This fall, I almost talked myself out of two big requests.
Today we’re talking about the proposals we shelve before we even ask anyone.
Plus a free template to get your next one sent before Friday.
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OFF CAMPUS
💡 Clear is Kind: Why your tough conversations with teachers aren’t working
🤖 Your 2 A.M. Thinking Partner: Talk through any leadership challenge, any time of day
⏰ This Wednesday, Nov. 4: Danny and Conscious Discipline reveal the systems that keep school culture thriving. Claim your free seat
👻 Ghost Walks: A low-stakes way to kick-start teacher learning walks
A MESSAGE FROM ORCHARD
YOUR COUNSELORS ARE HEROES. THEY'RE ALSO OUTNUMBERED 372 TO 1.
No counselor can hand-build a plan for 400 students. Orchard gives every kid a personalized career plan without adding to anyone's plate, and shows counselors exactly who's falling behind, by grade, before senior-year panic sets in.
Scale your guidance without scaling your staff.
DO SCHOOL DIFFERENT
Ask Anyway: How to Avoid Playing Small
When the call for project proposals came this year, I went into full Play-It-Safe Principal mode.
I only submitted one: a new audio/video system for our gym.
We’re moving from a projector on a cart to a ceiling-mounted long-throw projector, mounted speakers, and a cabinet for amps, mics, and gear.
Way more fun potential for students.
I thought I was being considerate of others and of the need to share limited resources.
Under our district’s new model, every school draws from the same pot.
Then I caught myself.
A quick brainstorm with Digital Danny helped me rank my priorities and reimagine what our campus could be.
Two more major projects only had a shot if they were in the hopper.
Our staff kitchen. Students rarely see it, but our staff use it every day.
A modern, functional kitchen boosts morale and well-being.
Happy people do their best work, and they want to stay.
That’s a campus experience worth showing up for, from the adult side.
Our playground. We already have outdoor gardens, a skating rink in the winter, a forested play area, and ample playground equipment for the littles.
But we need playground improvements for our upper-elementary kids.
I’d like to see it grounded in outdoor education and Indigenous ways of learning.
That’s how we Do School Different.
So I submitted all three.
The outcome is still pending.
But my takeaway is that if you never ask, you’ve already answered no.
Asking takes courage, because you might hear a no.
It also confirms your agency and your hand in the decision-making.
Ruckus Makers lead with both.
Three moves for Monday
Surface your self-talk. Listen for the voice that says, “They’ll never go for it.” Then put that voice on the hot seat:
What am I assuming they’ll say?
What’s the worst that can happen?
What happens if I wait?
What would I ask if I knew they’d say yes?
Focus your proposal. Specific requests get answers. Start with one question: What’s the smallest version of this request? A pilot with one grade level. Twenty minutes on the next agenda. Pair your ask with an answer. A leader who shows up with the problem and a solution makes yes easy.
Just send it. A crummy first draft in someone’s inbox beats a polished one in your drafts folder. And what even is perfect, anyway? Grab my free 5-Minute Ask template and send yours before Friday.
APs, ask away
Your principal may be building a list like mine right now: projects, budget lines, PD.
Assistant principals often spot problems first, and a principal who is stretched thin welcomes a well-framed request.
Pick the project you want on that list.
Bring the problem, your solution, and the smallest first step.
Then ask.
Who’s got your back?
Asking gets easier with people in your corner.
In the Ruckus Maker Mastermind, peers help you sharpen your pitch, then check in the following week: What did they say?
My three proposals are still in the hopper.
So what’s sitting in your drafts folder right now?
SELFMENTORSHIP IN ACTION
The No Quota
Most of us keep score with yeses. This month, try collecting NOs.
Your goal: three NOs by the end of the month.
Aim high. Pick three requests you’d usually talk yourself out of: a bigger budget line, a guest speaker you admire, a seat on a district committee.
Ask anyway. Every bold ask earns a point, whatever the answer.
Keep score. Jot down the date, the request, and one thing you learned.
If you’re not hearing any NOs, your asks are too safe. And somewhere along the way, you’ll get a surprise yes.
SUNDAY VIBES
CLASS DISMISSED
Whenever you’re ready, here’s 3 ways we can help you on your Selfmentorship journey.
If your campus runs you instead of you running it, meet Digital Danny — your 24/7 Ruckus Maker coach. Start here.
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Coaching for the whole admin team: Danny just got back working with a principal and her four APs in Delaware. The goal was to build team cohesion, break down silos, and increase trust. Want that for your team? Reply to this newsletter and Danny will connect with you.
Keep Making a Ruckus,
PS … I hate icebreakers too
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