I recently came across this nugget of wisdom for educators: โOne key ingredient of student success is the belief that their teacher likes them.โ
Notice, it says the kid believes I like them, it doesnโt mean I necessarily do.๐ฅธ But in a great teacherโs classroom, you canโt tell the difference. Every student feels valued and welcomed every dayโno matter what their teacherโs true feelings. And, believe me, even the finest educators have moments when their interpersonal โlike-o-meterโ is critically low.
As often happens, inspirational thoughts come in pairs. The Advice Trap, by Michael Bungay Stanier, is a book about becoming a better leader by being humble and staying curious when people come to you with their concerns. The idea is to be more coach-like in oneโs behavior, by coming alongside the other person and helping them solve their own problems.
Anyway, about becoming more coach-like, MBS says,
Turn it up to 11, with more cowbell!
Michael Bungay Stainer
*So, then I put two and two together; why not really like everyone–ok, almost everyone๐ฌโby showing them I care–just a little bit more?
Turn it up to 11, with more โcareโbell!
Regular Me (David)

Kind reader, good things could happen if you and I show others we careโjust a little more. On the other hand, itโs difficult to find the up side of caring for others a bit less. Frankly, I donโt want to be the one care-less person someone never forgets.
Hereโs a favorite โMore carebell!โ scripture.โ Please share one of yours in the comments.
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
James 1:19 (NIV)
Thank you for reading. ๐โค๏ธ prayers and love.
*Maybe you already care for others, and show it too, as much as possible. If so, the “More carebell!” cheer is not intended as an insult. My aim is to encourage, not judge. ๐ค


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