Movie Connections - Chef

Recently, I managed to find time to watch a non-Disney movie (that opening line is for you guys - Andrew, Nick, and Zack).

Chef - written, co-produced, directed, and starring Jon Favreau.

Excellent movie. I loved it, and I highly recommend it (maybe you’ll find (make) time to watch it over the upcoming winter break)!

Photo via https://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielahpaulin/15298661249/

There were so many good lessons embedded within the movie, but there were five ideas that stood out to me as being related to our jobs as educators:

1. Love what you do

Previously, I’ve written entire blog posts about tips that help me continuously find joy in what I am doing - Don’t Go Down the Rabbit Hole (linked). We spend a large portion of our lives at work/working. And life is too short to spend so much time doing something that we don’t enjoy. So If you don’t love it, leave it (and find something else - no shame in change).

2. Autonomy and creativity

In-order to thrive, people need autonomy. They need the freedom to think for themselves, and make their own decisions. As Daniel Pink claims, this is one of three keys to unlock the motivation within us. Having autonomy allows us the opportunity to unleash our creativity.

3. Leadership

What kind of leader are you? Do you inspire others? If you left, would people want to follow you? Would your presence still be felt without you?

4. Power of Social Media

This is really simple. These are branding tools that can serve us well. So behave appropriately. Take the high road, and let certain things go; don’t engage in negative conversations. Things can go viral, quickly. And while our “digital native” children certainly don’t know everything, let’s not be ashamed to lean-on our kids when they may know more than us.

5. #DadsAsPrincipals

As much as possible, get your kids involved. Let them hear about your passions. Show them what you do; bring them into work with you, take them to your school’s events. Like I said, earlier, our jobs are a huge part of our lives; find the opportunities where our jobs can strengthen our relationships with our children.