Today's Plan

A lack of routine begets a lack of consistency. After having such a wonderful tutoring day on Thursday, Monday's training session was entirely disappointing. For the first time, I dismissed my tutors early - letting them know that I thought everyone's time was being wasted. Today, they'll hear from me - something like this:

Yesterday was disappointing. Not because you spoke when I was speaking. Not because you were making negative comments to others. Not because you all ran late. Not even because I - your teacher and your boss - was called petty. My feelings about myself and this program extend beyond a single day. No one day will change what I feel about each of you and about the power that this model holds. Yesterday was disappointing because you made clear the low expectations you hold for yourselves - or, at least did yesterday. I hope that's not an indication of how you generally feel about yourselves.

The day I accept, without comment, you showing up late - I've indicated my belief that you can't be a good employee. The day I accept, without comment, you talking over your boss - I've indicated my belief that you can't show respect to others. The day I accept, without comment, your negative comments to each other - I indicate my belief that you can't be nice. The day I accept, without comment, any didn't or won't - I indicate my belief that you can't. And it's not true - I believe in can.

Every time a teacher gives you an A for a mediocre effort, they insult you. Every time an elder looks the other way when you're actin' a fool, they make a statement that you can't be a better version of yourself. If you think redirection or advice from adults is offensive, imagine what it means when it stops. It means they've given up - that they expect nothing else from you.

For that reason, I promise you this. What happened yesterday will continue to be unacceptable. I will be on your ass even harder than I was previously. The day that I expect behavior like you demonstrated yesterday is the day that I owe it to you to quit, to walk away. But, I can promise you three things. 1) I will maintain high standards. 2) I will let you know when you meet or exceed those standards. And 3) You will have earned it.

Yesterday was disappointing. Luckily, you get another opportunity tomorrow. See you at 4.

Thanks, as always, for reading.

Mark