We caught up with the brilliant and insightful The Power of Engagement a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
The Power of, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?
The Seesaw Effect is an inspiring book that explores the parallels between life’s ups and downs and leadership’s challenges. Drawing on personal experiences and in-depth interviews with successful leaders, the authors share valuable insights and practical advice for navigating the unpredictable nature of life and leadership, from dealing with setbacks and failures to seizing opportunities and cultivating resilience.
The Seesaw Effect offers a roadmap for anyone seeking to thrive in both their personal and professional lives. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, this book will equip you with the tools and strategies to embrace the journey and confidently lead. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and encouragement to overcome obstacles and embrace the journey.
Our leadership journey has been filled with great advice and life lessons. The areas of knowledge that have impacted our leadership journey are building authentic relationships, giving back to others through service, understanding that the only thing constantly changes, and navigating the seesaw effect. Some of the most effective strategies for managing the seesaw impact include:
Building solid relationships: Leaders who take the time to understand and connect with their followers can build trust and respect, leading to a more balanced power dynamic. Leaders can build strong relationships by actively listening to their followers, seeking feedback, and being open and transparent.
Prioritizing well-being: Leaders who prioritize the well-being of themselves and their followers can avoid burnout and other negative consequences of the seesaw effect. Leaders can prioritize well-being by encouraging self-care, promoting work-life balance, and being mindful of the impact of their decisions on their followers.
Practicing self-awareness: Self-aware Leaders are better equipped to recognize the impact of their behavior and decisions on the followers and the power dynamic. Leaders can practice self-awareness by regularly reflecting on their actions and seeking feedback from their followers.
Encouraging open communication: Leaders who encourage honest communication with their followers can create a positive and productive power dynamic. Leaders can encourage open communication by actively listening to their followers, being transparent, and promoting a culture of trust and respect.
Creating clear expectations: Leaders who create clear expectations for themselves and their followers can avoid misunderstandings and imbalanced power dynamics. Leaders can create clear expectations by clearly communicating goals and expectations, setting boundaries, and being consistent in their behavior.
Leaders can effectively manage the seesaw effect by building solid relationships, prioritizing well-being, practicing self-awareness, encouraging open communication, and creating clear expectations. By being proactive and considering these strategies, leaders can avoid the negative consequences of the seesaw effect and create positive and productive leadership dynamics.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
We engage as specialists, sharing approaches and best practices to help schools and communities achieve excellence. With over 40 years of experience, we are experts in culture and climate. Dr. Renee C. Meeks has over 20 years of experience in education and leadership. Her career has encompassed diverse roles such as classroom instruction, administration, and nonprofit leadership, all with the common goal of being a champion for others while promoting equity and inclusivity. As an engagement specialist, she trains educators using research-based practices. She serves on education boards and has received numerous awards for her work, including being named Memphis-Shelby County Schools 2023 Principal of the Year. She is also known for her practical advice and for building community partnerships. She enjoys sports, concerts, spending time with family, public service, and promoting college and career initiatives through the Exquisite Pearls of Excellence non-profit mentoring program.
Dr. Meeks earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Memphis, a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Freed-Hardeman University, a Doctor of Education degree in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, and a certificate in Women’s Entrepreneurship from Cornell University.
Dr. Tarcia Gilliam-Parrish is an esteemed educator and engagement specialist with 20+ years of experience in education. Tarcia is a prolific author known for practical advice and connection with educators. As co-founder of the Power of Engagement, she shares engagement strategies with educators nationwide. Tarcia champions equity and inclusivity in Education and has developed programs for diverse student populations. She provides professional development training and support to teachers and administrators, incorporating research-based practices and technology tools. She enjoys traveling, exploring cultures and cuisines, spending time with family, and volunteering in her community.
Dr. Parrish received a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Memphis, a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Freed-Hardeman University, and a Doctor of Education degree in Leadership in K-12 Administration from Bethel University. Dr. Gilliam-Parrish has received a certificate in Women’s Entrepreneurship from Cornell University.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Dr. Renee Meeks often says, “Life is a journey, not a destination. It is what you do while on the journey that matters most.” The following concepts are important when finding purpose. She implores these concepts to stay motivated, focused, and resilient while navigating the Seesaw Effect:
Adopt a growth mindset: Embrace the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through hard work, dedication, and perseverance. View challenges as opportunities for growth and learning rather than obstacles to be avoided.
Cultivate resilience: Develop the ability to bounce back from adversity, setbacks, or stress. Maintain a positive outlook, adapt to new circumstances, and persevere in facing challenges.
Set clear and achievable goals: Establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals. Track progress and stay focused, even when facing setbacks or distractions.
Practice self-care: Take care of yourself by engaging in activities such as exercise, meditation, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing hobbies. Stay energized and focused, even when confronted with challenges or setbacks.
Foster accountability: Hold oneself accountable for actions and decisions. Seek support from mentors or coaches, establish regular check-ins with colleagues, or maintain a journal to track progress and reflect on successes and failures.
By embracing these concepts, individuals can navigate the Seesaw Effect and achieve enduring success. While setbacks and challenges are inevitable, with the right mindset, tools, and support, individuals can maintain motivation, focus, and resilience while pursuing their goals and finding purpose.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Dr. Gilliam-Parrish often says, “Shift your mindset to enable a mental shift.” She considers this a golden nugget of advice from her mentors. Changing your thought patterns and perspective to create new habits that lead to a positive and fulfilling life.” The Seesaw Effect refers to the recurring pattern of ups and downs that we experience in life caused by multiple factors, from personal choices to circumstances beyond our control. It is the ebb and flow of our personal and professional lives, the natural rhythm of success that we all experience. The Seesaw Effect is not only essential to understand but also vital to embrace if we want to achieve lasting success.
The Seesaw Effect reminds us that success is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing process. It is not a linear journey but a series of peaks and valleys. Understanding this pattern can help us navigate the highs and lows of our lives with greater ease and resilience.
Growth, progress, and achievement mark the phases of advancement and enlargement. During these times, we feel energized, motivated, and confident. We set ambitious goals, take risks, and stretch ourselves beyond our comfort zones. We may experience rapid success and significant gains, which can be exhilarating and rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thepowerofengagement.com
- Instagram: thepowerofengagement
- Facebook: thepowerofengagement
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-power-of-engagement-114b461aa/
- Twitter: thepowerofenga1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrPVcXdhygL3b3FfV41Uojw
- Other: The Seesaw Effect Live Book Signing at Memphis Bookstore novel Event date: Tuesday, June 27, 2023 – 6:00pm Event address: 387 Perkins Ext. Memphis, TN 38118
Image Credits
Book Cover Design: Kylan Robinson, maximMedia (Atlanta, GA) Creative Director: Teanna Gilliam (Memphis, TN) Photos: Rod Williams (Memphis, TN)