Lollipop moments are everywhere. We just have to learn how to recognize them . It can happen directly to us or indirectly in the form of words spoken, eureka moments or other people's situations . Every now and then I try to list down moments that have impacted me . As I journey towards a greater purpose , I take with me some of the greatest lessons I've learned from the little experiences in my day to day life:
As A Student : When I started this course , I had all these ideas and I really wanted to create change in a large scale . One lollipop moment for me was when my professor told me during our skype session that I didn't have to do everything in a large scale in order to impact change . He said that I can start working with 1 or 2 people and their success will inspire other people to change . What he said really shifted my view and I have shared these with some of my colleagues. Because of this, I have started sharing my work in smaller groups- it has been a great journey and I feel good! So, thank you John for changing my perspective on that!
As A Leader : During the EARCOS conference, I was a facilitator for Grades 1 and 2 JobAlike session. It was my first time to lead a group of teachers (35 of them) from different International Schools. I had bouts of doubt after the session because I used a lot of movement and groupings which were not very traditional , I wasn't sure how I did . Later in the day and at the last day of the conference, I had doses of lollipop moments one after the other - teachers thanked me for facilitating an engaging session , others said they loved the exchange of ideas and the movement involved . I was so happy with all their feedback. I was able to thank them as they came up to me but I still want to thank them today. Because of those words of encouragement, I am more more motivated to lead workshops and inspire other people.
As A Teacher : Students , I feel , have given me the most lollipop moments. . A lot of my teaching principles, strategies and beliefs now were all shaped by my experiences with students. I have learned to value their feedback and use them as a means to evaluate myself. I have also learned to treasure those simple "thank you's" and "i need help" moments as I see them as windows of opportunity to create lollipop moments for them.
Top 4: This is a list of 4 lessons I've learned from my most recent lollipop moments (taken from my bucket(feel good) list)
1. Whistle while you work - put energy and enthusiasm into old routines! (when my boss was stressed)
2. Be tolerant of others - you too have a lot to correct. (Beijing subway)
3. When you're given an opportunity to see someone's weakness or pain, it's because you have the ability to do something about it . (a book)
4. Increase your energy by using it . (from my Zumba instructor)
Let us celebrate leadership everyday by recognizing and creating lollipop moments everywhere ! Have a great day !