I really enjoyed our aquatics workout yesterday.  Sandy did a great job!  Her enthusiasm was just what we needed.

I feel like there are some unresolved issues in the community and I felt as though there may be some unresolved conflicts between you.  My sense is that some of you are at different commitment levels than others and each of you may have a different understanding of my expectations of the community in regard to behavior and participation in the class.

I have spoken with several of you already, but please know, that my intention as an educator is to support and challenge each of you (myself included).  I want to see people learn from mistakes and grow.  I believe that some tension and dissatisfaction exists between some of you as the commitment level is different.  I hope that you will give each other the opportunty to talk about your feelings in a constructive and respectful way.

In the meantime, all I can do is be predictable and open with you, so here are my expectations.

1) Honesty: I expect people to be honest with me and each other.  If you miss a class, for example, I expect you to be honest with why you missed. 

2) Integrity and Responsibility: I expect that people will take responsibility for actions and own them.  So, if you make a choice, and it's one that has a negative impact, I expect that you will own it, accept responsibility, and make amends.  Responsibility means consequence.  Therefore, an apology is a good thing, but doesn't make up for the consequence for the behavior.  For example, I have worked with students in group projects where they all receive the same grade.  There have been times that a person has not put in the same amount of work and accepted a lower grade even though the rule was that everyone would get the same grade.  That is integrity to me: facing a consequence like a bad grade because it's the right thing to do.

3) Love: I expect that people will treat each other with dignity and respect and with good purpose.  I believe we should all look for the best in others and situations and seek to make the world a better place in all our speech, actions, thoughts, etc.  For example, gossip is not love.  It is not open and fair and does no one any good.   If the desire is to change a situation, then go to the person with a good heart and treat them as a human being not an object in your way.

4) Energy: I expect people to put forth their best energy and effort to the things they commit to.  If you signed up for Lifetime Rec, then make it your priority to spend quality time with each other in class and activities.  People who don't participate in the way they have committed to can have a negative impact on the energy of others.

5) Audacity: I expect people to take risks to make the world a better place.  For example, it's easier to avoid problems: it doesn't take time, it's not uncomfortable, etc.  However, unless you feel the pit of your stomach flutter and flinch, you are not being challenged and you are not making a difference.  I think we need to have the audacity to take time with each other and discuss our concerns and share our feelings.

6) Proof: I expect people to live up to commitments and prove their word every day.  Provide the proof in your actions.  Do what you say you will do.
(LEAP: Steve Farber's leadership characteristics from Extreme Leadership)

I'm glad that we had time to play together.  I noticed the Energy lift and our hearts were lighter.  We can have the audacity to talk through problems when we have fun and see each other through a lighter and different lens.

For this week's blog, feel free to comment on class.  We had a great discussion at the end of class in the pool.  Y'all talked about a few things to re-commit to each other.  Feel free to write any of your thoughts or reactions or commitments or take ownership for your actions....

You are such a great group.  It's such an honor to work with you and know you.