400 hiring managers reveal when it’s okay to lie on your résumé.

I’ll admit the headline was intriguing even as I was recently reviewing my own résumé.  The study conducted by Checkster, a talent recruitment company, was intended to pull back the curtain on the hiring process.  What was revealed was pretty insightful.  Of the 400 applicants polled, 78% misrepresented themselves in some form or fashion:

• 60% claim mastery in skills in which they are not masters
• 50% claim longer tenures at jobs to omit an employer
• 45% falsify reasons for leaving a prior job
• 42% make up relevant experiences
• 41% alter titles, such as “manager” to “director”
• 39% claim a degree from a more prestigious university

What I found even more compelling was the reaction from hiring managers.  In the same study, some 400 hiring managers were also polled and two-thirds of them said they would hire liars anyway, when other good candidates are not available.  What they won’t tolerate is faked references, which they say is the worst thing an applicant can submit.  By the way, 43% of applicants in this study conceded they have or would fake references.  Hiring managers are most understanding about inflated GPAs. Nearly all (92%) said that they would still consider hiring someone who had increased their GPA by more than half a point.

I decided to dig a little deeper on this topic and defaulted to one of my journals I review occasionally.  As luck would have it, in October 2019, the Journal of Applied Psychology included an article entitled “Liar! Liar! (when stakes are higher):  Understanding how the Overclaiming Technique can be used to Measure Faking in Personnel Selection.”  Purportedly, this is a first of its kind type of study.  What the researchers found was that those who “overclaimed more during their job applications also tended to engage in deviant behaviors and demonstrated poorer performance on a task they were hired for.”

I’ve been thinking about character and integrity a lot this week and wrestling with how we balance the pressure to perform with the reality of limitations.  As leaders, if a team member has oversold himself or herself what should your response be?  As these studies we’ve just reviewed might suggest, it depends.  And therein lies one of the hard parts about this job and so many others.  There’s an ancient proverb that says “a half truth is a whole lie.”  There is also a part of me that knows if you don’t trust those who are tasked with coaching you up you will most likely fake the part.  Here’s some friendly advice on this day of amor – if you cut the stems too short on the flowers just own it; don’t wedge them in a vase too small so they stay tall and suspended.  Sooner or later they are going to fall down…

 

I was reading today about search engine optimization (SEO) which is actually quite fascinating even if you’re not a digital marketer.  For example, the title of this post may have nothing to do with its contents (it does, sort of) but it now shares space with some 1.1 billion results.  Genius!!!  Well almost except for the fact that through a series of complex algorithms my site would rank very low on the search results page(s) so you would probably need to toggle to the end of the 1.1B to find it.  In honor of this Sunday’s big game, I went to Google Trends and found this cool data visualization chart:

Turns out “Superb Owl” is also trending right now and spikes around game time 😊 (which is 5:30 PM CST for those who really wanted an answer to the opening question).  My household bleeds purple, first TCU then the Ravens.  Our alma mater gives us way more opportunity to hemorrhage than the Ravens, especially this year when Lamar and Company owned just about everybody until they got owned by the Titans, and more specifically Derrick Henry.  But even if you’re 8-8 at least you can have the biggest yacht in Miami right now – Go Jerry!  Inspired by the Super Bowl, I searched for famous football coach quotes and wanted to pay my respects to the Cowboys at the same time so I went with a fedora and a winner – Tom Landry that is:

“Setting a goal is not the main thing.  It is deciding how you will go about achieving it and staying with that plan.”

We talk a lot about improvement plans as blueprints for success, and whether they are developed out of compliance or commitment.  They are by design a constant work in progress and must be monitored and adjusted as new information becomes available.  Jack Welch, former CEO of GE, is often cited for his “change before you have to” advice.  And any plan with a purpose must be executed.  The Ravens learned this lesson the hard way with their one-and-done postseason.  But they’ve assembled arguably one of the best teams and they’ll bounce back.  Coach Landry would most likely agree – “I’ve learned that something constructive comes from every defeat.”  We’re in the second half of this school year which in some ways starts to feel like the playoffs.  The days get longer, the stakes get higher, and the demands seem to multiply.  Now is the perfect time to revisit your core beliefs and remind those around you about the strategies that have elevated the work and will help to sustain the progress.  And if you’re not watching the big game this weekend in Texas, here’s the most popular Super Bowl food in every state!

Around this time last year I journaled about the family trip to the Pacific Northwest and the wonderfulness of it all.  By my own estimates, I was the only one who could one-up me.  I tried this holiday season and while my probability was low, my effect size was quite large!  My tested experiment that skiing in negative degree temperatures with 30 mph winds gusting could prove as blissful as eating chocolate popcorn in a one-of-a-kind, state-of-the-art, movie theater, proved false.  That driving across only three states with dog in tow would be easy peasy might prove to be the case if you’re talking about the 2.5 hours it takes to go from New Haven, CT, to Boston, MA, via Providence, RI, not when your starting place is Texas and you head west.  And seeing snow for the first time this season quickly loses its charm when you’re seeing it parked on a shutdown interstate because you got caught in the winter storm your wife told you was coming three days before you set out on your journey.  Trust me, the hour you get back from Mountain Time doesn’t make it any better when you arrive before 7 pm because your day started 15 hours before!

I was reading this morning in one of my subscription journals and it shaped this entry while reminding me of a recent experience.  The American Educational Research Association (AERA) produces several publications and one that dates back to 1972 is Educational Researcher (ER).  Its latest edition, a special issue, is entitled “Randomized Controlled Trials Meet the Real World:  The Nature and Consequences of Null Findings.”  Who can resist a cover to cover read after that gem of a title but as a bonus carrot I’ll share some of what you’ll find when you click this link:

“Because we know the probability values and the effect sizes, we can estimate standard errors of the effect sizes…the standard error of the difference between two estimates is the square root of the sum of their squared standard errors.”

So I’ll admit the editors of ER probably aren’t too invested in clickbait or cliffhanger headlines and to dedicate an entire volume on research that well, proved nothing substantive seems a little much.  For context, and more to the point I need to get to quickly :-), time and time again educational interventions are evaluated in an ocean of existing influencers and making meaning of any one “thing” often is unlikely.  Thus, the estimated impact seems little to none; the experiments produce null findings.

At church this past Sunday while everyone was standing during the opening hymn a young man walked in and immediately drew attention to himself.  He couldn’t have been more than 20 years old, had a disheveled appearance, and then started hugging each person he approached.  When he got to me I said something along the lines of “I have no idea who you are but I guess bring it in” as I became new hug friend #5 or so along our back row.  My wife was next as were a couple more while the ushers looked on confused, so much so that my wife took the young man and planted him next to her in an open seat.  She partnered with him so he could see in the hymnal as we finished “Lord of the Dance” (I’m not making this up!) and then guided him through the reading of the affirmation of faith.  Then, as we prepared for offering, we got the 411 from the 5-0.  As our visitor was escorted out by the police officer, it reminded me as we had just recited who shall come to judge the quick.  In a badly designed experiment, my null hypothesis that day was that people who come to church dress the same.  I had to reject that hypothesis and was left with more questions than answers.  I was left with null findings that taught me once again when it comes to people, we may never know the full story but we should always be willing to have our theories challenged.  Some of the best findings can be those we have yet to consider…

This past Tuesday during our monthly school board meeting a middle school teacher gave testimony as part of a larger presentation on instruction to students learning English as a second language.  You knew instantly when she began speaking she had a message worth hearing and by the end of her speech she received a standing ovation.  I’m not talking about the polite gesture folks engage in out of compliance and being nice, where it’s that domino effect when one person stands, then another, then another, slowly but surely until everyone is standing only to sit back down.  I’m talking about a shared response that timed its immediacy with its enthusiasm.  She was just that good.  I don’t want to draw too much attention to her but for those familiar with navigating our website I can’t stop you from checking out the video.  The body of the entire presentation was plenty polished but when this teacher spoke you just listened.  She shared with the audience an artifact posted in her classroom which reminded her students of four truths spoken through the student voice:

• I am important.
• What we are learning is important.
• I can do it.
• My teacher will not give up on me.

I gave my own speech today to students placed at our disciplinary alternative campus and largely borrowed truth #4.  It’s an interesting dynamic because on the one hand students placed there have consequences needing to be enforced but at the same time they need to stay connected, current, and in good standing.  They also need reminders – lots of them – and I’m not talking about rules.  The kids I spoke with today were mostly kids of color, have had their share of ups and downs in school, may or may not be looking forward to the holiday break, but they all deserve to feel valued and respected.

This leads me to the title for this entry.  At the beginning of this month, December 1st to be exact, Rev. Howard-John Wesley of the historic Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Va., told his congregation he was going on sabbatical.  In an emotional sermon shared with congregants, the reverend acknowledged he was tired.  While his message was certainly a churchly one, the overarching theme transcends its religious base.  If you are interested, you can watch the recording in its entirety by clicking the screen grab below.

But Rev. Wesley makes a key distinction between being tired and being exhausted.  He contends “exhausted is right before burnout” and that he is still excited about pastoring his church but in order to lead it he needs to be refilled.  And in his own words a nap is not going to fix his tiredness.  He needs to rest.  At one point during the sermon in full throttle energy mixed with humor he exclaims “it is ungodly not to use up all your vacation days.”  But he did not make light of the goals he has for himself and his candor was remarkably brave.  He charged his church family with being courageous, trusting, persistent, faithful, and prayerful in his absence.  And by the end he too received a standing ovation.

As we draw this semester to a close, Selah.  It’s the term spoken throughout Rev. Wesley’s sermon meaning to pause and reflect, to rest.  Take time to refill and recharge, and recommit to this important work.

I read this article not long ago and since then there has been a recurring theme in other news-related items that I have come across.  In 1981, Joe Purzycki was named head football coach for Delaware State University, a Division I-AA historically black university in Dover, Delaware.  Prior to Purzycki’s appointment, the Hornets went 2-9 the year before and included the most lopsided loss in Division I-AA football history (a 105-0 pummeling from Portland State which led 49-0 after the first quarter).  Nelson Townsend was the athletic director at the time who hired Purzycki; Townsend is black and Purzycki is white.  Turns out Purzycki became the country’s first white head football coach of a historically black college or university (HBCU).  Over the course of four seasons, the Hornets saw dramatic improvements and finished 8-2 in Purzycki’s final season with the team.  Nearly forty years later the coach coauthored a book on his experience at Delaware State and how common ground was established despite all the racial tension by never failing to acknowledge what his players had experienced.

A principal in Minnesota provided the ultimate lesson in acknowledgement when he surprised his 7^th grade student last week.  Jonathan Jones attends Lakeview School in Cottonwood, MN, and his principal is Scott Hanson.  It turns out the student and principal have a special connection in that they are both extremely color blind.  For Jonathan, doctors first identified this condition three years ago although he likely has had it since birth.  For his principal, it has also been a lifelong condition but he has specially designed glasses which increase the contrast between shades and help to reduce the symptoms of color blindness.  With Jonathan’s parents on hand, this principal served as a guest instructor during Jonathan’s science class and allowed him to try out his special glasses.  It took less than ten seconds before Jonathan was overcome with emotion in a now viral video.  The full story can be found here and his principal’s reflection speaks volumes.  “I’ve been in education for 25 years, and to see that reaction on his face, and that pure joy and overwhelming happiness and sadness, all those emotions at once, was just an awesome experience.”

And then there is Dhruv Gaur, the reigning college champion on Jeopardy.  When competing last month in the annual Tournament of Champions, he wrote this message for his Final Jeopardy answer.

The clue was “In the title of a groundbreaking exposé of poverty in New York City slums, these three words follow ‘How the,’ ” and the answer-in-the-form-of-a-question the beloved game show host was looking for was, “What is ‘Other Half Lives?’”  Trebek had shared with the contestants before the show that he was reentering treatment for pancreatic cancer.  Gaur was in a distant third place when they got to the last question so he instead took the opportunity to offer support (you can click the image above for the complete story).  In his own words, Gaur recalls “Obviously I wasn’t going to win the game or anything, so I could try to figure out the right answer or I could do something for this person who might need it right now.”  After thirty five years leading the iconic game show, a simple gesture almost brought the steady showman to tears.

Acknowledgments are powerful testimonies and sometimes they just might mean everything.

In my last entry I mentioned my upcoming six weeks of residence in six different schools – it’s still going but nearing conclusion.  It’s been an interesting journey, one that reaffirmed some of what I knew and one that made clearer the challenges all public schools face, some with a heavier load than others.  I have met many characters along the way and at every stop I had a tag along in an administrator I have long admired for his ability to refocus matters of great importance. My friend did his part to lighten the load so I could observe and support our A-list principals in action.

The Happy Meal media for whatever reason made me think of the work we’re all doing.   Maybe it’s because I would jump at the chance if both of my boys said “I’m lovin’ it.”  It has institutional branding, long standing history, the “original” of its like, and curb appeal.  I was an 80’s and 90’s teen, and McDonald’s was my tried and true.  It was familiar, dependable, and always open.  I don’t think our teachers are like cheeseburgers but I know without a doubt they are familiar, dependable, and always open.  I think the association I made was the attack the Happy Meal is under and how our teachers must feel on days of ordinary.  They do a job that often is subject to much criticism.

I’m not a nutritionist but I’m smart enough to understand a Happy Meal a Day might make for a Humpty Dumpty ready for a great fall.  I think most folks have come to embrace that understanding.  I also think most folks understand experience can be arrived through moderation.  I’ve seen up close here recently some of the worst behavior kids can exhibit.  I’ve also seen some of the best behavior adults could possibly respond with.  I already had an informed respect for teachers in general based on my own formal mental health training but the time I’ve been spending camped out at schools lately has greatly reinforced my appreciation.

I’ve always been a road less traveled type guy by design and preference and it may or may not have served me well.  But I will always appreciate the adults that provided me that space and opportunity.  We should be able to have a happy meal together, regardless of all the background noise. Teachers make that possible everyday for our kids and if you think I’m mistaken, then let me tell you how wrong you are.  What I’ve observed is a collection of pushed to the limit, still have patience left, I don’t know if anyone else cares but I always will, teachers that are as tough as they come and tired nonetheless.  We owe them a big thanks and if a Happy Meal is not inclusive enough then a happy meal is always available.

I took a psychology course my senior year in high school and that became my major.  It’s funny how simple that seemed back then and how it still guides my work but in a much more complicated way.

I’ve never stood higher than 5.9 on my most limber days yet I’ve always felt tall.  I’ve never felt compelled to hide my southern drawl because it’s part of my heritage and I’ve managed to advance to places far from the Deep South with my speak and all (although by rigid preference I do not use y’all now or ever and typically refrain from FYI shortcuts in text messages).  And I’ve never been moved to compete with those who cite “Good Will Hunting” type chops.  I’ve just always been accustomed to my stature, status, and smarts.  I’m comfortable on most days in my own skin because it’s familiar and dependable and it has served me well.

I’ve tried to pass these lessons on to the students I have chaperoned along the way in addition to my own two kids, but it’s ultimately a message all of them will have to embrace for themselves. I worry more often these days that our growing up ideals have lost some elements of tolerance and patience.  I had an upbringing that taught me the value in discourse and the security to venture out – I was privileged.

Public schools these days and generations long before often debate the opportunity gaps that exist amongst our students.  For this post I’m not going to cite any research although there is plenty to be found. What I thought I would do instead is speak as a barely pushing average height, funny sounding, formally trained psychologist who has navigated many locales that only touch the surface on what many wicked smart students face every day without the same afforded opportunities.

And that last sentence captures the weight of a teacher’s life, and their principal’s life as well (with many other staff in the mix).  I’m learning more about this every night as the first grade teacher I never had in my life teaches me more about life than first grade ever did back when.  I’m tired of the constant collection of recyclables, tired of the cutouts, tired of the printing and laminating, tired of the homemade crayon collages in the oven which are apparently a game changer.  If anyone thinks schools are soft, or slacking, please join me for an observation.  I’m really not tired of any of this and learning to see the bigger picture which is becoming now more apparent and often starts with the closest perspective.  My role confines me to a single location on most days but for the next six weeks I will be taking up residence at 6 different elementary schools, one week at a time.  I can attest our staff are meeting student needs even when that means 3 adults supporting one student.  This posting’s title made reference to a well known underdog triumph story – isn’t it about time our teachers started feeling their stories can be told without such dramatic attention?  They do it everyday after all!

A couple of weeks ago I was chatting it up with a staff member and disclosed a particular question I wasn’t so sure I wanted answered.  Nearly ten years ago the board of trustees I currently serve purchased a book to be shelved in the library of my choosing in honor of my late sister.  At the time, my oldest child was just in kindergarten so his elementary school was the logical choice; actually the preferred choice.  So, I’m rambling along the other day with my colleague and somehow detoured to one of my “I wonder” moments.  I shared with her the whole background on my sister’s illness, how she passed on Christmas day, how I was surprised my boss and workmates showed up for the funeral unannounced, and how I thanked them later for being there.  My “wonder” because I could never bring myself to verify was if the book ever made its way into that library.

As I was winding down earlier this week in the office and sifting through the snail mail, I had to sit down for one package in particular.  There, among all the other mailings, was a book that had been sent to me through our interoffice mailing system.  The book’s title, ‘Are You Blue Dog’s Friend?’, was a show stopper.  The story itself is for another day but the artist was a favorite of my sister – George Rodrigue.  And, as tangible proof, the book, while well worn,  had all its pages.  It was my sister’s dedication book…

With apologies to non-dog people, this post is all about canines.  George Rodrigue, the artist, would himself pass in 2013.  His wife Wendy has journaled extensively about their time together and provides great narration on how this legend came to be.  I suspect all states have their “thing” that residents embrace and as a native Louisianan, we certainly have plenty of those “things.”  Blue Dogs in Cajun Country go hand in hand.

On a more scientific note, I was reading this article yesterday that debates the science behind canine emotions.  I’m not sure how we would challenge any of the assertions but the main point here is your dog really does love you, and he or she definitely has favorites.  In my household, there is quite a distance between my wife who is the #1 fav for Lucy and everyone else.

So readers of this post may be starting to question where this is all going; what’s so special about a K-12 blog now drifting on to dogs?  I don’t know about you, but I’ve seen some pretty amazing instant congregations when a dog is introduced to the circumstance, particularly when kids are present.  The dogs will always react to the vibe of the crowd, often hesitant at first but then warm as the crowd welcomes, and by the end of the introduction there is competition for the dog’s attention.  Teachers have the same effect on our kids, and certainly at a more organic level.  Teachers, in general, welcome all comers, and have the uncanny skill of knowing just when to cut you off while still letting you have your say.  They are also experts in matching personalities so that everyone has a friend.  For me, it started with an illustration that manifested to a brown, mouthy lab that served as a needed benediction.  For countless kids, teachers are the mirrors that reflect to them the future, a future filled with promise.  They provide students with their own special dedications each and every day…

I deliberated a long time on this post – I mentioned last time I often hold lively debates with myself and this time was especially no different.  For some of my bosses that I have worked for my greatest gift has always been my calculated response to any firestorm.  For others, I suspect I have been perceived as a bit too late to the knee-jerk party.  What my dad taught me long ago was the eternal question of whether or not a bear has freckles.  What I surmise after decades of frustration under the tutelage of a living philosopher is if you know that answer you probably aren’t among the living.  In short, life is complicated…

A timeline for reflection:

Westside Middle – March 24, 1998 – 5 victims

Columbine High School – April 20, 1999 – 13 victims

Red Lake Senior High School – March 21, 2005 – 7 victims

West Nickel Mines School – Oct. 2, 2006 – 5 victims

Virginia Tech – April 16, 2007 – 32 victims

Northern Illinois University – Feb. 14, 2008 – 5 victims

Oikos University – April 2, 2012 – 7 victims

Sandy Hook Elementary School – Dec. 14, 2012 – 26 victims

Santa Monica College – June 7, 2013 – 5 victims

Marysville Pilchuck High School – Oct. 24, 2014 – 4 victims

Umpqua Community College – Oct. 1, 2015 – 9 victims

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School – Feb. 14, 2018 – 17 victims

Santa Fe High School – May 18, 2018 – 10 victims

I would encourage you to find a safe spot free of observers and review this PSA (Public Service Announcement) from the Sandy Hook ambassadors – afford yourself the privacy to watch the clip multiple times.

Sandy Hook Promise

I cried like a baby when I first saw this clip because it reinforced everything I tried to dismiss. Sometimes it’s the preparation that creates the most fear, as silly as that might sound.  Because by action and address, you are acknowledging something is real and not to be dismissed.  Preparation, in effect, can serve to validate why you have reason to be afraid.  The question then, as sage (really old) philosophers might reason, is if you plan for something, does that mean you expect it to happen?

I’m really just paused and pressed by the answer.  School violence in larger scale will continue to happen – it just will.  I wish I could wave that wand to end it.  And when you try to identify that one thing that’s remarkably different that alters the typical trajectory for any one individual, I suspect you will be forever stumped in your attempt.

So, here’s the deal. If you read my blog and you have conversations with others, be nice.  If you could care less about the person you get paired with on any given day, fake it and be nice.  If you’re not modeling that behavior for our kids, who is?  And I would contend despite all the bad behavior adults might exhibit, we more likely hope our kids are our best reflection.  My plea for this post and essentially all others is we find a way to clean up our acts and show our kids how to be thoughtful, kind, and supportive adults.  They deserve nothing less…

If you’re still reading, find a new avenue to connect with those needing a connection.  I for one have been humbled as I’ve made my rounds and visited our most diverse campuses and watched the dialogues.  I relate it to family and the time-tested rule – you can talk smack about your family but when you encroach on mine then it’s game over. The quick and fierce defense I’ve observed within our own principals for their communities follows suit.  Without fail, each principal postures when their respective community is mentioned because they’re ready to go to bat for whatever is needed.  Sounds like a family response to me.  They don’t feel obligated; they feel obliged and grateful.  I hope you are fortunate enough to share in their company one day.

I launched this site exactly one year ago today.  At the time I wrote that my goal for this blog was to present topics of interest and through audience participation extend the discussion.  My catch phrase that followed was that maybe this exchange would lead to a new “what if” or “why not” that would make the current day more informed than those before it.

Since then I’ve written on a variety of topics ranging from marshmallows to memorials to movie theaters.  We explored stories of persistence and character in victory and defeat.  This is a K-12 blog but politics, poverty, pro sports, and natural disasters all made their way into the conversation.  Because our state legislators were in session this past year we spent time discussing school finance and property tax reform.  We followed change agents in different industries, technology as a global topic (particularly its impact on today’s youth), and the will of individual communities both near and far.  We tackled human capital and the spirit of entrepreneurship, and what that means for school leaders and teachers.  And most discussions were framed around kids, all kids, even my own from time to time.

So, what have I learned as a novice narrator to online journaling?  People don’t care nearly as much about your written word as you do.  If you’re writing for immediate affirmation then you will be sorely disappointed.  I admit at first the online space can tinge on self-aggrandizing but you get over yourself pretty quickly when you monitor the slow-drip statistics on site views.  Once I realized I was writing for me (though I hoped others would find some value) I really enjoyed this medium.  I found the independence of it all reconnected and recommitted me to advocating for public education.  This business is certainly imperfect and rightly and wrongly criticized, but for many students it is their best option for long-term quality of life opportunities.          

Having said that, words matter.  This isn’t a new concept and has been covered extensively in areas such as psychology and religion, among other disciplines.  But I’ve always been of the opinion there are no absolute take-backs so we should always be mindful of what we say (and write).  This lesson proves to be especially difficult for children and adolescents, and they can blame physiology to some extent.  Adults not so much and because of the permanence of today’s modern advancements we all need to think twice and act once.  I found blogging gave me the opportunity to argue with myself and debate with myself before posting (and my staff will attest that I often talk out loud when no one is in the room – and ironically talk less when people are in the room).  If you don’t mean something, don’t say it (or write it) – nothing good will come of it.

Finally, Aesop paved the way for blogs back in the 6^th century.  Okay, that’s a bit of a stretch but for those that know a little bit about his fables (or whomever was the real author if there was such), words can inspire.  If you are not familiar with the lesser known The Astrologer, I would encourage you to check it out.  I’m not a fabulist (albeit what a really cool job title) but I was struck by the randomness in which folks would share we me that they followed my site.  The idea when I began all this was to broaden discussions of importance and that is what has been the most encouraging.  I’ve always related more to the tortoise in self-discipline and deliberateness and believed quick wins were low-hanging fruit.  After a year of writing with less than 10 comments, I’m pretty excited about year 2!