KEEP A POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE (PMA)

With the stresses of today's economy and the need to reduce budgets, it's amazing that leaders can or want to survive in their positions. In order to do so, we must figure out ways to address our PMA. After all, we WILL NOT see better economic times for a few years according to those who forecast Minnesota's state budget. School leaders must continue to be creative and make some tough decisions with options that have been unacceptable in the past.

So, what do we do to address a PMA? Experts give us this list:

• Stay focused and believe in yourself
• Maintain a moral compass where collaboration is seen to support each other
• Be transparent and trustworthy
• Look to create a positive image through educational excellence
• Build relationships with the public
• Always protect the core values and priorities
• Remembering that we aren't going out of business; we are just changing the way we do business
• Don't downsize expectations when downsizing the budget
• Create a communication plan to share all messages; translate the numbers into stories with themes that are clear and compelling
• Don't "sugar coat" anything
• Allow people to grieve over lost colleagues and programs
• Tell memorable stories that align to our district's strategic plan
• Show no fear
• Cultivate more relationships through enhanced communication
• Demonstrate accountability
• Celebrate all who get involved in the lives of children
• Build the image...consistently throughout the year
• Realize that everyone is doing with less
• Tell your story with tact, diplomacy, pride and grace
• All of us need to speak with one voice..."We will continue to do what's right for children"

Please, during these tough times, we must work together to keep a PMA. It's what we must do for the reason we exist - for children.