By Sharon Raschke, Ed.D., CFO, MSBO Board Member, Senior Project Manager, Dexter Community Schools
I’m a numbers gal and have a spreadsheet for just about everything. I do always learn something useful, though, when I go to a conference or meeting. This past Fall, I experienced a double whammy that blew my mind.
At the ASBO International Conference in October, I attended a session that was based on the book Radical Candor, by Kim Scott. As I normally do, I raised my hand and engaged with the presenters. As a prize, I was given a book. I started reading the book as soon as the session was over and couldn’t put it down. While most participants walked through the hallways scrolling on their smartphones, I had my nose in the BOOK! I realized that my ability to achieve results has had a lot more to do with listening and seeking to understand than it does with telling people what to do; more to do with debating than directing; more to do with pushing people to think than with being the decider; more to do with persuading than with giving orders; and, more to do with learning than with knowing. I don’t mind being wrong. I’m wrong a lot. What matters is that we do the right thing. My open communication and honest feedback has created a culture of trust, consistency, and improvement. Radical Candor was going to be the subject of my MSBO eNews & Views article.
Then, at the MSBO Leadership Conference in November, Michigan Virtual University presented on Artificial Intelligence (AI). I had heard about it but never associated it with the work of a school business manager. I now use ChatGPT to help me refine emails, create ads for things I post on eBay, and even to express my sentiments in the Christmas Cards I sent.
I took the concepts from the book and ran the draft of this article thru ChatGPT. Here is my resulting article on Radical Candor that is AI enhanced then further tweaked by me to reflect what I meant to say.
Title: Embracing Radical Candor: A Transformative Journey in School Business Management
As a dedicated numbers enthusiast with a penchant for spreadsheets, I’ve always found solace in the realm of figures rather than the written word. However, my recent experiences at conferences have reshaped my perspective in unexpected ways, revealing the power of effective communication and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in my professional life.
During the ASBO International Conference in October, I attended a session centered on the book “Radical Candor” by Kim Scott. Engaging with the presenters, I found myself captivated by the principles outlined in the book. The essence of achieving results, I discovered, lies not in dictating commands but in active listening, understanding, and fostering open communication. My journey with Radical Candor emphasized the importance of debate over direction, pushing individuals to think critically, and prioritizing persuasion over giving orders.
Embracing the mantra that learning trumps knowing, I began to realize that being wrong is not a setback; instead, it becomes a stepping stone towards doing the right thing. My commitment to open communication and honest feedback has cultivated a culture of trust, consistency, and continuous improvement within my professional sphere.
Inspired by these revelations, I decided to feature Radical Candor as the focal point of my upcoming MSBO eNews & View article. Little did I know that my newfound appreciation for effective communication would intersect with the world of artificial intelligence.
At the MSBO Leadership Conference in November, Michigan Virtual’s presentation on Artificial Intelligence opened my eyes to the possibilities AI holds for a school business manager. Intrigued, I began experimenting with ChatGPT to refine emails, create compelling eBay ads, and even convey heartfelt sentiments in my Christmas cards. The integration of AI into my routine not only streamlined my tasks but also enhanced the overall quality of my communication.
In a fascinating twist, I took the draft of this article on Radical Candor and ran it through ChatGPT. The result is an AI-enhanced piece that aligns with my intended message. This synergy of traditional wisdom and cutting-edge technology highlights the dynamic nature of professional growth and adaptability.
As I reflect on these experiences, I find myself at the intersection of Radical Candor and AI, two seemingly disparate concepts that have seamlessly woven into the fabric of my professional journey and personal life. Embracing open communication, continuous learning, and the innovative capabilities of AI has not only transformed my approach but has also opened doors to unprecedented possibilities in the realm of school business management.
Other Articles in this Newsletter
- Create Your Professional Network
- Do Not Miss This Opportunity
- Make MSBO Your New Year’s Resolution – Mary Beth Rogers
- MSBO 2024 Board of Directors Candidates Announced
- MSBO Annual Conference Early Bird Registration Opens in February
- MSBO Update – Robert Dwan
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Real World Problem Solving
- Welcome New Members