Overcoming Obstacles: From ‘Yes, But’ To ‘Why Not?’ and ‘How Can We?’
Channel: k12online
Date: 2015-10-26

This is a presentation by Dr. Scott McLeod, from Ames, Iowa, USA, for the 2015 K12Online Conference. Follow Scott on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/@mcleod

Whenever any sort of change or innovation is discussed, the ‘Yes, but…’ objections are inevitable. However, instead of allowing those resistance points to dominate and defeat promising ideas, teachers and administrators can reframe opposition into possibility by asking the questions ‘Why not?’ and ‘How can we?’ Effective educators focus on adaptation, forward progress, and collective effort and efficacy. The ‘yes, buts’ don’t do anything except keep us stuck. Too often we get mired in negativity and defeatism instead of recognizing that – both individually and collectively – we usually have the ability to do and be so much more than our current reality reflects. This keynote focuses on transformative leadership mindsets and features exemplary schools from around the world that are ignoring the ‘yes, buts’ to make amazing things happen for children and youth.