Accelerate Your Performance
530 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★★ - 29 ratingsAccelerate Your Performance is a weekly podcast hosted by Dr. Janet Pilcher, Managing Director of Studer Education and author of Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Every week, Janet highlights tactical and actionable strategies that leaders in educational organizations can hardwire to meet successful student, service, and people outcomes. Listen now, and you’ll see why it’s ranked by ListenNotes in the top 5% of podcasts worldwide.
As she introduces a variety of pivotal leadership practices from the Nine Principles ® Framework, Janet underscores the importance of seamlessly integrating each practice to deliver positive and impactful results. For each leadership practice she introduces, Janet provides a solid foundation and then collaborates with coaching experts to dig deeper and demonstrate its practical application. Janet also interviews leaders and partners who excel at the tactics to hear about their implementation journeys, hurdles they’ve faced, and their notable achievements. To bring it all together, she offers a broader perspective on leadership, interviewing guests about a diverse array of topics on their paths to achieving organizational excellence.
Follow for weekly insights and actionable strategies to accelerate your performance and become your best at work!
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Episodes
Stop Placing Blame
May 16, 2022 08:00 - 11 minutes - 7.64 MBHave you ever positioned yourself in a positive light while delivering difficult news or information at the expense of another colleague or department? Has a coworker ever done this to you? Placing blame in the workplace can subconsciously erode the organization’s culture. It can create lose-lose scenarios for all the individuals involved. However, when modeling positive and respectful communication instead of placing blame, you can set an example and expectation for how to interact in your ...
The Power of Collaboration
May 09, 2022 08:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBJoining us in today's episode, we have two superintendents representing two different school districts in the same county. The way these school systems partner together to help serve children is an example of the power of collaboration and mutual support. They are models in terms of how they collaborate and work for the community, and as you will see from this episode, they truly make decisions in the best interests of the students and the families they serve. Listen now as the Superintenden...
Why it's Important to be an Owner of Your Work
May 02, 2022 08:00 - 8 minutes - 5.69 MBHave you ever worked with someone who did the minimum just to get by? Maybe you've even heard someone say "That's not my job." These are examples of people not owning the work. To be our best at work, we must be owners of our work. When we own our work, it builds confidence, and it positively impacts our colleagues as well. In this episode, Dr. Janet Pilcher shares key characteristics of those who own their work as well as tips for living this idea out in the workplace. This episode address...
Build a Culture of Continuous Improvement
April 25, 2022 09:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MBHow can we do better? That is the question that drives a culture of continuous improvement. It involves listening to people and taking an authentic look at the data on how the organization is performing. It involves accountability in measuring the important things an organization values. That's how our guest in this episode puts it as he speaks about his journey to building a culture of continuous improvement in his school district. Today, Tom Livezey, Superintendent of Oakridge Public Scho...
Let Your Leaders Lead
April 18, 2022 08:00 - 8 minutes - 5.79 MBDo you ever feel reluctant to give the people you lead big challenges? How do you know when it's time to push an employee out of the nest to allow them to grow as a leader? When we step back, we can give our people a chance to problem solve, shine, and build a sense of ownership. In this episode, Dr. Janet Pilcher shares powerful leadership lessons from a former park ranger. Listen as she references an article written by this former park ranger who offers leaders five tips and discusses why ...
Stay the Course
April 11, 2022 08:00 - 24 minutes - 17.2 MBClarity in focus is critical for organizations to stay on track in challenging times. As you'll see, our guests today are shining examples of staying the course amid uncertainty and change. In this episode, Dr. Kelly Thompson and Jeff Petersen from Muskego-Norway Schools in Muskego, Wisconsin join us. Kelly serves as Superintendent in the district, and Jeff serves as Assistant Superintendent of Continuous Improvement. Muskego-Norway Schools has consistently improved in parent satisfaction an...
Build a Sense of Belonging
April 04, 2022 08:00 - 10 minutes - 7.07 MBBelonging is essential to human beings. Psychologists rank our need to belong on par with our need for love. People need to feel like they belong at work. This is more important than ever in workplaces, especially following the disruptions many of us have experienced due to COVID. We don't see our co-workers as often, and sometimes we may feel excluded. Our colleagues may feel like that too at times. In this episode, Dr. Janet Pilcher shares practical actions leaders can take to help create ...
Make Way for Improvement
March 28, 2022 08:00 - 25 minutes - 17.4 MBThe work of continuous improvement is a journey. It requires commitment and hard work, the results of which can be so powerful, as the story of our guests in today's episode attests. In this episode, the Superintendent of the Estacada School District, Ryan Carpenter, joins us, along with Studer Education Leader Coach, Dr. Kathy Oropallo— or Kathy, as we like to call her. Ryan and Kathy recently co-authored a chapter in Teaching Improvement Science in Educational Leadership, which they will ...
Rethinking Teacher Preparation Programs
March 21, 2022 08:00 - 12 minutes - 8.6 MBThe landscape of the educational system is continuously changing-- and particularly so right now. Across the country, there is a struggle to fill the demand for teaching positions in high-need areas. As today's guest puts it, it's calling us to unthink and rethink teacher preparation programs. In this episode, Dr. Sarah Miller, Director of Partnership and Student Services for TeacherReady, joins us to discuss the impact of alternative teacher credentialing and what she and the TeacherReady t...
Creating a Culture of Recognition
March 14, 2022 08:00 - 15 minutes - 10.6 MBExpressing sincere appreciation to others for great work is a culture changer. It boosts morale and motivates others to continue their great work. It increases engagement. Rewarding and recognizing people takes little time, and the impact is significant. In this episode, Dr. Janet Pilcher talks about the power of sincere appreciation and discusses how we can establish recognition systems in our organizations. She also shares ideas for rewarding and recognizing others -- how it can look and w...
Champions for Improvement
March 07, 2022 09:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBAchieving excellence in an organization is a journey that requires commitment, constant effort, and reflection on where you are and where you need to be. It requires total commitment to the work of continuous improvement. This topic will be front and center at the upcoming 2022 Carnegie Summit. As our guest in this episode puts it, the summit brings together "champions of improvement" from across the country, offering an opportunity for leaders to share their learnings with one another. In ...
Analyze Impact to Accelerate Forward
February 28, 2022 09:00 - 18 minutes - 13 MBThe academic year is in full swing, and now is also the time leaders are beginning to plan and budget for 2022 and 2023. What actions can leaders take to set themselves up for a successful next school year? What areas are especially important to analyze before springing forward? In this episode, Dr. Janet Pilcher and our guest, Leader Coach, Amy Fowler, join us to answer these questions. Listen as they discuss how leaders can harness their learnings over this past year to make even more prog...
The Power of Reward and Recognition
February 22, 2022 00:00 - 18 minutes - 12.5 MBIt's been a time of monumental change that has presented many challenges at work for leaders. With more on people's plates at work in these uncertain times, it's more important than ever that leaders recognize and appreciate members of their teams for their good work. Reward and recognition is timeless. It never gets old. It's fuel that helps keep people motivated and engaged at work. In this episode, listen as Dr. Janet Pilcher explains why now is a great time to revisit Episode 50, Incre...
Build Culture Through Authentic Leadership
February 14, 2022 10:00 - 20 minutes - 14 MBWhen leaders are authentic, it helps build a culture that is inclusive. It helps foster an environment where employees will feel free to also be authentic. Our guest in today's episode is a shining example of this. In this episode, Dr. Heidi Eliopoulos, Superintendent of the School District of Altoona, joins us to discuss the importance of authenticity and the impact it's having in her district's culture. Listen as Dr. Janet Pilcher asks Heidi to share what the other biggest difference maker...
Communicate with Precision
February 07, 2022 23:00 - 7 minutes - 5.22 MBIs your communication clear and concise? In this episode, Dr. Janet Pilcher references an article written by Bill Murphy in Inc. Magazine, titled, "How Emotionally Intelligent People Use the Mark Twain Rule to Become Exceptionally Persuasive: Let me Get to Point". As Janet reflects over the key points in the article, she offers us three things to consider as we craft messages that will help us communicate more precisely, clearly, and effectively. This episode addresses questions, such as...
Harness Your Superpowers of Culture and Communication
February 03, 2022 10:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MBSpring is just around the corner, and now is a great time for leaders to recommit and recommunicate what matters most to finish strong this school year. Our guest today shares how you can harness your leader superpowers of culture and communication to create a great experience for students, families, and your team the rest of this school year. Listen as Dr. Janet Pilcher and Leader Coach Tim Wyrosdick discuss practical ways leaders can activate these superpowers. This episode addresses que...
Balance the Heart and Mind to Thrive at Work
January 31, 2022 10:00 - 14 minutes - 9.9 MBIt can be a balancing act to achieve and sustain results over time while also remaining emotionally, mentally and physically healthy. That's especially true in challenging, uncertain times. Taking care of ourselves while working toward our goals will help keep us motivated in our work. In this episode, Dr. Janet Pilcher shares 9 tips for creating a better heart and mind balance to help us thrive and be our best. This episode addresses questions, such as: How can I spend the first 15 minu...
Essential Components of Healthy Workplace Cultures
January 27, 2022 10:00 - 14 minutes - 9.77 MBAn organization with a strong and healthy workplace culture is where you are likely to find employees who are engaged at work and find purpose in the work they do. But how do leaders shape a positive workplace culture in challenging, uncertain times? In this episode, Dr. Janet Pilcher and our guest, Dr. KK Owen, discuss simple actions leaders can take to help create healthier workplace cultures and define one thing leaders must do to start. This episode addresses questions, such as: What ...
How to be Proactive at Work
January 24, 2022 10:00 - 7 minutes - 5.55 MBBeing proactive at work increases our sense of purpose in the work we do and helps build self-confidence. When we come to work focused on being positive and happy, we persevere to overcome any obstacles that come our way. It feels good to have a take-action attitude. It also has a positive impact on our relationships at work. In this episode, Dr. Janet Pilcher discusses the qualities of proactive leaders and how cultivating more of this spirit can impact workplace culture for the better. T...
Lead Boldly and Authentically
January 20, 2022 10:00 - 15 minutes - 10.7 MBIn a time of change and uncertainty, it is more important than ever for leaders to communicate with authenticity and to live that out every day. In this episode, hear the second part of our two-part interview with Dr. Lisa Herring, Superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools. In this conversation, Dr. Janet Pilcher asks Dr. Herring to share about the greatest challenges she has faced as a leader and how she stayed motivated during those times. Listen as Dr. Herring also shares about the charact...
Be Happy at Work
January 17, 2022 09:00 - 9 minutes - 6.77 MBWe spend a lot of time at work for our jobs. It's worth spending our time there being happy. So what if we're not feeling happy in our jobs? As our host, Dr. Janet Pilcher, explains in this episode, we can take action to manage our happiness at work, and we are in control of our happiness. Listen as Janet shares practical moves we can make to help us focus on being happier at work. This episode addresses questions, such as: What actions can I take in my interactions with colleagues to he...
Strategic Moves for Impact
January 13, 2022 09:00 - 19 minutes - 13.2 MBThe past 22 months have brought ample challenges for leaders across the country. Schools leaders have all had to make difficult decisions. Staying connected to our purpose can help keep us fueled with passion during difficult times. Our guest today models this so well. In this episode, Dr. Lisa Herring, the Superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools, joins us for a candid conversation about overcoming challenges, while still moving forward and innovating. In just under a year and a half on t...
Be Curious
January 10, 2022 09:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MBCuriosity opens up our minds and connects us to one another. Curiosity in the workplace breeds creativity and ideas. It is essential and will help us reach new heights, no matter what our position. In this episode, Dr. Janet Pilcher has a conversation with the new producer of the Accelerate Your Performance Podcast, Mary Stackhouse. Through the experiences Mary shares about her path from TV news anchor and reporter to her current role as Creative Content Analyst, we're reminded of the value ...
New Year, Positive Mindset
January 06, 2022 08:00 - 11 minutes - 7.77 MBIt's a new year. Let's make a conscious choice to have a positive mindset in 2022. People who have positive attitudes are healthier, happier, and more productive. They are more likely to develop deeper relationships, overcome challenges, and achieve their goals. Strengthening our mindset starts with being positive even in the most difficult of times. In this episode, Dr. Janet Pilcher challenges us to shift to a positive mindset. Listen as she shares tips on how we can shift our minds to fo...
The Best Gift We Can Give
December 13, 2021 09:00 - 5 minutes - 4.07 MBTime is the most valuable thing we have. It is precious. How we spend it is important. We can't get it back. Because of that, it is also the best gift we can give -- to those we work with, to our loved ones, and to our friends. In the spirit of the season of giving, let's consider how we can be more intentional about spending quality time with others. In this episode, Dr. Janet Pilcher challenges us to get creative. Listen as she shares ideas for making memorable experiences with others as w...
Getting the Groove Back
December 09, 2021 09:00 - 14 minutes - 10.3 MBAs educators, our role is to help students learn. However, we often end up learning a lot from our students. The last 22 months have challenged us to connect with and engage with our students more intentionally, as both educators and students have all felt more stress. In this episode, Student Orchestra Director Christina Clark Frierdich joins us to share about overcoming challenges, finding creative opportunities, and staying fueled with purpose in difficult times. This episode addresse...
The Winning Mindset
December 06, 2021 09:00 - 11 minutes - 8.13 MBFor many of us, the holiday season represents time with family and friends, great food, and football. Coming off the heels of the biggest week of college football rivalries, Dr. Janet Pilcher turns her attention to her team, Florida State University and their long-standing rival, the Florida Gators. She looks to an article written about FSU quarterback, Jordan Travis, who has endured hateful commentary from the outside world, including fans. Listen as Janet shares some powerful takeaways we ...
Using Student Voice to Help Shape District Plans
December 02, 2021 09:00 - 15 minutes - 10.6 MBStudent voice and perspectives isn't just a 'nice-to-have'; it's a must-have. Students have experienced a lot of change and stress over the last 21 months. As school districts plan for the future, it is essential we hear from students and include them more intentionally and deeply. As our guest, Leader Coach Gayle Juneau-Butler explains, using student focus groups for strategic planning has become a key part of the process for the partners she works with. In this episode, listen as Dr. Janet...
The Danger of Victim Mentality
November 29, 2021 09:00 - 10 minutes - 7.51 MBWe've all done it at one time or another-- felt sorry for ourselves about a situation at work that feels out of our control. Maybe it's a challenging project we've been assigned, or perhaps it has seemed like other divisions are given more resources or attention. Perhaps it's feeling sorry for ourselves because it seems that other voices at work are heard more often, and it feels difficult to get an opinion in. This kind of thinking can lead to a victim mentality if we're quick to blame som...
Finding Purpose Outside of Work
November 18, 2021 09:00 - 17 minutes - 12 MBAs the season of gratitude is quickly upon us, we are focused on sharing stories of purpose with our listeners. This week, Coach Support Analyst, Whitney Patterson shares how she was called upon to discover a purpose outside of work in an unexpected way. Dr. Janet Pilcher and Whitney discuss what she's learned from the experience and what others can do to find a little spark in their lives. This episode addresses questions, such as: Why is it so important to step out of your comfort zone?...
Reflect to Overpower Hate
November 15, 2021 09:00 - 8 minutes - 5.9 MBStart your week by preparing your heart and mind for the upcoming holiday season. As we get closer to Thanksgiving, it's important to focus on our connections with people and stretch ourselves to practice loving kindness. Today, Dr. Janet Pilcher reflects on her recent experiences and leads listeners through a loving kindness mediation to break the barriers we feel inwardly and outwardly. This episode addresses questions, such as: What does loving kindness look like for you? How can you s...
Find Your Pack & Find Your Voice
November 11, 2021 08:00 - 18 minutes - 12.5 MBTo become a first-choice University requires winning the hearts and the minds of young people. While this is no easy feat, Universities are filled with untapped talent and resources. That's what our guest, Dr. Tressa Kelly, the First Lady of the University of West Georgia, realized quickly after getting on campus. As a result, an incredible project was born to benefit future students and build on the history and story of UWG. This episode addresses questions, such as: What is the role of ...
That 'Blah' Feeling
November 08, 2021 08:00 - 8 minutes - 6.16 MBIs it burnout? Exhaustion? Disengagement? It's a feeling people can't quite put their finger on or understand exactly why. Lately, it seems difficult to feel motivated or joyful. If you've recognized similar feelings in yourself, you're not alone. Organizational Psychologist, WorkLife podcast host, and NYT author, Adam Grant recently published an article that describes the unsettled, aimless, empty feeling many people are experiencing. Using this article, our host, Dr. Janet Pilcher, helps u...
Changing Education through Improvement Science
November 04, 2021 08:00 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MBHow can improvement help us solve complex challenges in schools? Executive education leaders from across the country came together last week to answer this very question. After an energizing What's Right in Education conference, Dr. Janet Pilcher and Dr. Pat Greco came together to reflect on the impact of bold leaders in education. Despite a stressful year, people in districts are overcoming incredible obstacles one small step at a time. Hear about bright spots in education who are making im...
Commit to Excellence: Be the Best
November 01, 2021 08:00 - 10 minutes - 6.93 MBBeing bold doesn't necessarily mean big, it means to consistently do the things that make the most difference. Bold leaders understand the strategic direction, big aims, and what the institution is striving to become. Bold leaders continuously strive to be at their best and help those around them be their best as well. As Dr. Janet Pilcher reflects on What's Right in Education, she reminds listeners to never lose the purpose of helping students be their best. This episode addresses question...
Critical Communication in Times of Crisis
October 21, 2021 08:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MBCan you imagine combining the first day back to school during a pandemic with a raging wildfire threatening students, employees, and the entire community? This is exactly what Estacada School District experienced in September of 2020. As district leaders switched to a crisis response model, people found new and innovative ways to stay connected, make decisions quickly, and cascade information to community members. Listen as Superintendent Ryan Carpenter shares the most important communicatio...
How to Collect the Student Voice
October 18, 2021 07:00 - 7 minutes - 5.06 MBWhat about the students? What are the effects of 20 months of disruption on them? Young people are feeling more stressed than ever before. Their lives are difficult to understand for adults. We often think about how students are feeling from our adult lens, yet they don't have the adult experiences we've gained. How do we really know how our students are feeling? This episode addresses questions, such as: How can school leaders gather input from students? Why do students need us to list...
Using Local Culture to Improve the Student Experience
October 14, 2021 08:00 - 15 minutes - 10.9 MBEmbedding the context of local culture into classrooms results in a more successful, memorable experience for students. It's likely that your community has a rich culture and history, much like Lac du Flambeau in Northern Wisconsin. Today, we revisit an interview with Lac du Flambeau School District Superintendent Dr. Larry Ouimette. During this conversation, we discuss how the local Native American Ojibwe Tribe is an integral piece of Lac du Flambeau's history and the ties between its schoo...
Break Down the Disconnect Between School Leaders and Teachers
October 11, 2021 07:00 - 11 minutes - 8.01 MBWhy are teachers choosing to leave the profession at even higher rates than before? Teachers have a great passion for helping students learn, yet the stress has increased and teachers aren't feeling heard. Today, Dr. Janet Pilcher discusses why there is a disconnect between school leaders and teachers, and what administrators can do to get teachers to stay. This episode addresses questions, such as: Why are teachers leaving the profession at such high rates? How can we build better conne...
Focus on the Fundamentals to Improve
October 07, 2021 08:00 - 17 minutes - 12.2 MBChanging the culture of an organization doesn't happen overnight. However, when leaders focus on the fundamentals to build trust a positive culture can emerge. Today's episode revisits an interview with Dr. Pat Greco, who shares how the School District of Menomonee Falls stayed 8 months ahead of other districts. Leaders communicated the measures that matter and decision rules to all teams to ensure every employee could own their work and do what is best for students. This episode addresses ...
When It Comes to Change, Less is More
October 04, 2021 08:00 - 11 minutes - 7.91 MBBeing a leader of an organization is never easy. Not to mention leading an organization that is experiencing constant change in relatively unpredictable times. Today, Janet shares three important suggestions to apply 100% of the time to best manage change. This episode addresses questions, such as: What usually goes wrong when leaders are managing change and what should be done differently? How can reduce employee anxiety as change initiatives are implemented? Why does connecting employ...
Define Values to Guide Your Decisions
September 30, 2021 08:00 - 15 minutes - 11 MBOur school systems, leaders and educators have role-modeled tremendous resiliency since March of 2020. Despite the challenges the pandemic has brought, there have also been bright spots and bold leaders encouraging their teams to thrive. Today, we revisit a conversation with Tea Area Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Lowery, to highlight the difference their district makes by leaning on its values and focusing on its entire community. This episode addresses questions, such as: Why is it so impo...
Bold Leaders, Bold Decisions, Bold Results
September 27, 2021 08:00 - 6 minutes - 4.21 MBBold leadership isn't about a position. Bold leaders use their hearts and minds to make a difference in the lives of others. Our profession calls on you to help young people realize their hopes and dreams - that is where educators find purpose. Bold leaders focus on the right small things that make a difference for employees, students and their communities. In this episode, hear how our host, Dr. Janet Pilcher, recommends you connect to purpose through continuous learning and improvement. L...
Save Time with Proactive Communication
September 23, 2021 08:00 - 23 minutes - 16.6 MBHave you ever felt like you're running around your organization putting out fires? Today, Superintendent Ryan Carpenter, Estacada School District shares the communication tactics his team has in place that help him feel less like a firefighter. You'll also hear how these decisions were deeply rooted in data and continue to be analyzed on a consistent basis. As a result, people in Estacada are jumping ALL IN on the decisions its school district is making. Listen as Janet and Ryan discuss why ...
Ask Yourself These 5 Questions
September 20, 2021 08:00 - 12 minutes - 8.61 MBWe all know that a leader's behavior has a significant influence on the employees of an organization. Great leaders are reflective, have self-awareness and are connected to the people they serve. On the other hand, bad leaders often cause employees to seek out another work environment. How can we become the type of leader that contributes to building an inspiring workplace? To answer this, Dr. Janet Pilcher shares the 5 Questions Emotionally Intelligent Leaders Ask Themselves Every Day, writ...
Hiring the Right Principal
September 16, 2021 08:00 - 20 minutes - 14.5 MBHiring a High School Principal is a can't-miss situation. Due to decreases in qualified applicants for these positions, one school district found a unique way to find the best candidate. Joining Janet today is Sand Creek Zone District 49, Superintendent Sean Dorsey, who shares how to hire boldly and authentically engage staff and students through challenging times. This episode answers questions such as: How can organizations find top talent when hiring pools decrease? What characteristi...
Sending Hope to Louisiana
September 13, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 5.07 MBThe northern gulf coast is home to millions of residents who are no strangers to natural disasters. Today, Dr. Janet Pilcher reflects on our education partners who have suffered tremendous damage due to Hurricane Ida. The storm has brought major loss to the students, employees, and community members of Fletcher Technical Community College and Nunez Community College in southeastern Louisiana. Should you feel moved to do so, here are some ways to donate to support the students of these two ...
Tackle Student Learning Gaps
September 09, 2021 08:00 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MBEnsuring learning progress despite disruptions to learning has been no easy feat since the pandemic began. However, at Erwin Middle School leaders worked together to decrease student absences by over 40% and decrease the number of F's and incomplete assignments by 51%. Today, Principal Dr. Angela Bush joins Janet to share how her team continues to close the academic achievement gap and move students forward. This episode answers questions such as: How can we tackle student learning gaps? ...
Do What's Right for Students
September 02, 2021 08:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MBThe skills that students need to be successful after school ends are rapidly changing. What it means to be career-ready tomorrow, will look different in 2025. To best support students for the future, leaders and community members in Oak Ridge School District have made a collective commitment to advance their strategic plan and include a focus on college, career and life success. Listen as Dr. Bruce Borchers shares how his district aligns its Portrait of a Graduate from Pre-K to Graduation us...
How to Dodge Those Silver Bullets
August 30, 2021 08:00 - 13 minutes - 9.05 MBAre you trying to find the next silver bullet solution? Or are you focused on evidence-based leadership and improvement practices? Focusing on the next shiny silver bullet will often lead to organizational chaos. Today, Janet shares another way leaders can prepare their teams for change and build leadership capabilities to improve organizational systems. This episode addresses questions, such as: How can we best manage constant and continuous change? What are the fundamentals needed to m...