The Interview Chair

Episode 67: Normalizing Mistakes Nov 17, 2024

In this week's episode, Jimmy shares an excerpt from Shane Saeed, ConnectEDD author of Be the Flame – Sparking Positive Classroom Communities. Learning can happen in a classroom when we not only make time to build connections and relationships among our students but also normalize mistakes.

Episode 66: I Am So Glad You Are Here Today Nov 03, 2024

It is November and educators have a right to be tired. In this episode, Jimmy gives thanks to all the educators who continue to impact students by finding time to interact with them in meaningful ways. By doing so, we learn they often impact us in even greater ways.

Episode 65:Layering Change Oct 27, 2024

In this Part 2 episode, Jimmy continues sharing his perspective on the change process from last week's episode and describes his Layering the Change process in order to avoid the favoritism undercurrent and achieve a better result.

Episode 64: Decreasing the Distance Oct 20, 2024

In this Part 1 episode, Jimmy breaks down the change process and shares the disconnect between those who are driving it and those who are implementing it.

Episode 63: Making Classroom Learning Irresistible Oct 14, 2024

In this week's episode, Jimmy shares how students may sometimes behave in less desirable ways that are outside of our control. However, we can examine the elements well within our control, such as our tasks, activities, and how we assess our students, which can directly impact how kids respond in our classrooms.

Episode 62: See the Best...Expect the Best Sep 29, 2024

In this episode, Jimmy shares a personal story about a former student to remind us of the impact we can make when we see the best in others and expect the best from ourselves.

Episode 61: Leadership Is Not a Spectator Sport Sep 22, 2024

In this episode, Jimmy discusses the school leader's role and the impact of leadership on student outcomes, both inside and outside the classroom.

Episode 60: We Cause the Culture Sep 15, 2024

In this episode, Jimmy shares 3 Essential Elements in developing checkpoints that must occur for us to create a high-performing classroom and school culture.

Episode 59: Creating Culturize Checkpoints for Observable Impact In Your Classroom Sep 10, 2024

In this episode, Jimmy shares valuable examples of Culturize Checkpoints to help bring clarity to what being a Champion for Students truly looks like in our classrooms, and more importantly, what it leads to when it comes to observable impact.

Episode 58: Culture Is Not a Fluke Sep 02, 2024

In this episode, Jimmy shares his perspective on organizational culture. He believes that if we truly want to understand and impact the culture of our organizations, we must dive deeper below the surface to see what’s lurking. In other words, why do people behave the way they behave?

Episode 57: Redefining the Gotcha Game Aug 25, 2024

In this week’s episode Jimmy encourages us to replace the word “gotcha” with “I've got you.”

Episode 56: 4 Ways to Capture and Hold Your Students' Attention Aug 05, 2024

In this episode, Jimmy shares an excerpt from the best-selling book, The Educator's ATLAS by Weston Kieschnick, sharing 4 methods for engaging students in your classroom.

Episode 55: Am I a Literacy Leader? Jun 23, 2024

In this episode, Jimmy shares an excerpt from The 6 Literacy Levers by Brad Gustafson, highlighting what it takes to overcome imposter syndrome and become a Literacy Leader in your classroom and school.

Episode 54: Embrace Your Vulnerability Jun 09, 2024

In this episode, JImmy discusses the impact negative noise can have on us as educators and how we can confront these experiences and take back control by owning our own moments.

Episode 53: Managing Gossip in the Workplace May 12, 2024

In this episode, Jimmy shares 10 ways to positively address negative chatter in our workplace to slow down the gossip train and create a healthier culture for everyone.

Episode 52: The Most Important Word in School Culture...Leadership. Apr 28, 2024

In this episode, Jimmy shares an experience he had on social media where he was challenged to reflect on the impact leadership has on the overall culture of a school.

Episode 51: Effective Educators Tell the Truth Apr 21, 2024

In this week's episode, Jimmy shares his views on why we must always provide honest feedback when students and staff are not meeting our expectations. As a bonus, he also shares a 4-step Framework to help listeners navigate a critical conversation with staff members who are underperforming.

Episode 50: The Six Drivers of Successful Change Apr 14, 2024

In this latest episode, Jimmy discusses his thoughts on change. Although inevitable, we also should not change for the sake of change. Instead, implementing change should be strategic, transparent, and follow a clear framework - The Six Drivers of Successful Change is one you may want to consider.

Episode 49: Dress Code or No Dress Code? Time to Stop Complaining Apr 01, 2024

Dress codes continue to be a topic of debate in schools across the country. In this episode, Jimmy shares his thoughts on how dress codes can impact a school's culture and why complaining about them won't solve the problem.

Episode 48: Five Benefits of Using Frameworks Mar 25, 2024

In this episode, Jimmy challenges us to think about where we teach and lead from when we walk into our classrooms and schools and shares 5 Benefits of Using a Framework to guide us in our daily work.

Episode 47: It Will Rarely Be Easy, But It Will Always Be Worth It Mar 17, 2024

In this episode, Jimmy shares his experiences where he believes he and his staff failed a student, even though they had the best of intentions; reminding us that our job as educators is rarely easy, but always worth it.

Episode 46: The Gifts of an Influencer Mar 10, 2024

Jimmy reminds us that most of what we have learned we have learned from others, regardless of their roles or titles. In this episode, he shares 10 ways in which others have influenced his thinking throughout his career.

Episode 45: 13 Ways to Lead the Learning Feb 25, 2024

School leaders often find themselves in management mode. In this episode, Jimmy shares 13 ways leaders can intentionally recalibrate themselves to lead the learning in their schools.

Episode 44: Looking For a Job? You're Hired! Feb 18, 2024

Are you looking to land that first job, looking for a career change, or looking to advance in your career? In this episode, Jimmy offers his insights that just might give you a leg up on the competition.

Episode 43:Recalibrating Our Collective Commitments Feb 11, 2024

Revisiting core values is one of the most critical components of any healthy culture, but one that we often neglect. In this episode, Jimmy challenges us to re-examine our collective commitments as a staff to ensure that our behaviors are aligned with our words.

Episode 42: 5 Ways to Inspire Staff to Stay Rather Than Leave Jan 28, 2024

In this episode, Jimmy challenges leaders to go back to The Interview Chair and ask themselves what they can do differently to reduce staff turnover and inspire staff to stay rather than just wish staff didn't leave.

Show Notes

Episode 41: Are We Listening to Our Students Who Struggle? Jan 14, 2024

In this episode, Jimmy discusses his experiences working with students who struggle in school and shares his thoughts on how we can impact their learning in a positive way when we are more intentional in listening to them so we can understand why they struggle.

Episode 40: Is It Time For A Change Jan 01, 2024

In this episode, Jimmy shares an excerpt from his best-selling book, Recalibrate the Culture, where he shares his thoughts for those who are considering leaving their current jobs.

Episode 39: Pushback Is Inevitable Dec 10, 2023

Avoiding pushback in our role as school leaders is inevitable. In this episode, Jimmy touches on 5 common areas where leaders may face pushback and how we can respond to get a better result and avoid negative undercurrents in our culture.

Episode 38: A Fresh Mindset for New Students and Families Nov 19, 2023

We get out of it what we put into it. In this episode, Jimmy shares his insight when it comes to new student and family tours.

Episode 37: A Season of Hope Nov 05, 2023

It is November and this time of year can push you to the brink. In this episode, Jimmy reminds us that we must maintain hope that we can and are making a difference in the lives of our students.

Episode 36: What Do the Words on Your Wall Say? Oct 22, 2023

In this episode, Jimmy challenges us to examine the words that adorn the walls of our campus buildings and ask ourselves if the words mirror the behaviors of the adults.

Show Notes

Episode 35: Our Return on Rules Oct 01, 2023

Most of what we give our attention to in school seems to have to do with school rules. In this episode, Jimmy challenges us to think about where we are putting in our time and energy and whether or not we are getting a profitable return on our investment.

Episode 34: Who Is Moving the Big Rocks? Sep 24, 2023

In this episode, Jimmy encourages leaders at the classroom, building, and district levels to spend less time on the stage kicking the pebbles down the road and more time at the 30,000-foot balcony level in order to move the big rocks.

Episode 33: Avoiding Negative Undercurrents Sep 05, 2023

Jimmy discusses how negative undercurrents impact morale and ultimately hurt our culture. But what are some of the more common undercurrents that exist? In this episode, Jimmy shares some of the more common undercurrents we create, and more importantly, how we can avoid them.

Episode 32: Own Your Morale Aug 27, 2023

We all impact the morale of an organization, regardless of our role. But who is responsible for our morale? In this episode, Jimmy shares five ways that we can all own our morale and the positive impact we can have on others when we reflect on our own behavior and change ourselves.

Show Notes

Episode 31: Positive Energy Equals Synergy Aug 13, 2023

In Episode 31, Jimmy reminds us that it doesn’t cost a penny to reach out and jolt those who are in dire straits with a blast of positive energy to help them get through the rest of the day. By doing so, you may just change the trajectory of the day for a student or colleague.

Show Notes

Episode 30: No Such Thing As Hard to Reach Parents Aug 06, 2023

In this week's episode, Jimmy challenges us to reframe the way we look at parents who we label as "hard to reach" and ask ourselves, "What can we do differently in the way we communicate and connect with parents so we do not become the ones who are hard to reach?"

Show Notes

Episode 29: Just Don’t Quit Jul 30, 2023

In this episode, Jimmy reminds us all that it is not our job to save every student, but rather, to never quit on a student.

Episode 28: Learning From Staff and Colleagues Jul 23, 2023

In this final episode of the 3 Part Summer Series on Learning, Jimmy shares 7 Steps to consider in order to Learn From Staff and Colleagues so we never have to fake it until we make it.

Show Notes

Episode 27: Learning For Our Staff and Colleagues Jul 15, 2023

This is Part 2 of the Summer Leadership Series on Learning. In this episode, Jimmy reminds listeners of the importance of Learning For Our Staff and Colleagues, especially if we want to avoid the pitfalls of professional isolation and resentment.

Show Notes

Episode 26: Learning About Our Staff and Colleagues Jul 11, 2023

This episode is the first of a 3-Part Summer Series and serves as a follow-up to last week's initial launch on the topic of Learning. I hope you enjoy this episode on Learning About Our Staff and Colleagues.

Episode 25: Learning For and With Others Jul 02, 2023

This episode is the introduction to a 3 Part Summer Series on Learning. In this podcast series, Jimmy focuses on the importance of being a learner - specifically what it means to Learn About, Learn For and Learn From our staff and colleagues.

Episode 24: An Educator’s Golden Rule Jun 25, 2023

What if we were to twist the Golden Rule just a bit, moving from treating others as we would want to be treated to treating others as they would want to be treated? In this episode, Jimmy reminds us to reflect on how we treat others in our organization so they learn to trust us rather than resent us.

Episode 23: Whose Banner Are You Carrying? Jun 18, 2023

In this week's episode of the Interview Chair, Jimmy shares his insight into what it means to Carry the Banner for your students, staff, and school community and moreover, what are people saying about their experience from their interactions with us after they leave our classrooms, offices, and campuses.

Episode 22: How We Respond Is Our Choice Jun 11, 2023

Too often we find ourselves frustrated with those who tend to complain more than others. In this episode, Jimmy shares 4 steps that he believes will help you avoid potential negative undercurrents and achieve a better result.

Episode 21: Responding to Student Behaviors Jun 04, 2023

In this episode, Jimmy reminds us that student misbehavior is a form of communication and information. We know that layered beneath a story is always another story ready to be told and the information from these stories can help us determine what a student is feeling and what it is they are truly trying to communicate.

Episode 20: Ditch Those Anonymous Surveys May 21, 2023

In this episode, I share my thoughts on what I believe to be one of the biggest culture killers on school campuses across the country - the Anonymous Survey. Listen to hear my thoughts on how we can get better results and cultivate a healthier culture through face-to-face interviews.

Eyes On Culture Survey

Episode 19: Addressing Underperformance May 14, 2023

May is often the month when summative evaluations are given to staff. This can be challenging when we must address staff not meeting our expectations. If you find these moments contentious, then maybe following a more effective process will help. In this episode, Jimmy shares 12 Ways to Address Underperformance.

Episode 18: Building Community May 07, 2023

Every time we bring a group of people together, it is an opportunity to build community. Human connection is critical in our work as educators if we aspire to create a sense of belonging for every school community member. In this episode, I share my perspective on why building a community should be intentional and provide practical examples of how we can do this.

12 Ways To Build A Community

Episode 17: Are Parents Really Crazy? Apr 29, 2023

In this episode, Jimmy shares his thoughts on how to deal with parents who are upset with a staff member, the school, or the system in general and challenges us to think differently so we don't label them as crazy.

Episode 16: It’s Okay to Say No Apr 23, 2023

In this episode of The Interview Chair, Jimmy reminds us that we cannot say yes to everyone or every request and offers four things to consider that may help you if you are struggling to say no.

Episode 15: Are You Fixing or Teaching? Apr 15, 2023

Are you a fixer? Do you try and fix everyone's problems? Do you stress over the pressures of needing to have all of the answers? In this episode, I share my thoughts on the importance of helping propel your team to become more independent and eventually more successful in resolving their own issues so they can help others resolve theirs.

10 Ways to Teach Rather than Fix

Episode 14: Elevating Student Voice in Our Schools Apr 09, 2023

In Episode 14, Jimmy advocates for all students, not just some students, to have a seat at the table and more importantly, to have a voice at the table.

Episode 13: Everyone Is A Leader Apr 02, 2023

Every one of us has the capacity to lead, however, whether or not we choose to lead is a different issue. In this episode, Jimmy reminds us that as leaders, we must accept the responsibility that the identity of a leader will become whatever we want it to become, and what others believe our work demands and how they see it, is also on us.

Episode 12: Onboarding New Staff and Students Mar 26, 2023

One of the most essential roles of a school leader is to hire the right people. But what next? In this episode, Jimmy reminds us that onboarding new employees is just as important. And what about new students? Should we not replicate these same practices? Check out the latest episode of the Interview Chair to learn more.

Episode 11: No Student Wants to Be a Failure Mar 19, 2023

Why do some students give us the impression that they don't care about their school work, whether they fail or not, or at times, choose not to come to school? In Episode 11, Jimmy reminds us through a student's eyes why we should never quit on a student.

Episode 10: 8 Ways to Improve Our Communication Mar 12, 2023

When we fail to communicate effectively, it can create a plethora of undercurrents in our organization which ultimately impacts morale in a negative way. In this episode, Jimmy shares 8 ways he believes will help us improve communication and cultivate a healthier culture for our staff, students, and families.

Episode 9: Five Ways to Shift Your Thinking Mar 05, 2023

We are all responsible for our own morale. In this episode, Jimmy shares 5 ways to move past your fears and find the courage to become the best version of yourself both in your daily work and daily life.

Episode 8:Why First Impressions Matter Feb 26, 2023

What was the name of the class you took in principal school that taught you how to hire for excellence? My guess is it didn’t exist. In this episode, Jimmy shares his insight into Why First Impressions Matter and what it takes to shift your interview process from average to excellent.

Episode 7: Culture of Investment vs. Culture of Compliance Feb 19, 2023

What we model is what we get. In this episode, Jimmy challenges us to reflect on our own behaviors and ask ourselves, "Are we fostering a culture of compliance through our actions or a culture of investment?"

Episode 6: Power of Why Feb 12, 2023

The Power of Why by Simon Sinek continues to shape my coaching work today. In this week’s episode I share additional thoughts on the power of why that impact culture - behavior and change.

Episode 5: Not Everything is a Level Ten Feb 05, 2023

February has arrived and the stress is beginning to elevate to level 10. In Episode 5, Jimmy helps us reframe our thinking by taking us back to the Interview Chair and lowering our stress to a healthier level.

Level 10 Examples

Episode 4:Building Capacity Jan 28, 2023

In Episode 4, Jimmy reminds us of the importance of building capacity from the heart of a teacher and more importantly, provides listeners with a 5 Step Framework to help you get better results.

Episode 3: Perimeter Leadership vs. Inner Leadership Jan 22, 2023

In this episode, Jimmy shares how he found himself on the perimeter for many years, resulting in him pointing the finger and blaming others rather than reflecting on his inner self and recognizing his own shortcomings.

Episode 2: Who is In Your Inner Circle? Jan 18, 2023

In this episode, Jimmy asks you to reflect on your inner circle and where you are investing your time. By re-framing who and what is at the center of your core, you can take a healthier version of yourself to school and bring a better version of yourself home to your family each night.

Inner Circle Graphic

Episode 1: The Introduction Jan 16, 2023

In Episode 1, Jimmy breaks down the 4 Core Principles of his best-selling book Culturize and shares how educators can use these principles as a framework to help them bring their best selves to school each day.

The 4 Core Principles

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