This summer, I had an opportunity to fulfill a dream of holding a conference in Orlando for educators (and to my surprise even health care professionals). I drove down early to give myself a day to have some fun, relax a little if I could, and then prepare for the upcoming first day of the conference…4 days of professional learning.
I went to brunch at the Boathouse in Disney Springs where they had this amazing piano player and singer performing. While I was eating my filet mignon sliders, out of nowhere, my heart started to beat a little harder and tears came to my eyes as I heard the piano hit the first few notes of “I Can Go the Distance ” from the Disney film Hercules.
I will find my way if I can be strong
I know every mile would be worth my while
When I go the distance, I'll be right where I belong...
The notes literally struck a chord with me and the realization that all of the hard work, countless sleepless nights, and pure passion had brought me to Orlando to collaborate with colleagues. It was an amazing and very overwhelming moment!
Recently, I heard this song again, and it made me think that I should share some things that I learned while working and playing with these amazing participants at the conference.
5 Top Things People Want from Professional Learning:
More collaboration
Opportunities to dream
Practical protocols that are relevant
Open space for ideas and creativity
Care and compassion
Several years ago, I had the opportunity to hear the former Head of Innovation and Creativity at The Walt Disney Company, Duncan Wardle, speak. He talked about concepts to ID8 (ideate) and INOV8 (innovate) and that we should use a technique of “twisting it” to brainstorm. We should use what excites us. Sound familiar?
It reminded me of my recent experience. Duncan says we should find opportunities to work on a project or job that sounds “audacious’ ‘. Ask yourself if you can pull it off. Let’s go the distance, find ways to reach our dreams through passion and interest.
I Learned 5 Useful Tools to Innovate from Duncan Wardle:
1. Work on the right thing
His example was the United States space program spent time working on a pen for space where other countries had astronauts use a pencil.
2. Gather insight in weird, deep, and normal ways
Find unusual ways to gain the insight that you need and from a variety of people (especially the underused).
3. Think differently
Be in an educational growth mindset
4. Do rapid prototyping
Get it done!!!
5. Plan it out
Vote with your heart and map it out.
If an idea or solution sounds ridiculous or unreachable, I would say that is what you should probably be working on. I have felt that way before and sometimes still do when I am trying to find time for my passion or develop an idea. The song from Hercules hits me so hard with emotion because it reminds me about the journey, going the distance, that makes it all worthwhile. In the end, it is the countless nights working on a dream, the people that I meet along the way, and the struggle that I overcome to make it all happen.
See You Real Soon,
Erin
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