From Idioms to Education

Idiom #12

“Best of Both Worlds”

Wouldn’t that be nice?   Wouldn’t it be great if we could always experience the “best of both worlds”?  But reality tells us differently.  Sometimes we win and sometimes we lose.  Sometimes a decision goes in our favor and sometimes it does not.  That is life.  For me, it is how one responds to not getting the “best of both worlds” in a decision is critical.

Careers in education are all about people. Careers in leadership are all about people.  How you manage your relationships with a diverse array of people will dictate your success as a leader. When dealing with conflict, I would always try to seek a common ground and try to make the resolution of a problem a “win-win” type of solution.  In this way, each party felt like they were getting something out of the resolution and could in all likelihood live with the end result.  Walking away with a “win-win” is not always possible.  Sometimes, it is a winner take all result.  A good leader knows when this is the right solution for the individuals involved and the organization.  Of course, everyone has to live with the consequences of his / her decision.

Most times, the leader has to be the judge, jury and executioner.  He /she also has to be the mediator and consensus builder.  He /she also has to be like the “all and powerful Oz” knowing when to use each problem-solving strategy with each specific person coupled with each unique situation.  It was easy for Oz to give the Scarecrow a degree, the Lion a medal, and the Tin Man a ticking heart.  And by receiving each token, they received a new set of feelings and responsibilities. Their actions and decisions now had meaningful consequences.  Oz could not deliver only the good. Oz could not do it, nor can you.  Never beat yourself up for not succeeding in this quest.  Do the best you can using all of your brains, heart and courage.  Good luck!