Welcome to the Wolff Learning Blog!
Team
The #WolffWay
W- Work ethic
O- Off time
L- Lead with integrity
F- Find your passion
F- Find a way
Leaders are only as good as the individuals who make up their team.
It’s time for me to acknowledge the power of teamwork. Teams help us find ways to make positive changes in our lives, organizations, and the environments in which we live.
For me, sports taught the value of teamwork. As a player, coach, and referee, I learned that different people bring unique strengths to the table. Most have strong ethics, but all have a role to play. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by a great team both personally and professionally.
Allow me to begin with our Human Resources team. We have three M's and a J—Megan Buck, Mary Alice Kearns, Maya Tigue, and Jillian Klocko—who make exceptionally strong contributions every day. Each brings a range of strengths to the table and activates them as needed. Not only do I benefit from their individual skills, but so does every employee of the Scranton School District. They invest in themselves. They work together as a team. They even laugh at my jokes when I’m not funny. It really works well.
Our team also holds down the fort when I’m at a conference or event. Over the past few weeks, I attended two conferences—one at the University of Virginia and another in Chicago for an Institute for Education Innovation (IEI) event. The IEI event was particularly satisfying. I met district leaders from all over the country and listened to Superintendents and former Superintendents who have faced the same challenges we face in education. It’s interesting—school district leaders from across the country often face very similar issues. One company in particular may even provide an opportunity for our district to invest further in our people. I’m excited about it. Helping others is the name of the game.
I’ve had these opportunities because I’m part of a team with a leader who values education and investing in people. Thank you, Dr. Keating.
I cannot overstate the value of getting out, listening, and learning from others. It doesn’t matter what field you’re in—making connections, discovering new solutions, and bringing back fresh ideas benefits everyone. You may return with something you can use. Or you may hear about something that doesn’t work for your team, but it sparks a new idea anyway.
Get off the porch. Meet new people. Learn new things.
I’m able to get off the porch because of the support of my wife, Molly, and our families. Molly holds down the fort at home while I’m away. She keeps the train moving and holds everything together during tough times. Thank you, Molly!
Quality teams work hard, live with integrity, and find ways to get the job done. I’m extremely grateful for the teams I’m part of in my life. If you’re not part of a quality team, consider being the change you want to see—or join a new team.
Either way, you got this.
