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Change the Way You See EverythingFor educational publishers, the past decade has brought about some of the most sweeping changes any industry has ever seen. As communication technologies have improved, subcontracting and strategic partnerships have become much more common and in some cases necessary to remain competitive. In 2002, the passage of the No Child Let Behind Act (NCLB) prompted companies to retool the product development process and redefine their relationships with teachers, administrators, LEAs, and SEAs. Finally, the emergence of new content delivery methods such as websites, ebooks, gaming systems, and handheld devices has reinforced the axiom "content is king," and changed the way publishers view their assets. The companies that have managed to succeed throughout this turmoil are those that have been able to adapt to this new environment, those that are led by what Kathy Cramer and Hank Wasiak refer to as "asset-based thinkers." "Whenever there is a paradigm shift that changes the game, it requires a very profound shift of mind for individuals to excel in the new order," says Cramer. Those people who focus their attention on the opportunities rather than the problems of the new day tend to be the ones that come out on top, she said. Cramer and Wasiak are co-authors of Change the Way You See Everything, a book that is part picture book, part self-help manual, and part philosophy text. They will be presenting the opening keynote address at AEP's Summit in June, helping attendees understand how asset-based thinking (ABT) can "build enthusiasm and energy, strengthen relationships, and move people and productivity to the next level." According to the authors, becoming an asset-based thinker requires three phases of change. 1) Change the Way You See Yourself When faced with a major shift, "an asset-based thinker will discipline himself to ask what talents he brings to the table. If I love to learn, if I'm not afraid to ask for help, if I'm resilient, I will probably be OK," says Cramer. A deficit-based thinker will focus on all the reasons why he is not equipped to handle this new day. 2) Change the Way You See Others Whereas a deficit-based thinker may view others as a nuisance or a threat, someone exercising ABT will welcome outside resources that will help them face the change. These may come in the form of someone who is ahead of the game in this particular field or someone who is facing similar challenges and handling them in effective or unique ways. 3) Change the Way You See the Situation According to the book, an asset-based thinker will focus 80 percent of their attention on opportunities and 20 percent correcting what's wrong; a deficit-based thinker will do the inverse. ABT also involves assessing the situation realistically. "Asset-based thinkers create aspirations associated with the new day, but know their limits," says Cramer. "They won't set out to bridge gaps that can never be filled."
Questions, ideas, or in need of more information? Please contact Stacey Pusey at 302-295-8349. |
For more about ABT, read Kathy Cramer's interview with tompeters.com To find out how ABT can be applied directly to you and your business, plan on attending the opening keynote session at the Summit, June 11 at 9 a.m.
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© 2011 The Association of Educational
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