"Pressure is Key"

Have you ever experienced the loss of your power steering?

On Tuesday morning last, just outside of Washington D.C. we were treated to this experience – the loss of power steering. Fortunately, we were less than 100 yards from an off ramp and less than half a mile from a repair shop. Within four hours, a new pump was installed and we were back on the road.

The experience left me curious about power steering.

Automedia.com says, “The power steering system brings together the strength and power of hydraulic pressure with the mechanical miracle of steering linkages. The power steering pump pressurizes the power steering hydraulic system. The power steering fluid runs through hoses and by way of valves, plungers, or pistons moves the mechanics of the steering back and forth as you turn the wheel. When the pump stops pumping, the pressure drops and the power steering system loses its hydraulic power.

While there are more than a few different types of power steering systems, they all require the hydraulic pressure of the power steering fluid to give you the seemingly superhuman strength to effortlessly turn the wheels with one finger.”

We lost our pressure due to a leak in the pump that forced all the fluid out – bummer. The loss of pressure ultimately failed the steering system. We learned just how important pressure is.

Pressure in education, however is not necessarily viewed as a necessity for performance but it could be. Consider there is nothing magical about power steering fluid until it is pressurized. Maintaining the proper amount of fluid is critical. That pressure enables the hydraulic system to operate properly. Too little fluid results in not enough pressure just as too much fluid results in over pressurizing the system both affecting performance (too much pressure is a really, really bad thing). Suffice, maintaining the proper level of fluid and thus pressure ensures the power steering system to work as designed.

This application of pressure is germane to education. Here’s how. In the power steering system, pressure must be evenly and consistently balanced, flowing without interruption or obstruction. In a like manner, pressure in education must be balanced with both internal and external factors.

Pressure must be consistent and constant. It must be free of threat, ridicule, disrespect, humiliation, or malice. It must be candid, honest, and intentional. It must be critical, corrective, and constructive. Most importantly, it must be timely, relevant, and focused on improving effectiveness.

This type of pressure requires a different mindset – a mindset that is proactive – a mindset that embraces individual responsibility and accountability for both action and results.

A mindset immersed in seeking ways to get better knowing that each of us irrespective of our past of present experience has room for improvement. This mindset doesn’t happen by accident. It is intentional as well as purposeful.

Accepting and acknowledging thinking differently about pressure is risky. To that end, risk has no guarantee. At best, risk builds trust that in turn builds greater capacity for risk. Conversely, risk betrayed erodes confidence, morale, and willingness. Hence, the role of leadership is critical to ensure that risk is “best” for each individual.

Each leader in our system must be first to take risk in thinking differently about pressure. Recognizing that leaders, too, are susceptible to many of the same aversions to risk as the staff they lead, leaders must nonetheless model courage and think differently.

Though I did not plan to replace my power steering pump on that particular day at that particular time at that particular place I was pleased with the outcome. So it will be with thinking differently in relation to our mindset about pressure in our work. Pressure is key – but it must be consistent and constant within the aforementioned mindset.

By the by, have you checked your power steering fluid lately?