Having recently read and blogged about John Maxwell's newest publication, Intentional Living, I'm even firmer in my commitment to the concept of making a difference. Yet, I've put a bit of a twist on it. It's more than just wanting to make a difference in the world but focuses on being a leader who makes a difference. Maxwell's book focuses on four main concepts: - want to make a difference - do something that makes a difference - with people who want to make a difference - a

One of my tried and true videos for years - Derek Sivers' "How to Start a Movement." Need a great video for the start of the school year? Need a great example of leadership, starting with the importance of followers? Need something a little silly that really hits home a point at the beginning of a presentation? This is the video for you. #lisa #gonzales #release #superintendent #not #acsa #good #fit

President Barack Obama recently launched a new initiative, a launch of "moonshot" to cure cancer. Leading the initiative will be Vice President Joe Biden. And while moonshot may be his term, it brings to mind a video I've used for years, as have many colleagues in educational leadership - Moonshot Thinking. What I love about this video is the focus of problem solving. How do you take a challenge, often a significant one if you contemplate space travel and ramifications on hum

Let's face it. As a leader, sometimes it's hard to be positive 24/7. The work load, the challenges, the office politics, the dramatic rollercoasters ridden by others, and then intermix the daily intricacies that our personal lives add to the equation, and even the most optimistic leader can feel like falling off the positivity train. Have you considered positive daily affirmations? Whether recited in the shower, written on a post-it on one's desk, or in the car on the way to

At some point in each of our careers, we approach that fork in the road - stay in a position of comfort or take a risk, and then take that next step. Moving further up into that "leader of leader" role can provide great challenges, and often those situations are those where we expand our skill sets, take us to that next level, bring great satisfaction. But that journey into the next level of senior management, whether in a business setting or in a school district, also means

Had a little free time this morning so I walked the girls to school. No, the picture isn't of me. But it is of another twin mom who clearly had more time to get ready for that fateful walk down the streets in the neighborhood (thanks Sarah Jessica Parker). As our steps through the neighborhood wound their way to Horace Mann School in downtown San Jose, the girls and I encountered the typical hustle and bustle of a large urban area....buses whooshing by, dried leaves crunching

Ever heard of management by walking around? This is a well-worn strategy used by teachers to monitor and mold student behavior in the classroom. And it works for adults too. One of my favorite parts of being a superintendent, particularly in a small district, is spending time walking around and observing students in classes. The sitting in my office responding to emails, prepping for meetings, and doing paperwork just doesn't hold a light to observing the magic that great tea

Chances are good that you're surrounded by others at work (and in life) who believe in your abilities, your leadership and the special and unique qualities that make you you. But do you believe in you? Let's face it. If we don't believe in ourselves and the skills we bring to the table, it's doubtful that, in the long run, others will either. But how to we believe and truly invest in ourselves? Develop Yourself Is there something you've wanted to learn? Is mentoring available

I've learned over the years that working in public education is a passion. Too many have tried it and realized they really weren't in tune with the work - it wasn't a passion. They didn't have the fire in their belly that pushed them out of bed each morning and off to face the kids, both young and small. And those in public education who are in the classroom generally become those who do the leading. But do you ever wonder why teachers move up into leadership roles? Why are t

I've followed the work of Liz Wiseman for years. Her efforts around building teams and people is well know in the education ranks here in California. From multiplying the skills and energy of those around us to thinking like a rookie, being a leader who focuses his or her teams on supporting smart strategies is a great way to get more out of the employees that we have. Our Cabinet (administrators who supervise others) in the Portola Valley School District is focusing the firs

Feedback goes beyond evaluations. Do you take the time to give regular feedback to your employees? Maybe it’s a good time for a “New Year’s Resolution” since a new school year is upon us. As leader, we can all help our team members, at all levels in the organization, to be more successfully and meaningfully connected with feedback…not to mention an areas that has the greatest potential for personal improvement. Furthermore, a lack of feedback or recognition is one of the top

So much has changed with the advent of developing technology that pushes us to do more, work more effectively, and automate as much as possible. Unfortunately, as I often find myself with a device and not focusing 100% of my attention at all times on those around me, the technology has come at a cost. We've become more focused on the "doing" and less on the "how" in a personalized manner than it generations past. Thinking about technology and the lack of as much of a personal