Karen Durand

I think this Success Tutorial really helps remind employees of basic--but essential practices. Words and actions can truly do harm, and we are all examples to our peers, our employees, and our students.

As I worked through this module, I couldn't help but to think of the coaches of my childhood: from softball to cheerleading and from parents to youth leaders. This reflection caused me to think about the experiences I learned from and those that brought confusion or frustration. Those "coaches" and their methods are similar to those I actually need to be applying at work. Just as teachers need to return to the classroom on a regular basis in order to relate more effectively with the students they teach. Coaches also need to learn from those they coach.

Having worked with the same group for several years, the need to avoid stagnation occurs. With strong leadership and clear goals, a team must continue to strive for success. Complacency can be a common enemy, so encouraging new ideas has become critical. Each member must be reminded that his or her role is important.

I was shocked to see that it takes 11 people to undo the damage of one negative person. Wow, I feel tired already. Determining if a person truly is mission-driven is a critical part of a successful school. If faculty and staff don't believe that the students can succeed--how are the students expected to believe it?

Yes, I can still taste lemons after reading the visualization exercise! I love this strategy and see the need to incorporate it more in the classroom. This is a great starting point.

I like this idea--and will share it with our Director of Education.

I think all staff and faculty members in a college need to "Walk a Mile" in the shoes of a co-worker to truly appreciate what they do. We recently completed just that at our campus, and I think everyone gained a new respect for others. Morale is critical in a school--because our customers (students) sense a positive or negative atmosphere, we have the potential to keep them with our attitudes--or watch them slip away because we haven't created the right environment.

I find this to be a wonderful start to a retention module. Like many others in education, I am responsible for many organizational tasks and sometimes find myself glued to my office chair. I love the idea of connecting with 5 students at least once per week to create a bond. This is a good way to get me away from my desk--and can also keep the true purpose of my job in perspective...the students!!!

As instructors, we truly do have the power to change our students' lives. We need to dress and act in a professional manner because our students are looking to us for the example. We set high expectactions and must meet those expectations ourselves.

Interestingly enough, we actually deal with more female students with anger issues at our school. Through my experiences, I definitely agree that listening is critical. I also have learned that if 2 students are involved in an outburst, we need to separate them to calm the situation as quickly as possible. I like the idea of requiring a written statement. I think this may help calm a situation down as students gather their thoughts.