Building Relationships with Students

As a first in family student, stepping into university life (many, many years ago) felt daunting. I didn’t know the ‘rules’ or the language, and I carried around a quiet fear that I didn’t quite belong. Over time, I found that sense of belonging, largely through my experience living on campus in student accommodation. It was there that I built friendships, found mentors, and slowly came to understand that belonging isn’t something you either have or don’t have, it’s something that can be nurtured. That's why this recent research on student belonging resonated with me. It moves beyond the usual talking points and gets to the heart of what really helps students feel they belong, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. A few actions that stood out as both meaningful and at times overlooked: 1️⃣ Connecting students to purpose and identity Academic success isn’t just about essays and exams. When we value lived experience and non-traditional learning, students feel seen. We can do this by asking students to reflect on real-world challenges in assessments or connecting learning to their own contexts.   2️⃣ Prioritising relationship-building in the curriculum and throughout Not just during orientation, but throughout the semester via peer mentoring, collaborative problem solving in class, and structured opportunities for students to connect meaningfully with one another. 3️⃣ Making uncertainty visible Students often think they’re the only ones struggling - tutors and academics can and should talk openly about academic challenges, and leaders can acknowledge that confidence and learning those unwritten 'rules' builds over time. Staff who share their own learning journeys can have a huge impact and kindness, respect and genuine interest can go a long way.   4️⃣ Designing for diverse student needs and barriers Not all students want, or are able, to join clubs or attend social events due to work, caring responsibilities, or other factors. Offering flexible, low-barrier opportunities to connect (like online forums or drop-in chats), designing learning experiences with multiple ways to engage, and considering time-poor or commuter students in planning should be non-negotiables. As this article highlights, belonging doesn’t come from a single program, initiative or activity – and it isn’t one size-fits-all. It comes from hundreds of small cues that tell a student: You matter. You’re capable. You are welcome here. Because of this, all staff, can play a key role in facilitating micro-moments of connection. 🔗 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/ghTeHkxg

As a kid, I was all about test scores and SATs. Socializing terrified me. I used to especially dread recess. I would do anything rather than go to the handball court. I volunteered to wash the chalkboard, asked to reorganize bookshelves, even made up ailments to go to the nurse (I believe once my thumb got a headache). This didn’t serve me well, and science backs this up. A 20-year study followed kindergartners and found: The kids rated as "more helpful and willing to share" ended up far more successful 20 years later: higher education, steady jobs, better lives. What did the research find about the kids who struggled with sharing? More substance abuse, legal trouble, unemployment issues down the line. So, if you have kids in your life, teach them these 5 social skills: 1. Social Assertiveness I overheard two kids on a playground: "I like your truck." "I like you too!" "I like you!" "I like you!" That's social assertiveness: stating your preferences and needs. Most kids withhold their liking from fear of rejection. Teach them: "Can I play with you?" It's one of the best phrases for kids to learn. 2. Social Planning Ask your kids before school: "What kids do you like? What kids make you nervous? When they state their preferences, ask them: “What do you want to do about it?” and they’ll naturally plan scenarios: "Maybe I should ask them to sit with me at lunch." 3. Seek First to Understand (Emotional Intelligence) Kids who can read emotions have better friendships and fewer conflicts. Help your kids recognize other kids' emotions by asking: • "How do you think he/she feels?" • "What do you think he/she thinks?" When kids can spot that someone is sad, frustrated, or excited, they can respond better, offering comfort, giving space, or joining the fun. Also teach them the 7 basic facial expressions (anger, happiness, sadness, fear, surprise, disgust, contempt). I wish I'd learned to read faces earlier. It would have helped me understand my teachers, parents, and friends better. 4. Synergize (Be Authentic About Feelings) I used to hide my awkwardness. When I started sharing it, people were kinder and understood me better. Teach kids that they can say: "I'm feeling nervous, I don't know anyone" or "I feel a little awkward." Vulnerability with the right people builds authentic connections. 5. Work Together (Collaboration) Once a month, encourage your kid to develop a "quest" with another child: a lemonade stand, car washing business, treehouse, or fort. They'll learn negotiation, planning, follow-through, and collaboration - skills they'll need for work and college. ____ BTW this is me circa 1990:

Mentorship doesn’t start with a formal agreement. There’s no signing ceremony. No official title exchange. The best mentoring relationships I’ve seen? They happened organically. A coffee catch-up that turned into a career conversation. A colleague who asked the right question at the right time. A friend who saw something in you before you saw it yourself. We often think mentorship is about advice. About guidance. About someone senior showing you the way. But the mentorship that actually changes you? It’s not about the advice. ✨ It’s about trust and truth built over time. The kind that deepens with each conversation. You start by sharing professional challenges. Then you talk about your aspirations and goals. The mentor who saw you spiral during a hard quarter and didn’t judge. Who celebrated your win like it was their own. Who called you on your patterns, because they’d earned the right to be honest. 💫 That’s real respect. Not the polite, professional kind. The kind where you watch how they make hard decisions. How they treat people when no one’s watching. How they admit when they got it wrong. And they see the same in you. 🤝 Vulnerability comes later. Failures. Regrets. Moments of doubt. This kind of mentorship doesn’t come from a structured program. It can’t be forced or scheduled into quarterly check-ins. It grows quietly. Over coffees that run long. Messages or Calls that start with “can I run something by you?” …and end somewhere completely different. Sometimes, mentorship becomes friendship. Often, it simply becomes trust. The hierarchy fades. The guidance stays. Some of my most meaningful mentorships grew this way. People who’ve seen my work. People I trust with unfinished thinking and honest questions. The real value isn’t in what they taught me. It’s in who I’ve become because they challenged me with care. So if there’s someone whose perspective you value, reach out. Don’t overthink the ask. Start with: “I’ve been thinking about [specific thing]. Would you be open to a 10-minute conversation?” The best mentorships often start with a single, genuine question. #LinkedInNewsAustralia #Careers #Mentors

A great deal has been discussed as to what teachers should teach; however, very little has been discussed as to how they should teach. This is where all things fall apart. Even though a teacher may have complete knowledge of the subject matter, they may still lose their class in an instant. Not due to lack of discipline from the students or distractions, but simply due to the delivery of the material did not meet the needs of the moment. Teaching is not merely the transmission of information. Teaching is the design of attention. Students today are developing within a world that is constantly stimulated by digital content, immediate feedback loops & endless streams of media. Therefore, competing with such a digitally-driven environment utilizing nothing more than textbooks, slides and lectures will be unfair to both the student and the teacher. Creativity in teaching is not necessarily about being entertaining. Creativity in teaching is about making a connection with your students. A creative teacher does not simplify the subject matter. They redefine it. They transform equations into stories. They change history into human decision-making. They create scientific discovery into everyday wonder. They take mistakes and turn them into opportunities for growth rather than embarrassing moments. The greatest teachers do not begin with answers. They begin with questions that cause students to lean forward. They adjust their pace to match the declining energy levels of their students. They change the format of their teaching to help regain the attention of their students. They alter the manner of explaining the concepts based upon the expression of confusion displayed by the faces of their students prior to them asking questions. This takes work. This takes compassion. Creative teaching also encompasses the concept that each student learns differently. Some students require visual aids. Some students require examples. Some students require repetition. Some students require a safe environment to ask "why" without feeling belittled. When teaching is not creative, students simply memorize. When teaching is creative, students truly understand. Understanding can last much longer than a grade. A creative teacher develops confidence, not just competence in their students. Students leave the classroom thinking, "I can learn," not "I am not good at this subject." The beliefs that students develop in regards to their ability to learn shape their career choices, personal choices and self worth long after they leave the classroom. As we continue to move through a world that is rapidly changing at a rate that is greater than the rate at which textbooks can update, creativity in teaching will be less desirable and more necessary. Since the most important thing a student can learn is not merely a chapter or equation...the most important lesson a student can learn is that learning can be stimulating, meaningful and human. - Nataraj Sasid

Mentoring is one of the most powerful relationships we can build. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring some truly remarkable individuals—both formally and informally—and it’s been one of the most rewarding parts of my career journey. It’s not just about offering guidance or helping someone overcome challenges. It’s about nurturing leadership, elevating others and fostering a culture where everyone feels like they belong, where every voice is heard and where everyone is empowered to succeed. Earlier this week, we celebrated MentorHer Day, marking not just the conclusion of many mentorship journeys, but the start of something far greater. Since the programme’s launch in 2018, we’ve mentored over 1,000 women, helping them step into leadership roles, broaden their skills and grow in confidence. And the impact doesn’t end there—together, we’re creating a ripple effect of empowerment that will resonate far into the future. This isn’t just a programme—it’s a promise to help women dream bigger, aim higher and achieve more than they ever thought possible. Listening to the personal stories shared on MentorHer Day, I was deeply moved. These are my three key takeaways – and not just about what mentorship gives, but what it asks of us:         • Mentorship can build lifelong relationships When the formal mentorship relationship ends, the bonds and connections formed during that time don’t have to. Cultivating authentic, personal connections—a safe space where mentees can be open about their dreams and aspirations—can build relationships which grow into enduring bonds and friendships that transcend the workplace. • Mentorship is a two-way street The real beauty of mentorship lies in its reciprocity. Every time I mentor someone, I gain fresh perspectives—not just about them, but about myself and my own leadership style. Mentorship holds up a mirror, allowing us to see where we, too, can grow and improve. No two mentorships are ever the same and that’s what makes mentorship so much fun! Some of my best mentorship moments have happened outside the traditional office setting – treadmill meetings or a cozy coffee shop where the usual hierarchy fades away and both mentor and mentee can contribute equally to the journey.  • Mentorship is about paying it forward The true power of mentorship lies in its ripple effect. When mentees become mentors themselves, they create a legacy of empowerment—passing on the confidence, tools and sense of possibility that encourages the next generation to achieve even more than they once believed possible. That’s the true power of paying it forward.    To all mentors and mentees, you are the heartbeat of initiatives such as these. You’re not just creating opportunities—you’re helping shape futures. Thank you for being part of something so impactful. As I said on stage: Let’s keep making waves.

Memoirs of a Gully Boy Episode 32: #Mentorship – The Bridge to Collective Growth In every career, there comes a point when the focus shifts from personal success to creating opportunities for others. Mentorship is that bridge—a powerful tool that not only shapes individuals but also builds stronger teams and organizations. The Early Lessons in Guidance One of my first experiences as a mentor came during a high-stakes project involving a new hire fresh out of college. The project’s complexity overwhelmed him, and mistakes became frequent. Instead of micromanaging or criticizing, I walked him through the basics, shared my own early career struggles, and gave him the space to learn. With time and encouragement, he gained confidence and delivered key components of the project. Watching him grow and succeed was as rewarding as achieving the project’s goals. Lesson 1: A mentor’s role is not to provide all the answers but to enable others to find their own. During a process optimization project for a manufacturing client, I worked closely with a team of young managers. While they were technically sound, they lacked the leadership experience needed to navigate high-pressure situations. I introduced them to structured decision-making frameworks, helping them break complex problems into manageable steps. Within months, they were not just solving problems but leading sub-projects independently. Some of them eventually rose to senior leadership positions, proving that mentorship creates a ripple effect that benefits individuals and organizations alike. Lesson 2: The best mentors don’t just develop problem-solvers—they cultivate future leaders. Learning Through Reverse Mentorship Mentorship isn’t a one-way street. I’ve often found myself learning from those I mentor, particularly during innovation-driven projects. In one instance, a young team member introduced a new data visualization tool that significantly improved our ability to analyze and present key metrics. His fresh perspective enhanced the project and reminded me that mentorship is about fostering mutual growth, where both mentor and mentee evolve together. Lesson 3: Mentorship thrives on mutual learning—it’s as much about listening as it is about guiding. The Role of Empathy in Mentorship Mentorship isn’t solely about technical guidance; it’s about understanding the challenges your mentees face. During a critical software migration, one team member struggled with personal issues, affecting his performance. Instead of pressuring him, I offered flexible deadlines and support, enabling him to focus on both his work and personal life. That experience underscored the importance of empathy in mentorship—creating a safe environment where people feel supported, not judged. Lesson 4: Empathy builds trust, and trust transforms mentorship into a lasting Partnership Mentorship is a cornerstone of professional growth. It’s the act of lifting others, shaping future leaders To be continued...

SCHOOLS AS HAPPINES BUILDERS 👉 In the #Wellbeingseries post of today where I am sharing insights and reflections from the groundbreaking book "Wellbeing, Science and Policy" by Richard Layard and Jan-Emmanuel De Neve…   What if we reimagined schools as places that not only prepare kids for the job market but also teach them how to live happier, more fulfilling lives? The future of wellbeing starts in the classroom. ⚠️ Why is it important? Emotional health in childhood predicts adult happiness better than academic performance. Schools have a unique opportunity to nurture life skills alongside traditional education. Key evidence: 📍 Life-skills programs improve resilience, emotional intelligence, and long-term wellbeing. 📍 Emotional wellbeing in students correlates with improved academic outcomes and reduced behavioral issues. 📍 Programs like Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) have demonstrated measurable positive impacts on students’ mental health. Implications: ▫️ Prioritizing emotional education creates generations of more resilient, happier adults who are better equipped to navigate life’s challenges. Next steps: ✔️ Advocate for integrating emotional wellbeing programs into school curricula. ✔️ Train educators to teach and model emotional resilience and conflict resolution. ✔️ Support policies that allocate funding for mental health resources in schools. Are we teaching the next generation the skills they truly need to thrive? I would love to read your thoughts in the comments.  _________________________________________________________________ If you’re passionate about creating environments where people and organizations can flourish, I’d love to connect with you. Let’s collaborate on building happier workplaces, stronger teams, and thriving communities. Follow me for more insights on human and organizational flourishing, positive leadership, antifragile teams, and Emotionally Responsible Organizations—or reach out to start a conversation. Together, we can drive meaningful change and make happiness a cornerstone of success.Let’s discuss how we can prioritize wellbeing in your organization. #Happiness #Wellbeing #PositiveLeadership #HumanFlourishing #EmotionallyResponsibleOrganizations #AntifragileTeams #Leadership #HHRR

When we hear the word pyramid , most teachers immediately picture Bloom’s Taxonomy – the step-by-step ladder of learning. 📚 But do you know, before we follow Bloom, there is another pyramid that we need to understand? That is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs ---- It explained that every child has some basic needs. When these needs are met, children feel happy, safe, and ready to learn. 🧒👧 1. Basic Needs (Food, Rest, Health) Children need food, water, rest, and good health. 👉 Example in class: Give short water breaks , allow rest after tiring activities, and make sure no child is hungry. 2. Safety Needs (Feeling Safe & Secure) Children learn best when they feel safe. 👉 Example in class: A friendly classroom routine, soft tone of voice, and a safe physical space. Say, “Don’t worry, I am here with you.” 🤗 3. Love & Belonging (Friendship & Care) Children need love, hugs, and a sense of belonging. 👉 Example in class: Circle time 🤝, group games 🎲, celebrating birthdays 🎂, and saying kind words. 4. Esteem (Feeling Proud & Valued) Children feel confident when their efforts are noticed. 👉 Example in class: Clap 👏 for small achievements, display their drawings 🎨, say “You tried so well!” 5. Self-Actualization (Becoming Their Best) At this stage, children explore their talents and creativity. 👉 Example in class: Storytelling 📖, music 🎶, free play 🧩, role play 🎭—all help them shine! 🌷 Why It Matters When teachers understand these needs, the classroom becomes a happy, safe, and learning-friendly place. 🏫 First care for the child’s heart ❤️, then their mind 🧠 will be ready to grow.

🌱 “𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰. 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦.” This line hit me hard—because that’s what great teaching truly is. I once had a student who struggled not with ability, but with fear—fear of making mistakes, of raising their hand, of being wrong. Traditional instruction kept nudging them to “speak up more.” But what actually worked? Giving them a safe space to think quietly, letting them submit reflections anonymously, then slowly offering low-stakes speaking opportunities. They bloomed—on their own terms. 🔍 This is what barrier-free learning looks like. Not pushing students harder, but asking: What’s in their way—and how do I remove it? Some powerful methodologies that support this mindset: ✅ Inquiry-Based Learning – Let curiosity drive the lesson. ✅ Scaffolded Instruction – Support step-by-step until confidence builds. ✅ Metacognitive Reflection – Teach students to know how they learn. ✅ Growth-Oriented Assessment – Focus on progress, not just performance. 🌿 Students don’t need force. They need conditions to thrive. #LearnerCentered #Pedagogy #InquiryBasedLearning #GrowthMindset #TeachingStrategies #HolisticEducation #Scaffolding #ReflectivePractice #BarrierFreeLearning

As educators, we often walk a tightrope between curriculum demands and the need to keep learners engaged. Over time, I’ve learned that motivation is not something we pour into students, it's something we ignite within them. Here are 7 practical ways I’ve seen work in my classroom and in others: 📍 Build strong relationships When students feel seen, heard and safe, they show up differently; for themselves and for the learning. 📍 Promote autonomy and student voice Choice empowers. Whether it's letting them select topics or co-create rubrics, ownership deepens investment. 📍 Make learning relevant If they don’t see the “why,” they won’t commit to the “what.” Connect lessons to real life and student interests. 📍 Set clear, achievable goals Help students set SMART goals and track their progress. Small wins fuel momentum. 📍 Recognize effort, strategy and progress Praise the process, not just the product. Acknowledge the thinking, persistence and growth behind the scenes. 📍 Make it engaging and fun Games, debates, projects, movement—joy is not the enemy of rigor. It’s the gateway to it. 📍 Foster peer support and collaboration Students are deeply influenced by their peers. Build a community where they challenge and champion each other. Motivation isn’t magic, it’s design and we all have the power to design learning spaces where students want to learn. #ZippysClassroom #MakeTeachingGreat #StudentMotivation #VisibleLearning #GrowthMindset #ClassroomCulture