In a Minute Industry facts, figures & fun

In a Minute

10 CHARACTERISTICS LEADERS NEED

Executive leaders share some common traits: the ability to inspire and align others around shared objectives, an agile mindset and a robust understanding of the overall business, to name a few.

While these core qualities have withstood the test of time, it is also true that different times call for additional skills. So, what does effective leadership look like in times of COVID-19? What new qualities should leadership embrace to navigate a world spinning off its axis? 1. Strong, inclusive and inspiring 2. A strategic vision 3. Flexible and able to manage change 4. Principles and able to lead by example 5. Resilient and capable of managing adversity 6. Innovative 7. Decision-maker 8. Efficient and results-oriented 9. Collaborative 10. Communicative and a good listener

Read more: www.iese.edu/standout/c-suite-leadership-skills

Tidbits & Trivia

Glaciers and ice sheets hold about 69 percent of the world’s fresh water.

A whale’s low frequency sounds can travel up to 10,000 miles

Dentistry is one of the oldest professions in the world.

The hottest chili pepper in the world, the Carolina Reaper, is 200 times hotter than a jalapeno.

Sources: bestlifeonline.com, journeynorth.org, pepperhead.com

National Celebration Days

July 18 Ice Cream Day July 20 Jump Day Aug. 1 Friendship Day Aug. 9 Book Lovers Day Aug. 16 Tell a Joke Day Sept. 1-30 Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 20 Queso Day Oct. 5 Teachers Day Oct. 6 Coaches Day

Crisis Talking Points

In school PR, crisis happens. This section takes a look at sample talking points for various crisis scenarios.

SCHOOL LOCKDOWN

• An incident (name incident) has taken place near (school name). • (School name) has been placed on lockdown. • We are cooperating and working closely with law enforcement to provide our complete support in every way possible. • Our first priority is for the safety and well-being of our students, their families and our staff. • We have met with local law enforcement, and their initial assessment is that this incident, at this point, is of low risk to the school. • Resources will be available to respond to students and parents as needed. • Every (district) school has established a safety plan and lockdown procedures that contribute to maintaining a safe learning environment for our students. In the wake of this incident, school personnel will be reviewing those plans and continuing our ongoing relationship with law enforcement to ensure we do everything we can to maintain the safety and security of our students.

Go to TSPRA Document Vault, accessible through your member portal, for more talking points & inspiration.

Grammar Time

MEDAL, MEDDLE, METAL & METTLE

Medal (noun) refers to a flat piece of metal stamped with an image or design, like a badge on a police officer’s uniform, a medallion on a New York City taxicab, or a service medal awarded to a member of the armed forces.

Meddle (verb) means to interfere or to handle something without permission. People who meddle try to have an influence on activities that aren’t their responsibility. Metal (noun) refers to a substance, such as copper or tin, that is generally hard and often has a shiny surface.

Mettle (noun) means courage, boldness, spirit or grit.

Examples

On the last day of class in fourth grade, Cindy received a perfect-attendance medal from the school principal.

Wisely, the queen has refused to meddle in state affairs.

The blacksmith hammered the metal flat. Gus began in a quiet, modest way, but soon demonstrated his mettle.

Source: www.thoughtco.com

FREE RESOURCE LIBRARY

One of TSPRA’s benefits of membership is a free online resource library of hundreds of sample documents from school communications professionals around the state. You can find anything from talking points and parent letters to procedures, graphic design inspirations and more. Connect to the Document Vault through your TSPRA member portal. Log in and click on the logo towards the bottom of the page. This link will take you to a Google Drive, which you will need a Gmail account to access and search files. In the search field at the top of the webpage, type in what you’re looking for (crisis, flyer, arrest, return, closure, middle school, etc.) and hit enter. You’ll be able to view and download any resource you need.

If you’d like to share one of your documents, simply email it to Tracie at tseed@tspra.org.