We often talk about risk taking and mistake making. But I wonder what we really mean when we say such things.
I just recently uttered such words during parent-teacher conferences. But, because of my approach to grading, I was able to frame it a bit differently.
“I suspect John has always gotten A’s. I suspect he has all A’s right now. I suspect (know) he will have an A in here at the end. And I suspect that he will continue to get A’s from here on. So, he will get an A, and now that that’s outta of the way, let’s just take some risks; let’s stretch ourselves; let’s make mistakes. The worst that can happen is better.”
Let’s. Let us. I chose these words very intentionally. John’s risk is my risk. His stretch is my stretch. His mistakes are my mistakes. Better here is a shared responsibility. How is it my risk? I might fail to support him. Learning and teaching are messy affairs. And if I am going to ask better of him, then I have to ask better of myself. And in that, I risk making some mistakes. Better isn’t good. Better is a commitment. Better expects mistakes. But better also requires reflection. And from there, better continues.
Let us risk better together.
Happy Wednesday, all.
Do. Reflect. Do Better.
Well said!! I see it as: if you don’t make/take risks, you risk never achieving your maximum potential. Combining what you and I said, maximum potential comes from making mistakes, learning, and reflecting. The biggest lessons I’ve had have been from the unexpected and that has allowed me to grow in ways I didn’t imagine. I wouldn’t be me if I hadn’t taken risks and used the consequences (good or bad) to grow. Thanks for always teaching me Sy 🙂
Kaila! Thank you for chiming in, kiddo. Hope you are well.