Bandmasters Review - September 2019

Texas Bandmasters Association Bandmasters Review • September 2019 12 In every case, it boils down to the little things. Simple acts. Things that we can incorporate into our way of living. They become a part of who we are and help to define our success (or failure). In the end, the little things in life are the big things. They require us to be “thoughtful” (full of thoughts) as opposed to being “thoughtless” (without a thought). Here are 25 things to help ensure your success, growth, and development. 1. SHOW UP EARLY Plan your day so you can leave your residence and be at work a minimum of 30 minutes before your first activity. This allows for any situations that may delay your commute and gives you plenty of time to get yourself settled, take care of last-minute business and be ready to go for your first class. 2. FINISH YOUR DAY ON A POSITIVE NOTE Don’t be in a hurry to leave. At the end of the day, take a couple of minutes to review what you accomplished as well as identify those things that could have gone better. If you do not have a running list of things to do, create one. Having a list of things that need to get done and people to contact allows you to free up your mind and reduces stress. As you plan your day (see #15) this list will become invaluable. 3. LOOK GOOD Take extra time to look your best. Iron your clothes. Polish your shoes. If someone enters your room, they need to know that YOU are the teacher. Even though casual clothes are sometimes permitted in the workplace, look your best. Be sure you have at least one professional outfit (an upgrade from your usual mode of dress) to wear for special situations. This outfit should be a bit conservative and not the least bit provocative. I once read a statement that could be a metaphor for how you dress: “Nobody minds a non-smoker!” 4. NO EXCUSES Avoid making an excuse at all costs. If something goes wrong, take responsibility. By taking responsibility you take ownership. Ownership gives you the power to make things right. This involves your work in the classroom as well as any situation outside the classroom. If you make a mistake, and you will, own up to it. You will gain respect and trust by doing so because you identify yourself as someone who is honest, responsible and trustworthy. 5. NO COMPLAINING Nobody cares if you had bad traffic, don’t feel well, or have a personal problem. Smile. When someone asks how you are doing, respond with something positive, not negative. “I’m feeling great.” “I’m really excited for classes today.” “I’m better than ever.” Complainers tend to be negative people, and nobody likes to hang around (or be taught by) negative people…unless they are negative too. Be careful not to speak negatively of others and avoid getting dragged into conversations where people are speaking negatively about others. Stephen Covey in his book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People writes that we build the trust of those who we are with by always speaking positively about those who are not present. There is no room in the professional world for a pity party. 6. REMAIN ACTIVE Don’t sit around doing nothing. If you have planned your day, there should be plenty to do. Take a few moments and walk the room during rehearsals and classes. Before and after class straighten chairs, align (or tighten) music stands. Dust shelves, pianos, percussion equipment every week. Check on the condition of school-owned instruments frequently. There is always something to do. Be aware and do it. By being on top of things early you save money on expensive repairs and replacements later. 7. LEARN YOUR STUDENTS’ NAMES The most beautiful two words a person can hear is the sound of their name. Ask every student how they would like to be addressed. Do not assume that because their name is Annabelle, they want to be called Anna. They may prefer Ann or Bella. If you are unsure of the pronunciation of their last name, ask them, and don’t be afraid to practice out loud in class. You are sending the message to your students that they are important. 8. ADDRESS ADMINISTRATORS, COUNSELORS, AND FELLOW TEACHERS as DR., MR., MRS. or MS. In school, never speak to or refer to administrators or colleagues by their first name. In addition, never refer to anyone only by their last name. To Strategies for Success: Thoughts for New ( and Veteran ) Teachers Dr. Charles T. Menghini