CCISD Gold Star Leaders is a podcast dedicated to sharing our CCISD leadership beliefs and inspiring leaders at all levels to embrace their leadership traits, to positively impact this amazing school district. In this episode, Parr Elementary Principal Jennifer Buckels and Tami Pickett, the assistant director of transportation operations who embody a CCISD leadership belief that a CCISD leader has clarity of vision share more about their practices.
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Hello, team CCISD. Thank you for joining us for our staff podcast series. We're calling Ccisd Gold Star Leaders, a podcast dedicated to sharing our CCISD leadership beliefs and inspiring leaders at all levels to embrace their own leadership qualities.
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Speaker 1
I'm your host, Lindsey Hunt. And in the studio with me are two leaders who embody our first CCISD leadership belief that a CCISD leader understands culture starts with them. I want to start with a welcome to principal of Parr Elementary, Jennifer Buckels, and I also have Tami Pickett, the assistant director of transportation operations. Thank you both for being here.
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Thank you for
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You're welcome. I'm excited to be here.
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Okay. So we're going to jump in culture, it’s a big word with a lot of meaning and maybe a word that means different things to different people. One of our district goals is creating a culture of belonging. You may know. Yeah. So today we're going to talk about how to build a positive culture, how to create trust among a team and understanding the power of your why.
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All right. I'm going to get started
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Jennifer. All right.
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Why is culture important and how do you create a positive culture among your peers?
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Well, when I think about culture, I think about that place that I want to be like, What kind of place do I want to be in? You know, I want to be at a school where, you know, everything is positive. It's a happy place to be. You can walk down the hallways and people are telling you, Hi, good morning.
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Speaker 1
You know, we we have a really hard job being a teacher and working with kids. And so you want that culture just to be a place that feels like home, that, you know, is this place you want to be every day. Because some days are hard and you need to have that team around you in that place. So culture is just the feel of a building and of that workplace.
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Speaker 1
And so, you know that that's what I try to try to create on our campus. We feel like we do a really good job of that, you know, just and but it takes work. It's not just something that happens automatically and so, you know, it's hard to to to build that culture. But if it's important to you, it can totally happen.
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So, Jennifer, talk to me about how someone could take some simple steps to start building culture around them.
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Well, I think one easy way to start is with the relationships with people around you. So whether it's on your team or with your kids or with your students, you can really focus on building those positive relationships. And really to do that, you just need to be present. Just be there. Always be an example. You can acknowledge the good that you see, especially thinking about if you're on a teaching team and you see something that a teacher does, it's really cool.
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You know, just go tell them because sometimes we don't get enough. Thanks in this job because it's so hard. But if you say something amazing, tell somebody you saw what you saw and the good that you see, you know, ask about their family, show that you care about them, and then ask how you can help. Again, this job is so hard.
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Speaker 1
And so it's all about offering that support. And so I think if you you know, when you have that positive culture, you see that happening, you see people wanting to help others, recognizing the positive things that they see. I just think that's the easy way to start to build a positive culture.
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that's a really actionable. So. Tami. Yes, I mean.
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Yes, because it's not whenever you think of culture, you you think of family, because whenever you build it up as a family, people will want to come and not have to come, you know? And that's that's the difference. You know, that's the difference of of having a great culture, but also not just culture, having a great family, because you have to have a good work, family in transportation because we have to support each other so much.
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And if you actually take a take just a few minutes and learn a little bit about each other then and care and actually that makes a huge difference.
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We have and we hear a lot about the CCISD family and that that makes a difference and that support structure that's here in all roles at all levels really makes a difference in your
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You talked about.
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creating a place that you want to go.
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It really does. And, you know, when you think about, you know, that part about be an example, you know, and like Tammy said about caring, you know, and that is one of our core values. And so, you know, like that's how you can model those things, whether it's for, you know, adults or for kids, too, you know, because kids are watching everything we do.
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Speaker 1
And so when they see us, you know, even go to another adult, say, hey, how's it going? How's your day? Are you okay? You know, that is just being that positive role model and just, you know, help kids see that. look, these these adults here, they all care about each other, too. So, you know, just that we model it all the time whenever it starts.
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With caring. And you have trust. And that's, that's one of the things that I in the Transportation Department, whenever I actually arrived at CCISD there wasn't a lot of trust. And you have to trust each other to know that we have their best interests at heart and we actually not just them, but our students. Yeah. And I think, you know, our core core values are authentic.
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Based off of this conversation and. Yes. Citizenship, fairness, respect, responsibility and trustworthiness. Yeah. Those already. So, Jennifer, how do you feel that these values truly do support that culture and culture that we're creating?
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Speaker 1
Well, you know, we I when I first became an administrator, I was working at North Pointe and we were a national school of character. So moving to that campus and just learning all about our core values and those those character pillars, you know, really perfect for me because that's what I wanted to instill in my own children. And so, you know, even coming to a campus where that was important to instill in all the kids and just seeing the power that that that movement that we started because we were the first school, you know, back in the day that became that national school of character.
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Speaker 1
And so just seeing the journey of where our district then, you know, realized to the value of that, you know, we talk all the time about our kids and the future that they face and the world that they live in right now and all the the impacts of social media and culture that are not always positive for our kids.
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Speaker 1
And so just knowing that we have these core values that are helping our kids become that citizen, that good citizen, that we want, that productive citizen, that just all around good person and you know that I just had this conversation with the parent today that, you know, schools are not just about academics anymore. You know, it's about teaching those values to our kids so that they are successful when they they go out on their own.
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And so just, you know, when you have that positive school culture where those core values are at the core of everything that we do, then it just leads to success for everybody, for staff and students, because you're leading.
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by example. And then if they actually see you doing it, because one of the things is, is that we always need to do things even if nobody's looking.
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Speaker 1
Right.
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thing because people will always see you, even if you don't think so.
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Know,
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So, Tami, I know you mentioned building trust was really important and that that was something that transportation is working on. So what what approach are you all taking to building trust.
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Listening, Listening. Not just being there, but actually being there, being present, and letting them know that you're there not just for work, but if they need anything else to talk about. Because a lot of times, you know, like you were saying, there's a lot of things that's going on out there in the world. And just to let them know that you're there to help them no matter what, just a as a as an ear, just to talk about something.
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Speaker 3
You know, sometimes whenever you're having a bad day, if you're able to actually go in there and just let it out to some one person and trust them, that it's not going to go anywhere else, it's just going to stay right there. That's how you actually build trust and knowing that it's all confidence, no matter what confidential, no matter what, but letting them know that you're there for them, actually, they're for them.
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Speaker 3
And not just saying it, because a lot of times we get busy and we're like, okay, well, we'll you know, we'll help you in a minute, but actually being there for them as well, it is a lot of work. A lot of work, but it pays off because you're truly you are truly for them and for what you do.
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And if you actually can, you know your goals, you actually you set your goals. Everybody sees your goals. But if they feel your goals as well, not just see it, that's completely different.
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but they have an actual different outlook on what that goal actually looks like and feels or compassion for that for the students and for the district and for themselves.
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Speaker 1
So I think, you know, Jennifer's point about creating something, a place where you want to be, you know, that trust and that listening, I think, allows you to be able to do that. And then when it's authentic and coming from a place that's deeper and has a deeper meaning, then others start to feel it. And it has this organic growth and it's just a beautiful thing to see.
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Speaker 1
So we talked a little bit about modeling. I think we both. So let's dive a little bit deeper into why we think it's important to model and how that benefits our teams.
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Speaker 1
Yeah. I think, you know, it doesn't matter what position you have in the district where you are, what you do. We are all leaders and everything that we do. You know, so knowing that, that I'm a leader, so I'm going to grow myself and I am going to be the best that I can, I can be. And then when you become a leader, then your job is to help others grow and to help them reach their full, full potential.
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Speaker 1
Whether you're a teacher, whether it doesn't matter which department where you work, you know, we all have our leaders in those areas. So, you know, just knowing that we were having some conversations yesterday about the different types of leaders, you know, that you have your quiet, silent leaders and then you have your out your your leaders that really lead all.
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And so, like you can be a leader of yourself or you may be a leader of others. And so, you know, even if your personality doesn't lean towards that being leader of others, then just really growing yourself and doing your best work and your best job, which then others see that and then they're like, okay, I want to do that.
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You know, I want to be like that.
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self-reflect a moment what what is it about is it.
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Not afraid to actually just dive in and help anywhere. It doesn't matter what it is you're whether it is helping the custodial or helping washed busses or, you know, whatever it is, just not being afraid to step in and helping out where you can and letting them see you doing that, whether they actually see you or not, it doesn't really matter to me.
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Speaker 3
I know that I'm doing it and I'm hoping that they'll actually catch on as well. I mean, that's that's modeling to me. You know, And whenever somebody actually gets sick on the bus, not afraid to go out there and try to help them, you know, even nobody wants to do that. But yeah, actually doing that with them or somebody saying, don't take this, don't do that.
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Speaker 3
No, you're you're there to help everybody. It doesn't matter who you are. You know, you're there to help everybody.
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Speaker 1
I'm we have another podcast called CCISD to the Fullest. And we talk to all types of people within our district that going just above and beyond and and just being present, like you said, but knowing that we're all here together and the care home and that we're we're here to help and there's a great support system.
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Speaker 1
Well, And that's why I think this culture one is so important, because, you know, I when thinking about those Gold Star leader qualities, the first one is culture, because that one is the most important. Because if you don't have that culture, you're not going to be able to do the rest of the things on the list. And so, you know, I think, you know, thinking about all that you said, yes, like that, that is key in that you don't matter where you are, what you do, you're responsible for the culture around you and you are you know, how you act impacts the culture.
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And so, you know, you may think, well, I just do this or I just have this job. It's not that important. But you are impacting all kinds of people and you are contributing to the culture of the group that you work with and so that's why it's hard because sometimes, you know, it's those those few negative people that sometimes do impact your culture.
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Speaker 1
And so knowing that there are, you know, those challenges sometimes that you face with the team or, you know, whatever that so if you can just keep modeling and be that example, it does rub off, you know, it truly does. And so I'm always saying there's a lot of energy vampires out there. There are. I love that term. Yes, But we actually have to stay positive.
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Speaker 1
Yes. Yes. Yeah. You do point earlier that the positivity making sure that that is positive. And of course, we are going to have negative moments, things. Yes. Maybe taking more of a solution based. Yes, in a positive.
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Speaker 1
one to make a difference in the situation. Hopefully the positive. Okay. We're going to go back a little bit. So, Tami, I want you to reflect on kind of your journey with CCISD or even before CCISD. And I want you to share maybe some tips that you would share with your newbie first year work self.
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So when it comes to culture and building it.
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I would actually invest in yourself, grow yourself more, and not just in. You need to look outside the box, grow yourself always continuously at the very beginning, I was I was too wrapped up in looking at policies and procedures and making sure everything which is No, that's great. Don't get me wrong. Yeah, but you have to actually grow yourself, have to look at how you can become a better leader, what you can do.
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Speaker 3
Some of those things actually came a few years later, you know. But I think that always growing yourself is very important and and just never don't be afraid to take risks and look outside the box and push yourself, push yourself to better yourself so you can better others. All right.
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Speaker 1
Jennifer, what about you.
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Speaker 1
No, I do agree, you know, that growing yourself because sometimes you don't know what you don't know. When you go into that, you know that that role or that new position, you know, I think back I was fortunate to where I was. The AP is where I got to become the principal. So I just got to continue the work that had already been created for me.
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Speaker 1
But then four years into that journey as a principal, I got moved to a new campus. So that was my opportunity to really, really look at the culture, look at the data, what do I need to do for this campus? How do I grow this campus? And, you know, I don't know that right at that moment I realized how important the culture was because you go in and you take academics and we've got all of these things to do, but then, you know, I had to kind of step back and go, okay, that's not going to get me where I need to be.
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I need to really focus on the culture. I wish I had done that from the get go. And, you know, and I was coming in prior to COVID. And so that just, you know, threw things for a loop. But, you know, I think just knowing that wherever you go and where you start, you start with a culture first, because you have to have that culture right before you can do all the other work that you want to do.
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Speaker 1
And so I think I did, I did. I did some of that, but they did it side by side with some other things where if I had just focused on that first, then we might have moved faster and, you know, got to the places that we that we're at now, maybe sooner. But, you know, there's always a reason and there's a path.
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Speaker 1
And, you know, when we know better, we do better. And so but yeah, I think culture is always where you want to start. It's just always that's the beginning place. So.
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share some ideas for inspiring others.
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Speaker 1
I think always sharing your why is important why we do this. You know, we talk about that a lot on our campus. You know, always look for the greatness and others before they see it in themselves. I think that's a big one. You know, we talked about that earlier. Just, you know, giving those compliments, finding those things, those positive things that are happening, happening either on your campus or in your department.
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Speaker 1
And just like Tammy said, being positive. I mean, that one really in the face of negativity. And there's just a lot of there's a lot of negativity, whether it's sometimes it's not from us, it's from those outside places. But you know, that we just have to to be positive. And and I think another one, you know, is always used as experts around you.
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Speaker 1
We have such a huge network of people and and resources we were fortunate to be in in a district like CCISD that has I know exactly who I can call when I need help. And, you know, I always get the help that I need. So just there are a lot of resources and, you know, I can pick up and pick up the phone and call transportation.
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Speaker 1
I can pick up the phone and call safe and secure and, you know, whichever department, I need help. And there's someone there always ready to give it and to give me that support. So you know, I think that's that's key, just using your resources.
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Speaker 3
agree with that. I do.
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Speaker 1
So we're nearing the end of our time together. It's always too short. But tell me what what closing thoughts would you want to share with our listeners today?
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Speaker 3
Don't be afraid to take risks to help others. Always help others along the way, because your people are leaders and they're put in a place to build others no matter what. And you want that legacy or whatever, not just yours, but your team's legacy. Because it's not just you, it is your team. Yeah, You know, and whenever to me, I always have.
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Speaker 3
There's there's one picture that I always go back to that has a picture of your team and it says, you know, a boss stands out, but a leader you can never pick from, from the group.
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Speaker 1
So, Jennifer,
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Speaker 1
the parting words.
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Speaker 1
Well, I love that we're talking about this. I think culture is just like we said earlier, it's the number one on that list of Gold Star leader qualities because it is the most important, because this job is all about people. And when I think of culture, I think about people. And it's how we treat people and how we want people to feel when they're in our building or whatever.
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Speaker 1
But, you know, and just thinking about.
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Speaker 1
Being that leader and being that model and that example. So it makes me think of this quote that I read that said leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact last in your absence. So I know for me as a leader, you know that one day when I'm not on my campus and, you know, I've decided to retire, that, you know, I know that that culture that we've created will continue and that is that impact that I want to make, that I want that positive culture to continue after I'm gone, that that it's that strong and and that it's just a foundation for for all that
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Speaker 1
that happens on our campus. But I think everyone has that potential to leave that lasting impact. And whatever you do in wherever you are to make that place a better place because you were a part of it.
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Speaker 1
Jennifer Tami. Thank you for spending time with me today. I know as leaders you are positively impacting lives and the environments of your teams that you are present and that it's felt in your departments and on campus. So
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Speaker 1
I'm inspired by our conversation and I know that our listeners will be as well. So our listeners, I'm going to leave you with a quote and a question by author and inspirational speaker Simon Sinek.
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Speaker 1
And he's quoted saying Leadership is not about being in charge, it's about taking care of those in your charge, which I think is just wonderful.
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Speaker 1
He's also quoted and saying, What's your purpose? What's your cause or your belief? And he challenges those to take time to reflect on that question, to discover their why, to look for the greatness in others before they see it in themselves, and to understand that great leaders set out to make a difference and not just be a great leader.
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Speaker 1
Thanks for listening. We'll be back again soon to discuss our next CCISD leadership belief. Intentional focus on the work. Take care.