The first thing that comes to mind is Abraham Lincoln's quote, "If I had 6 hours to chop down a tree, I would spend the first 4 sharpening the axe". I think that this is one aspect of the habit; you have to be sharp. In an educational sense, we have to be at the top of our game when we work in education. Our job is to push and expand peoples minds, we have to be mentally sharp if we are to help take our students to the next level.
I think about Ian's quote of, "Tending to the garden". We have accomplished so much over the past weeks, learning how to improve ourselves and how to increase our influence with others. Now that we have completed all the work we need to ensure that it continues to thrive and grow. We need to ensure we do not become stagnant with our current state. As a leader we need to push ourselves and our staff and students on the journey to keep improving and learning.
Lastly I think about how a sharp saw is already sharp. There comes a point where you cannot sharpen a saw anymore. We need to be aware of when to switch from improving, planning, development and implement action. A sharp saw is no good if it's not used. If we have a PD about a new strategy give time to sharpen the skill, and then put a plan to implement the skill once it is sharpened. We are giving our staff and students skills, lets put them to use.
I think that everyday since the first day of this program my saw has been getting sharper and sharper.