From the Inside Out

The quest for excellence begins with an inner quest to discover who we are - our passions, values, talents, personal resources, and even those foibles and annoying habits we might prefer not to acknowledge. Having a better understanding of ourselves is the first step to achieving a better relationship with others.

From the Inside Out is your passport for self-discovery. Through thought provoking questions and engaging exercises you'll have an opportunity to reflect on where you are in your journey through adulthood, determine the gap between your current and ideal work environment, and become your own self mentor for envisioning new possibilities for the decades ahead.

From the Inside Out will help you:

gain clarity about your purpose and passions

understand the values and beliefs that shape your behaviour

appreciate your strengths and internal resources

learn how to avoid the comparison trap

practice strategies to reduce stress and avoid burnout

create an action plan for achieving greater job fulfillment

This title is the fifth in the Director's Toolbox Series - A Management Series for Early Childhood Administrators. Each book in the series provides a concise theoretical overview on a focused topic. They include examples from real life experiences, exercises, check lists and suggested resources. Other books in The Director's Tool Box Series include: Circle of Influence - Implementing Shared Decision Making and Practical Management; Making the Most of Meetings - A Practical Guide; The Right Fit - Recruiting, Selecting, and Orienting Staff; Leadership in Action - How Effective Directors Get Things Done

Contents

Chapter 1: Becoming a Self-Mentor
Why Self-Awareness is so Important
Becoming a Reflective Practitioner
Using Assessments to Build Self-Awareness
From Reflection & Self-Awareness to Self-Mentoring
Getting Started

Chapter 2 : Navigating the Adult Years
All Adults have Basic Needs
The Impact of the Early Years on Adulthood
Getting from Here to There
Themes That Characterize Adulthood
Decade Orientations
Taking Stock
Thinking in the Future Tense

Chapter 3:  What Matters Most?
How do You Define Success?
Digging Deep - Clarifying Values
Beliefs and Assumptions
What Is Your Calling?

Chapter 4:  Becoming a Director - Intention or Improvisation
Directors' Career Decisions
Learning the Ropes
Defining Director Competence
Directors' Developmental Stages
Growth and Change over the Career Cycle

Chapter 5: Maximizing the Fit
The Power of Metaphors
The Discrepancy between Current and Ideal
Sources of Satisfaction and Frustration
A Closer Look at Job Stress

Chapter 6:  What's Your Style?
Communication Style
Psychological Type
Learning Style
Preferred Perceptual Modality
Explanatory Style

Chapter 7: Avoiding Burnout
Tuning in to the Stresses in Your Life
Striving for Balance
Embracing a New Mantra: 'Simplicity Is Power'
Adopting Wellness as a Lifestyle
Cultivating a Strong Support Network
Managing Time from the Inside Out
Learning the Value of Self-Talk

Chapter 8: The Next Step - Mapping Your Journey
Learning for Life
Building on Your Strengths
Making a Commitment to Action
Don't Neglect the EI Factor
Self-Mentoring Strategies
Advocating for Yourself
Developing a Professional Portfolio

Chapter 9: A Final Word

For Further Reading
Appendices
A. Program Administration Competencies
B. Communication Style Audit
C. Learning Style Inventory
D. Preferred Perceptual Modality