3 Reminders for When Challenging Others

I have been spending a lot of time thinking about arguing and how we challenge one another.  Challenging ideas is essential, especially in the context of education, but how we challenge others is as important as what we are challenging in the first place if we want to push thinking.

Here are three things to think about when pushing the thinking of someone else:

1. Assume positive intent in the other person. 

   No one shows up to work wanting to do a lousy job. This doesn’t mean they won’t say or do things that don’t bother you, but when we assume positive intent, it places our focus on the idea, not the person.Here’s the thing though…their intent might not be positive, but if you keep your focus on that, people will see from the outside who is challenging for the right reasons.  This leads me to point two.

2. Remember that the way you deliver your message is almost as meaningful as the message itself. 

   I remember watching a debate and seeing a person start off by immediately making an assumption about the other person, attacking their character, and THEN trying to persuade them of their point.  Not only were they assuring the person they were debating with would not change their mind, but it also lost a lot of people in the conversation as well.There are some brilliant people out there who lose their message in the messaging.  Being respectful is not always about the person you are talking to, but modeling it for the people who are watching.  Focus on the ideas, not the person. Otherwise, the ideas might be lost in the delivery to the people who need to hear it the most.

3. Find where you agree and build from there. 

   You believe in “Idea A,” and they believe in “Idea C.” But do you both agree on “Idea B,” and if you do, could finding that commonality bring them closer to “Idea A”? Or vice-versa?I read somewhere once (paraphrased) that an “argument” has a winner and a loser, but a discussion is about finding the best ideas.  If you are looking to “win” an argument, you may have already lost.

Often, I write these posts as no more than reminders for myself.  These tips are something that I have found useful in conversations both online and offline and especially when we know others are watching.  Many people say nothing at the moment while observing these conversations, but it doesn’t mean they aren’t being convinced of something at the same time. How we challenge is often just as important as what we challenge

• July 5, 2018 Arguing to Find the Middle
• November 4, 2016 4 Ways We Hold Others Back
• October 26, 2010 Diminisher or Multiplier? Finding Staff Strengths
• June 28, 2013 The Prophets In Your Land
• January 19, 2016 Why Your Best People Leave and Why That Can Be Okay

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Berkeley House by Polygon in Richmond

Berkeley House by Polygon is a new collection of sophisticated apartment homes surrounded by tree-lined streets and convenient walkway located in Richmond. The one, two and three-bedroom residences at Berkeley House are beautifully appointed with gourmet kitchens, spa-inspired bathrooms and light-filled living areas. This is an exciting address with exceptional extras, including membership to the residents-only Berkeley Club, and a short walk to village-style shopping.

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What is the BC Home Builder?

 

Are you planning on building a custom house in B.C.? Well not so fast! Last year the Government of B.C. announced a new licensing system for builders in residential construction. Previously, before this new system came into place the homeowner or builder was able to be the general contractor to coordinate all of the trades associated with their home building process. Now due to this new system, you have to be licensed. So what is this new B.C. Home Builder license all about? What are your options? Here is some information to help you better understand this new licensing agreement.

What is the BC Home Builder?

The new residential licensing for B.C.’s home builders is dedicated to the building and construction of a home – it’s designed to modernize and streamline the building regulatory system. This new licensing system officially came into effect during the summer of 2016.

This new system has made it a requirement for new home builders in the industry to demonstrate their proficiency and knowledge in key areas before they receive a license. What does that mean? Homeowners and builders who already currently hold a license will not have to apply for a new one. However, you will need to renew your license annually now and in order to do so home builders will be required to take continuing education courses in professional development as it relates to residential construction.

Who does BC Home Builder affect?

The new system solely applies to current general contractors who are building single-family homes and small residential buildings. To make things easier to understand, the basis is those who had hoped or were wanting to completely design and build their own dream home still can, but unfortunately cannot just say they are the ‘general contractor’ and do the work themselves. Each builder has to now be classified as a general contractor, developer, or both and must identify that they are one when applying for their new license or when renewing an existing one through specific qualifications.

Here are some of the new qualification requirements:

What do I need to do to apply for a license?

To qualify for a license a combination of education and experience requirements must be met. The qualification standard is taken from the Homeowner Protection Act and Regulations. An applicant must meet the following to be considered:

1. General contractor applicants must provide proof of 24 months of experience managing or supervising residential construction, gained within the past five years (please note that these 24 months do not have to be consecutive)
2. Applicants need to successfully demonstrate competency by successfully completing approved training in seven competency areas. This will prove that you have the necessary knowledge and skill set to manage a licensed residential construction company.

Curious as to what the seven courses are? (*Please note course can vary and change over time – so it’s best to stay as up-to-date as possible).

1.     Relevant enactments = BC Building Code – Single Family Dwelling
2.     Construction management and supervision = Project Management & Site Supervision
3.     Construction technology = Building Science for New Homes
4.     Customer service and home warranty insurance = Service & Warranty
5.     Financial planning and management = Financial Management
6.     Legal issues = Construction Law
7.     Business planning and management = Business Planning & Management

See list descriptions and prices here.

To find out more visit: BC’s New Licensing Requirements

For those who already currently have a license and are defined as a general contractor have to adhere to continuing their professional development (CPD). This may apply to you:

Continuing Professional Development

• All current licensees, as well as new licensees, will be required to take continuing professional development (CPD) courses in areas related to residential construction as a condition of renewing their license each year.
• All licensed general contractors seeking to renew their licenses must obtain at least 40 Continuing Professional Development points each year. Points are earned by either actively managing new residential construction projects or through attending course/training and educational events. You can have a combination of both as well.
• Over 50% of those continuing professional development must pertain to the British Columbia Building Code, construction management and supervision, construction technology, customer service and home warranty insurance, or a combination of these four subjects.

What are your options?

In all honesty, there are only a few options to choose from with the new licensing agreement in place.

1. If you are planning on building our own home now that the new regulations are in effect, you have the option to take and pass the examination or hire a licensed builder who is in good standing.
2. Newcomers have to have a license period before you can work in the industry.
3. For existing and new builders, there are new regulations as part of an “enhanced” licensing system. Builders must continually maintain their status as competent builders by completing professional development construction courses every year. Topics, as mentioned, will include construction management, supervision, technology, warranties, financing planning, customer relations, accounting, legal issues and business management/planning.

When thinking of this option you need to really ask yourself is it worth the time and/or investment, short and long-term?

What do you think of this new licensing system for builders in residential construction? If you have any questions about what you just read, building a custom home or upgrades that can add value to your property, please feel free to contact us.

For morning information on the licensing requirements, BC Housing has an excellent website that thoroughly explains the new licensing system here.

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Don’t Ask For More Until You’re Willing to Risk More

Strong leaders have strong visions for their schools. They feel a constant tension between how things are and how they could be. And leaders want to see progress toward the vision. And progress toward the vision is great, but it comes at a cost if leaders aren't careful.

People must never feel diminished at the expense of the vision.

I would challenge leaders to consider this question. Why do you provide learning opportunities for your teachers? I'm guessing the most common answer would be it's for the kids and their learning. 

That's a noble goal, right?

It's to help teachers be better so kids can learn more too. It's to move the school forward toward the vision. We have important work to do to be the best we can be, so the kids can be the best they can be.

But here's the translation for many teachers: My current work is not appreciated here. It's never good enough. You're always trying to squeeze more out of me. I'm doing all I can and now you're adding to my plate. My work is not valued here. I feel like I'm being pushed in directions I don't even know if I want to go.

But what if we approached professional learning from a different perspective? What if school leadership focused more on serving teachers and meeting their needs? What if professional learning was more about growing the teacher and not about better test scores or some other outcome?

Let's create a culture of professional learning that values teachers. Let's start with this idea. We want to provide experiences that help teachers get the most out of their work. We want to provide experiences that help you achieve your greatest fulfillment as a teacher. 

We want to provide experiences that offer the highest return on your investment as an educator. 

That's servant leadership. Helping others make a greater impact and find more fulfillment in what they are doing. It's not about squeezing more out of the individual for the sake of the school, the test scores, or even for the kids. It's not about winning at the SMART goals game.

But those things will probably improve too as teachers feel more appreciated, find more fulfillment, and sense they are getting a higher return on their investment as an educator.

There's nothing wrong with leaders asking more of the people they lead. That's what good leaders do. They challenge people to grow their capacity and to use their capacity to the fullest.

But start with why. Reflect on your own motives. Why are you asking more? It has to be to care for your team. Love your team. It has to be for the benefit of each individual first. Help them reach their goals. Help them feel a greater sense of accomplishment. Give them a sense of their own talent, progress, and strengths.

The best leaders are constantly affirming the work that is being done. They are recognizing the strengths and contributions of each team member. The vision is realized as a result of valuing people, encouraging them, and supporting them all along the way.

Leaders: When we ask teachers to risk more and to give more, are we also giving more and risking more for teachers?

The vision for your school is important, but the vision is meaningless if performance is more important than people.

What are some ways you are risking more for you colleagues, caring for them, and increasing the return on investment for others? I want to hear from you. Leave a comment below or respond on or .

        

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Arguing to Find the Middle

I saw the title for this post, “How to Win Every Argument” and first thought, “This article could be great for the work that I do, often trying to convince people to do something different than they are already doing!”  Then I jumped in, and it was NOTHING like I thought, but so much better.

From the article:

Next time you state your position, formulate an argument for what you claim and honestly ask yourself whether your argument is any good. Next time you talk with someone who takes a stand, ask them to give you a reason for their view. Spell out their argument fully and charitably. Assess its strength impartially. Raise objections and listen carefully to their replies. This method will require effort, but practice will make you better at it.

These tools can help you win every argument—not in the unhelpful sense of beating your opponents but in the better sense of learning about the issues that divide people, learning why they disagree with us and learning to talk and work together with them. If we readjust our view of arguments—from a verbal fight or tennis game to a reasoned exchange through which we all gain mutual respect and understanding—then we change the very nature of what it means to “win” an argument.

This article was a reminder for me, as it should be for all educators, is that when we see arguments as a “win-lose” proposition, this makes little sense when,

a. We are all on the same team.
b. We all serve the learners in front of us.

I have noticed “camps” over the past few years. You have the “kids should create” camp and the “kids should consume” camp, the “researchers” versus the “innovators,” the “traditionalists” versus the “new.”  What we all need to realize is the answer is rarely in the extremes but most often found in the middle.  By focusing more on how we can we truly win every argument as the author describes, we are less likely to implement “my idea” or “your idea” but the “best ideas” which should always be our focus, no matter where they originate.

• July 7, 2017 Empowering or Stifling Voice?
• August 11, 2017 Things Change and Things Stay the Same
• April 19, 2017 People Are Always Your Best Resource
• September 12, 2017 3 Crucial Elements of Being a Change Agent
• December 20, 2010 The Leader in You

Source: George Couros

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Altus White Rock by Oviedo Developments

Altus White Rock by Oviedo is a new 12- storey development located at 1526 Finlay Street, White Rock. This project will offer 126 units, sizes range from 828 sqft to 2,776 sqft. Unique to Altus, the architecture takes full advantage of the spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding mountains, and all homes enjoy spacious private outdoor spaces. The architectural building design positions the balconies to cascade towards the breathtaking ocean views of the Lower Mainland, from the Fraser Valley to Mount Baker.
Presentation Centre Now Open, sign up today for Floor Plans & Pricing.

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50 Electronic in Port Moody

50 Electronic Avenue is a new mixed-use condo development located at 50 Electronic Avenue, Port Moody. This project will offer 358 mixture of 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom condominiums in two 6-storey buildings. A large landscaped green space on the south side offers a variety of resident amenities, in addition to numerous leisure and recreation options literally steps away. And for activities beyond, nearby Moody Centre Station conveniently connects you to downtown Vancouver on the West Coast Express or other destinations in Metro Vancouver via the Skytrain Evergreen Line. 50 Electronic Avenue is at the centre of it all.

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