Benjamin Hopper

Kara Lawson (@karalawson20) said, "Conflict is a pivotal part of a successful team." "You commit to one another, so, when there is conflict, you can move past it." Constructive conflict builds stronger teams. It leads to better decision making and relationships. (🎥@DukeWBB)

Five years to the day Barry Odom was fired at Missouri. Now he's one game away from the College Football Playoff. He started his press conference with reflection and emotion that everyone should hear. @unlvfootball "You pick yourself up. You dust yourself off and you go create more. "

Wow! Tom Brady may have just delivered the greatest quote I’ve ever heard. “To be successful at anything, the truth is you don’t have to be special. You just have to be what most people aren’t: consistent, determined and willing to work for it.”

"I'm done. I'm not chasing that anymore Lord. I want to play for You." Listen to this powerful message from @UKBaseball coach Nick Mingione (and his son Reeves) after punching their ticket to their first College World Series

Check out this funny little mathematician. When his request for one cookie is denied, he uses his growing number sense to see if he might find a quantity Dad will find more acceptable. And though it’s close to dinner time, Dad eventually relents and teaches him a new mathematical concept: fractions. This sweet video via clusk61 on IG.

A lot of the times we trust what we see and not what God tells us. When Caleb and Joshua professed in front of Israel that there were Giants in the land but they encouraged the congregation to take the land, they trusted what they could not see. I hope to be more like them.

Last week I finished reading this book. This book has assisted me to know where to begin building a leadership team and collaboration circles with staff members.

This past week I finished Leading with PEOPLE by @ZBauermaster This is a must read book for any leader! Thank you Mr. Bauermaster for sharing your experience!

When we measure data & statistics, we cannot measure the change we can make on a heart. It’s not just about numbers. It’s about seeing education as a tool for changing kids’ futures. When you reach kids’ hearts first, you’re in the business of changing lives! #multiplyexcellence

We're going for the @GWR World Record starting tomorrow at Pevely Elementary! 🏆👏 Send us all of your Mac & Cheese, please! ♥️🧀 #FoodDrive #5000Boxes #GoBlackcats @BlackcatMatt @kraftmacncheese @MrsCheney22 @KristynVall @DrAmandaBritain @DittmannTori @MichelleLiles @Mr_Dixon11

Just finished my 2nd book for this year. A key take away is feeding the positive no matter what circumstance you are in! I have used this book several times this week when talking with staff members and students. @JonGordon11

One of the best ways to make school a place kids want to go is by making it a place teachers want to be.

Positivity is a competitive advantage.

Education has become more politicized, and there is a growing tendency to denounce educators as the cause of the system’s problems rather than the solution.” 2/2

I just finished my first book for 2024 @SolutionTree One of my goals this year is to celebrate and honor the small victories I notice at school. A key take away from this book is, “Educators have never needed encouragement and expressions of appreciation more than today….1/2

In 2013, the Kansas City Chiefs were coming off a league-worst 2-14 season. The team was dysfunctional, the culture was abysmal, and the franchise was in shambles. Andy Reid took over as the head coach and everything changed. Reid's leadership completely changed the culture and transformed the team inside and out. He started to build trust, connect with players, and create a standard for how they would prepare and win. How Andy Reid's Leadership Changed The Chiefs Culture 1. He Treats People the Right Way - His players have always raved about how he treats you with respect and gives you the freedom to be yourself. Derrick Johnson said, "As soon as he walked in the facility, you could hear the confidence in his voice...We appreciated the way he conducted himself, the way he treated everyone like men. I remember the first team meeting we had, he jumped all-in and he never looked back." He changes the culture because not every leader will treat you this way. By doing this, he shows you the importance of respect, relationships, and connection. 2. He Builds Trust with Everyone - He asks his players and coaches for their feedback and your opinion. It doesn't matter if it's big or small, he wants to know what your gripes are because he cares about getting it right. He created a "Players' Leadership Committee" where one player from each position group can bring him any concerns or problems they have whether it's the food or the playcalling. This builds openness, trust, and shows everyone that he cares. It also shows he listens because he implements these changes for everyone to see. 3. He Gets Everyone Aligned - One of the biggest difficulties with any organization is getting people aligned to the same mission and goal. Reid refuses to have division and makes sure people know that it takes a collective effort. Former Eagles President Joe Banner said, "You're not going to have division under Andy...He's not going to put up with that for a second." Getting everyone aligned ensures a unified sense of purpose and direction. It maximizes efficiency, productivity, and performance. 4. He Gets Everyone To Buy In or They're Out - Andy Reid doesn't need to have final say or have it his way, but everyone needs to move in the same direction. If you aren't bought into the culture then you will be out quickly. Reid likes to give people second chances, but he wants people who are disciplined and willing to show up and do the work. He has cut high-profile players such as Terrell Owens and Marcus Peters because it didn't work out. Leading this way, emphasizes the importance of culture, accountability, actions, and attitude. It fosters responsibility and trust because you know what's expected of everyone. 5. He Focuses on the Details Because They Matter - He is known for his unwavering focus to details. His pre-game scripts are known for being able to prepare his team for different scenarios, game plans, and opponents. But the details also go off the field, like being on time to meetings and not wearing hats or hoodies to meetings. He believes it shows respect to the team and your will to prepare. This attention to minutiae enhances preparation and shows the value of doing the work. Growth happens in the details and leaders know that the small details make the biggest difference. 6. He Emphasizes Growth and Improvement - Reid is very aware that growth and culture are not static. They require constant investment in people and the team. Look at how he has evolved his philosophy and offense over time whether it is highlighting speed or bringing in new players to emphasize their strengths. Star players like Patrick Mahomes or Travis Kelce will even bring him suggestions of plays to install. This emphasis on growth and continuous improvement is crucial, as it not only elevates the team's performance but also sets a powerful example for the importance of adaptability and progress in any endeavor. “Respecting people is an important part of life, whether it's the person doing janitorial work or the person above you. It doesn't matter who you are: I'm going to respect you.” - Andy Reid - - - Follow @coachajkings for more posts like this!

Don't chase success. Decide to make a difference and success will find you. - @jongordon11