiring administrators and educators. Dr. Clark's commitment to embracing emerging technologies like AI reflects her belief in technology's transformative power in shaping the future of education. Archives
April 2024
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