Asset Framing, Starting with Strengths, and Acknowledging Positive Intent

A few years ago, I first heard about asset framing on On Being with Krista Tippett, during her interview with Trabian Shorters. The concept immediately resonated with me—it just made sense. Asset framing, as Shorters defines it, is the practice of defining people by their aspirations and contributions rather than their challenges and deficits. This approach highlights unique strengths and potential, focusing on what people can offer rather than what they lack. Shorters' research underscores that this perspective shift not only changes the narrative but also empowers individuals to achieve greater success.

Since then, the idea of asset framing has kept reappearing in various forms in my life. Elena Aguilar, a renowned educator and coach, emphasizes the importance of starting with strengths in her work. She believes that recognizing and leveraging our strengths can lead to greater personal and professional fulfillment. Aguilar’s approach aligns seamlessly with asset framing, encouraging us to see the best in ourselves and others, fostering a culture of positivity and growth. As an educator who works with other educators, I can apply Aguilar's insights by intentionally identifying and celebrating the strengths of my colleagues, creating a collaborative environment where each individual feels valued and empowered. By focusing on their unique abilities, I can help my peers harness their strengths, fostering teamwork and innovation in our collective efforts to enhance student learning and engagement.

Similarly, Dr. Becky Kennedy, known for her work with Good Inside, also taps into the essence of asset framing. Dr. Becky focuses on the idea that both children and adults are inherently good inside, promoting a strengths-based approach to parenting and personal development. As someone with two young children, this perspective helps me build on my children’s positive traits and remember that their actions come from positive intent. This understanding extends beyond parenting and applies to all interactions. By assuming positive intent in any circumstance, I can approach challenges with empathy, connect more deeply with others, and foster stronger relationships, whether with family, colleagues, or friends. This mindset not only enhances personal connections but also teaches problem-solving and resilience, creating a more supportive and understanding environment for everyone.

As more research highlights the importance of asset framing, starting with strengths, and acknowledging positive intent, tools such as ViaCharacter.org and CliftonStrengths have become more accessible. These platforms help individuals and teams identify their strengths, fostering a positive and supportive environment. Knowing your strengths—and those of your team—creates a foundation for growth and collaboration. For instance, when I took the CliftonStrengths assessment, I wasn’t surprised to see that my top strengths included positivity, activator, and includer. However, it was incredibly helpful to think about how I can use these strengths in all areas of my life. Additionally, it was valuable for my team to identify my strengths so we could strategically think about where and how I should spend my time. When we focus on what we do well, we're more likely to build confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose.

Incorporating asset framing into our daily practices can be as simple yet powerful as starting or ending gatherings with acknowledgments. Recognizing the contributions and strengths of team members can have a profound impact. It sets a positive tone, reinforces a culture of appreciation, and encourages everyone to bring their best selves to the table. This practice can transform the dynamics of a meeting, making it a space where people feel valued and motivated.

To further embed asset framing into our culture, I recommend CLEE's Success Analysis Protocol. Although designed to use with students, this tool, helps users highlight successes and provides a structured way to reflect on and learn from what has gone well. By focusing on successful experiences, we can draw valuable insights and apply them to future challenges. This protocol encourages a mindset of continuous improvement and celebrates the accomplishments of individuals and teams.

Embracing asset framing as an educator or leader can transform the way we approach our work. By focusing on strengths, acknowledging contributions, and highlighting successes, we create an environment where everyone can thrive. Whether you're working with students, colleagues, or community members, this positive and empowering perspective can lead to lasting change.

Let’s commit to seeing the best in ourselves and others, celebrating our strengths, and using these insights to create a brighter future. As Trabian Shorters so eloquently reminds us, "When we define people by their aspirations, we invite them to live up to those aspirations." Let's extend this invitation and watch the incredible impact it can have.

Starting Fresh: Embracing a New Season through Intentional Practices

It never fails that I say the same thing every year around this time, “How is summer already over?” With two elementary-age kids at home and a career in education, the back-to-school season is always bittersweet for me. I'll miss the slow mornings and carefree summer fun with my kids, but I also appreciate the return to structure and the collective shift toward new beginnings.

This transition isn't just for educators and students, though—it's an ideal time for everyone to embrace a fresh start. Whether you're embarking on a new school year, starting a personal project, or simply looking to refresh your daily routine, this time of year is perfect for a reset.

Framing a new start through intentional practices helps set the stage for success. Four strategies to try include:

1. Identifying your values ensures actions align with what truly matters.

2. Writing a professional mission statement that provides direction and purpose.

3. Establishing a personal board of trusted mentors and friends who can offer guidance and accountability.

4. Setting specific goals for the year to stay focused and motivated on this path of continuous improvement.

Core Values

Understanding your core values is crucial because it lays the groundwork for intentional living. When you are clear about what you believe and hold important, you can navigate challenges with integrity and purpose, ensuring that your efforts are meaningful and fulfilling. Brene Brown, a renowned leadership expert, emphasizes, “Living into our values means that we do more than profess our values; we practice them. We walk our talk—we are clear about what we believe and hold important, and we take care that our intentions, words, thoughts, and behaviors align with those beliefs” (Brene Brown, Dare to Lead).

Identifying your values is a reflective process that requires introspection and honesty. Start by looking at the following list of values created by Brene Brown. Notice there is an option to add your own if something is missing. Try to narrow the list down to 15. From there, narrow it down to five. Finally, narrow it down to the three most essential to your being.

Fair warning: this is hard. There might be some you cross off that you feel guilty about deleting. However, it is important to be honest with yourself so you truly know what is essential.

After identifying your core values, taking the time to reflect on the process and your final values can be incredibly beneficial. Reflecting helps ensure that these values resonate with you and align with your daily actions and decisions. This reflection process not only solidifies your commitment to your values but also highlights areas where you can make more intentional choices to live in alignment with what truly matters to you. Some reflection questions include:

1. How does it feel to see your top three?

2. How did the process of this practice feel? Why?

3. In what ways do my daily actions and decisions align with my core values? Where do I see discrepancies?

4. What challenges do I face in living out my core values? How can I address these challenges?

5. How do my core values affect my relationships?

6. How have my core values evolved, and what experiences have influenced these changes?

7. Are there areas where I find it difficult to uphold my core values consistently? What strategies can I use to improve consistency?

8. How do my core values contribute to my sense of purpose and fulfillment?

9. How can I use my core values to guide difficult decisions or navigate complex situations?

10. How do my core values shape my future goals and aspirations? What steps can I take to ensure they align with my values?

Be sure to write your three core values on a piece of paper and place them somewhere visible. Continue to reflect on them regularly and see if they resonate with you over time. Along with this, share your core values with others. This can be a powerful way to connect, reinforce your commitment to those values, and inspire others to reflect on and share their own.

Mission Statement 

Once core values are identified, having a clear sense of purpose can be a game changer. This purpose is embodied in a personal mission statement. Having a personal mission statement offers several benefits:

• Clarity and Focus: It helps you focus on what truly matters, guiding your decisions and actions.

• Motivation and Inspiration: A clear mission statement can inspire you to strive for excellence and remain committed, even during challenging times.

• Consistency and Integrity: It ensures that your actions are consistent with your values, fostering a sense of integrity and trustworthiness.

• Professional Growth: Regularly reflecting on your mission statement can lead to personal and professional growth, helping you adapt and evolve in your career.

As you think about drafting a personal mission statement, reflect on your core values and be honest about what drives you. From there, just start writing. It doesn’t have to be perfect; this first round is just to get ideas flowing, and remember, no one needs to see these besides you. After you get a few ideas written down, see if there is one that resonates with you. Or maybe there are parts of a couple that you are drawn to. From there, try to write a mission statement. It doesn’t have to be fancy, and it can always be updated.

Remember to revisit your mission statement regularly to align with your evolving values and goals. Crafting a personal mission statement is not just a one-time exercise but an ongoing reflection that influences how you interact with your students, colleagues, and the broader educational community.

Be sure to check out the Bright Morning Podcast with Elena Aguilar, as she discusses the process of identifying a vision and mission for the year. 

Goals

Once you have clarified your essential values and have written your mission, it’s the perfect time to set SMART goals. SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Each component plays a crucial role in crafting goals that are clear, attainable, and impactful.

• Specific: Goals should be clear and specific. For example, instead of saying "improve student engagement," specify how you plan to do this, such as "increase student participation in class discussions by implementing a new interactive activity each week."

• Measurable: It's important to have criteria to measure your progress. For instance, track the number of students participating each week or the frequency of their contributions.

• Achievable: Goals should be realistic and attainable. Setting a goal to achieve a 10% increase in student participation over a semester is more manageable than aiming for a 50% increase.

• Relevant: Ensure your goals are relevant to your teaching practice and professional development. Focus on areas that will directly impact your effectiveness as an educator.

• Time-bound: Set a deadline for your goals to create a sense of urgency. For example, aim to see a 10% increase in participation by the end of the semester.

This goal-setting framework not only helps in clarifying our objectives but also ensures they are achievable and meaningful. To start setting goals, brainstorm specific, measurable outcomes that you want to achieve. These could be related to your teaching methods, professional development, or personal growth. Once you have a list, prioritize them based on their relevance to your mission statement and core values.

There are tons of templates available, but here are three from Canva that I like: 

Consider tracking your progress and adjusting your goals as needed. This not only keeps you accountable but also allows you to celebrate your achievements and learn from any setbacks. For example, if one of your goals is to implement a new interactive activity each week, you might track the types of activities used, student feedback, and participation rates to gauge success and make adjustments.

As you set and pursue your goals, remember that the process is as important as the outcome. Reflect on what you learn along the way, how your goals evolve, and their impact on your personal growth. This reflective practice ensures that your goals align with your values and mission statement, leading to a more fulfilling and effective educational journey.

Personal Board 

Lastly, having a personal board to help support your journey can make a huge difference. Just as a board of directors provides strategic guidance and oversight for an organization, a personal board offers support, advice, and perspective in your professional life. This board isn't a formal committee but a carefully chosen network of individuals who help you navigate your career, provide feedback, and keep you accountable. They can include mentors, peers, industry experts, and even friends who understand your professional goals and values.

Creating a personal board offers several benefits:

• Diverse Perspectives: Your board can provide different viewpoints, helping you see situations from multiple angles and make more informed decisions.

• Support and Accountability: Your board members can offer encouragement and hold you accountable for your goals, keeping you motivated and on track.

• Networking Opportunities: Your board can connect you with new resources, opportunities, and professional networks, expanding your horizons and potential for growth.

• Professional Development: Engaging with your board can help you identify areas for growth, develop new skills, and enhance your overall effectiveness as an educator.

When selecting members for your board, choose individuals who align with your values and mission statement and can offer valuable insights and support. Consider including colleagues, mentors, friends, or family members who understand your goals and can provide constructive feedback. Here is a template to help you think about who you might want to include: 

Regularly engage with your board to discuss your progress, challenges, and any adjustments needed to your goals or mission statement. This ongoing dialogue ensures that you remain focused and supported in your journey towards professional and personal growth.

Let’s Do It

Embracing a new season with intention and purpose can be incredibly rewarding. By identifying your core values, crafting a personal mission statement, setting SMART goals, and establishing a personal board, you lay the foundation for a fulfilling and impactful journey. These practices not only help you navigate a new season with clarity and focus but also empower you to lead a life aligned with what truly matters to you. As we step into this fresh start, let's embrace the opportunity for growth, connection, and joy, creating a meaningful path forward for ourselves and those around us.