Best for the group not individual

Superintendent’s Update

William Edwards Deming once stated, “It is not enough to do your best. You must first know what to do and then, do your best.”

Mr. Deming was, among other things, an electrical engineer, a mathematical physicist, an author and a professor of statistics. His teachings were based on four principles: Better design of products to improve service, higher level of uniform product quality, improvement of product testing in the workplace and in research centers and greater sales through global markets.

While his quote and these four principles related to the business world and the economy, I believe the same can be said in the field of education. We must first educate on the “what” to do and then second, try to inspire folks to learn “how” to give their very best effort in all that they do. Of the two, the second part is the toughest.

Some people are intrinsically motivated from within. These folks have an inner drive to do their best because it is the right thing to do. However, some people need an extrinsic motivation. A reason to do their best, a reason to do the right thing. Sometimes this can lead to a “what’s in it for me?” type of attitude rather than looking at how it is best for the “team” or the “group” rather than the individual. With the first group, many times you can teach them what to do, point them in the right direction, and then just get out of their way.

Abraham Lincoln once said, “I do the very best I know how, the very best I can, and I mean to keep on doing so until the end.” I am so appreciative of all the folks at Navasota ISD that do just that every day. They show up and they give their very best because it is the right thing to do!

#WeAreNavasota

And we are ALL IN this TOGETHER!

Dr. Stu Musick is the Superintendent of Schools for Navasota Independent School District.