Laura K Spencer, Ed.D.

Tag: laura spencer

  • Reflections on Resilience and Authenticity

    Reflections on Resilience and Authenticity

    I recently came across this thought-provoking quote on Facebook (no attribution) that resonated deeply with me:

    These words capture a truth many of us know all too well. While receiving acknowledgment for our efforts can be uplifting, it often oversimplifies the journey behind those moments of grace under pressure.

    People often say I’m a natural at public speaking and professional development. They don’t realize that beneath that exterior lies a naturally introverted person who grapples with anxiety. Balancing these public and private parts of myself is a continuous effort.

    When I reflect on my own experiences, I recognize how easy it is to project confidence while concealing the internal struggles that accompany it. Behind every composed exterior, there are sleepless nights, doubts, and the weight of expectations that can feel overwhelming.

    The trembling hands, the silent battles—these are parts of our story that often remain hidden. We tend to showcase our triumphs while keeping our vulnerabilities at bay.

    It’s important to foster environments where authenticity thrives. Let’s create spaces where we can share not just our successes but also our challenges—where vulnerability is embraced, and our collective resilience is celebrated.

    Because, in the end, every ‘you handled it well’ reflects a much greater journey of strength, one best shared together.

  • A Guide to Recognizing and Tackling Recency Bias

    A Guide to Recognizing and Tackling Recency Bias

    Are you falling into the trap of recency bias?

    Recency bias is basically our tendency to put way too much emphasis on what’s happened lately when we’re making decisions. I came across a blog post that explains the bias as basically focused on how our brains prioritize recent stuff. Think about it: in the workplace, this can mean totally overlooking someone’s awesome track record just because they messed up a few times recently.

    But here’s the deal: everyone has bad days, weeks, even months! Sometimes I personally feel like I may even be having a bad year… Life throws curveballs. Maybe they’re going through something personal, trying to figure out a new role, or just feeling a little blah about work. It happens to all of u!

    Before you freak out, take a step back and look at the big picture. Think about their entire performance history, what they’ve brought to the team, and their potential to grow.

    Ask yourself:

    • What’s their overall track record like?
    • Have they consistently been rad in the past?
    • What are they really good at? What are their weaknesses?
    • What kind of support or help do they need from you to get back on track?

    The best leaders I’ve known focus on helping their people develop and grow. When we look at performance holistically and see the potential of each employee, we truly create a work environment where everyone feels supported and can succeed.

  • Addressing Poor Performance: Reflect Before Reacting

    Addressing Poor Performance: Reflect Before Reacting

    Okay, let’s be real – we’ve all had that employee who just isn’t cutting it. You know, the one who’s missing deadlines, making mistakes, or just not pulling their weight. It’s incredibly frustrating, right? And it’s so easy to let those feelings get the better of you. But trust me, you really don’t want to do that. So before you even think about confronting them, take a deep breath and ask yourself: ‘How is this situation affecting me personally and professionally?’

    Now, I’m not saying you should sweep the problem under the rug. Yes, their underperformance impacts you too. Maybe you’re losing sleep over it, picking up their slack, or worried it’ll make you look bad. It’s okay to admit that – we all have a stake in the game here.

    I’ve definitely been there myself! I had a staff member not quite hitting the mark, and the frustration was building. And unfortunately, I let my own frustration get the best of me. Instead of taking a step back and understanding the situation from that person’s perspective, I jumped right into critique…Okay, it was really just criticism because I was so done at that moment. And not surprisingly, it totally damaged the trust we had built. Ugh!

    That experience taught me a huge lesson. Now, before I address any performance issues, I take a moment to reflect on how the situation impacts me personally and professionally. It’s not about ignoring the problem; it’s about understanding my own role in the situation and how my emotions might be influencing my perception.

    By acknowledging my own feelings, I can approach the conversation with more empathy and objectivity. It’s amazing how much of a difference that makes in finding a constructive solution and preserving the relationship.

  • Finding My Tribe in Bluesky

    Finding My Tribe in Bluesky

    There’s something magical about connecting with like-minded people, especially when those connections spark new ideas and reignite your passion. For me, that magic has been reignited on Bluesky.

    As many educators migrated away from Twitter over the past few years, I found myself missing those vibrant conversations and the chance encounters with brilliant minds from around the world. Sure, I had my local PLN (Professional Learning Network), but something was missing. That’s when I discovered Bluesky.

    Bluesky (bsky.app) is like a breath of fresh air. It’s a decentralized social media platform that feels both familiar and refreshingly different. The interface is clean and intuitive, and the focus is on genuine interaction and community building.

    Bluesky profile for Laura Spencer, Ed.D. with profile picture, follower/following counts, and bio highlighting her interests in design thinking, the Pacific Ocean, and K-12 educational innovation.

    What truly sets Bluesky apart is the ease of connecting with people who share your interests. It’s funny, I actually joined Bluesky quite a while ago, back when you needed an invite code. But honestly, it felt a bit like a ghost town then, so I drifted away. Fast forward to now, and wow, has it changed! It’s been incredible to see the platform come alive with familiar and new educator voices. Within minutes of rejoining, I was following inspiring educators, engaging in thought-provoking discussions, and rediscovering that sense of belonging that had been fading. It’s like stepping into a global staff room filled with passionate, innovative teachers.

    This experience has reminded me of the importance of looking beyond our immediate circles for inspiration and growth. As educators, we have a responsibility to be lifelong learners, and Bluesky provides the perfect platform for continuous learning and collaboration.

    But it’s more than just professional development. Connecting with educators from diverse backgrounds and experiences broadens our perspectives and helps us become more empathetic leaders. We learn to appreciate different teaching styles, understand the challenges faced by students in different contexts, and ultimately, create more inclusive and equitable learning environments.

    Ready to join the Bluesky community? Here’s how to get started:

    1. Download the app: Download the Bluesky app on your iOS or Android device.
    2. Create your profile: Set up your profile with a bio and profile picture.
    3. Find your people: Search for and follow educators you admire. Don’t forget to join the #EduSky community to connect with even more like-minded educators.

  • AI + SEL = More Empathetic Leadership: Join Me This Sunday!

    AI + SEL = More Empathetic Leadership: Join Me This Sunday!

    I’m thrilled to be a guest speaker this Sunday at “SEL Sunday—Our Monthly Online Professional Learning Community” hosted by Dr. Cynthia Sistek-Chandler of National University! Join us as we explore the fascinating intersection of AI and SEL, and uncover how these two powerful forces can work together to create more empathetic and effective leaders.

    In my presentation, I’ll be discussing the AI-powered tool designed to enhance communication and foster deeper connections within teams that I’ve been developing with Google Gemini. This isn’t just about improving workplace efficiency; it’s about cultivating a culture of understanding and emotional intelligence.

    Think of it this way: AI can analyze vast amounts of data, providing insights into communication patterns and potential blind spots. By integrating SEL principles, we can translate this data into actionable strategies for building stronger relationships, improving conflict resolution, and promoting genuine empathy.

    Here’s a sneak peek of what I’m putting together for my talk

    • Real-world examples: I’ll share a few stories of how AI-powered SEL interventions have transformed workplace dynamics.
    • Interactive exploration: We’ll engage in thought-provoking activities to experience the power of AI-driven SEL firsthand.

    My goal is for this presentation to offer valuable insights into the future of empathetic leadership in the age of AI.

    If you’d like to join the SEL chat this Sunday at 4pm PST, send me a message and I’ll get you the information.

  • From Self-Discovery to Team Symphony: Conducting Collaboration with AI

    From Self-Discovery to Team Symphony: Conducting Collaboration with AI

    In my last post, I shared my excitement about using personality assessments and AI to understand my team and myself better. Since then, I’ve embarked on a fascinating journey of discovery and growth. Remember how I mentioned using AI to analyze our different strengths and preferences? Well, things have gotten even more interesting!

    One of the biggest “aha!” moments came when I started using AI to analyze my communication styles. As a Storyteller-Guide, I naturally lean towards sharing anecdotes and offering guidance. However, AI revealed that some of my team members, particularly those with a strong preference for factual data and concise language, sometimes found my communication style a bit overwhelming.

    This realization was a bit of a wake-up call! I was initially a little disheartened, wondering if my natural way of communicating was hindering rather than helping. But then, I remembered the core principle of this whole exercise: understanding and appreciating our differences.

    So…with the help of AI, I started experimenting with different communication approaches. For instance, when presenting ideas, I am making a more conscious effort to balance my storytelling with clear action plans and post-meeting concise summaries (which AI tools like Fireflies have been so helpful in creating!). I also encourage others to share their perspectives, ensuring everyone feels heard and understood.

    The results have been remarkable. Not only have meetings become more efficient and focused, but I feel like there is a greater sense of collaboration and mutual respect. We’re learning to “speak each other’s language,” leveraging our diverse communication styles to achieve common goals.

    This experience has reinforced my belief that AI can be an invaluable tool for fostering growth and connection within teams. It’s not about changing who we are, but rather about using AI to bridge the communication gaps and create a more harmonious and productive work environment.

    I’d love to hear your thoughts! How are you using AI to enhance communication and collaboration in your own workplace?

    Let’s continue this conversation in the comments below!