Sometimes my inspiration for a new blog post comes from educational websites, sometimes from personal conversations, and sometimes from news articles in the local paper.  I also read other blogs to gain inspiration.  That’s where this one came from — I recently read a post from a teaching colleague that motivated me to create my own short list of Star Wars Wisdom.

For those of you unfamiliar with my passion for Star Wars I should tell you that it is truly one of those past-times from my youth which has extended into my adult life.  I get just as excited for the next Star Wars movie as I was for the last one.

As we close out another school year and head into the summer break it seems like a fitting time to discuss some important leadership lessons that I’ve learned over the years — and how Star Wars shares some of this wisdom:

Find a Mentor

Jedi Master Yoda was a great mentor to many Jedi including the iconic Luke and Obi-wan.  To become a great Jedi Knight one must LEARN from a great Jedi Knight.

An effective leader is always in search of great wisdom.  One finds enlightenment from personal experience but also from wise mentors.  Surround yourself with others from whom you can learn.  Never be afraid to seek the teachings from those who have walked a similar or different path.

The Dark Side is Not All That It Appears To Be

Yoda clearly warns us that “Fear is the path to the Dark Side”.  The Dark Side can sometimes appear more powerful … more successful … more immediately gratifying to ourselves and to our perceived needs.

Do not be fooled by the allure of easy success or deceitfulness.  Following the Dark Side eventually leads to pain and suffering.

It’s Never Too Late to Make the Right Choice

Even Darth Vader eventually came to realize that the Light was better than the Dark — It’s never too late to change.

The great thing about K-12 education is you always get another chance at a “Do-Over”.  If you find yourself becoming more enlightened, perhaps seen new evidence that has caused you to rethink your path … it’s never too late to change.  Do not be afraid to try something different!

“I Have A Bad Feeling About This”

One of the most used and quoted lines from the movies, this phrase has found itself in many comical scenes where our heroes find themselves in a bit of a jam.

If you find yourself in one of those “Oh, oh” moments and start to think that “This is the worst it can get” … you’re wrong.  It can always get worse.  Learn to trust your gut and plan, plan, plan your way to a better outcome.

Be Loyal and Trustworthy

Luke, Leia and Han – faithful to each other to the end.  They came together by happenstance in the first movie, and found that they were stronger as a team than as separate Resistance fighters battling the formidable Empire, Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine.

Let’s not underestimate the power and influence of friendship, loyalty and trust —  traits that we work to instill in our students through the many leadership opportunities within our schools and broader community.

Hope Leads to Change

• Hope is the foundation for the possibility of change.
• Hope is what we depend on when we dream of a better tomorrow.
• Hope energizes and unites us.
• Without hope there is no positive pathway forward.

 

Never underestimate the Force …

And never underestimate the power of a Positive Perspective, the Mindset to Learn and the Wisdom to Change. 

May the Force Be With You … both Now and into your Future