Rabbi Ari Leubitz

Ari Leubitz on LinkedIn: #changemanagement #leadership #transformation There’s a fundamental word at the heart of successful change management: Why? When you’re trying to make a change, you need to have a comprehensive…

As we approach the first anniversary of the devastating Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, our hearts remain heavy with the profound loss and the ongoing captivity of our brothers and sisters. These brutal attacks, deliberately timed to coincide with the joyous holiday of Simchat Torah, sought to transform a day of celebration and light into one of deep pain and mourning….

ehillel.myschoolapp.com

This weekend’s news has broken hearts around the world. While so many of us find ourselves unable to find the words or tears to express our grief, may their memories be a blessing as we pray for a way forward.

Here’s my take: Positive feedback is even more important than constructive criticism.

Agree or disagree?

Criticism methods like the sandwich or 3:1 ratio can feel predictable and contrived.

Critiques always land harder than accolades or praise.

People can’t even hear the positives when they know there’s a “but.”

And there’s tremendous value and learning in positive feedback.

Strong leaders don’t shy away from uplifting their team by consistently giving credit where it’s due.

People need 3 things to feel fulfilled in their roles:

1. The knowledge that they’re making a difference
2. The tools required to make a difference
3. The empowerment to make a difference

When one of those things is out of alignment, we may be dissatisfied and unhappy at work.

But with all three elements in place, we thrive because we’re living our purpose.

In our rush to “fix” what’s holding us back, we often fail to see challenges for what they really are:

Something inside ourselves we aren’t addressing.

Look closer and you’ll see that obstacles often have more to do with us than anyone or anything else.

Instead of getting frustrated, ask yourself: “What’s my role in this problem?”

Obstacles are inevitable, but the answer to that question will help you identify how to move forward.

The number of weekly meetings I have with direct reports: zero.

Here’s why:

- I won’t impose my schedule on others.
- No one should feel obligated to meet when there’s nothing pressing to say.
- They can easily put a meeting on my calendar when the need arises.

Often, informal touch points during the day — a chat walking into the office, a quick desk-side check-in — can accomplish the same thing a meeting would, but for a fraction of the time.

Respecting people’s workflow is more important than imposing weekly appointments.

You can’t tell another person how to feel about things.

And yet, in our extremely online world, we often try to control others’ emotions.

“How could you say that?”

“You should move on.”

No — stop trying to change how people feel.

Instead, accept that emotions are what they are and decide how you’re going to engage with them and the behavior they provoke.

You may be able to help someone understand your perspective, or you may not.

But trying is worth the effort.

Ari Leubitz posted on LinkedIn Ari Leubitz posted images on LinkedIn

What makes a successful leader?

For almost two decades, I’ve been fortunate enough to be in leadership positions in schools and communities across the country.

I’ve served as head of school at one of the largest Jewish schools in the world, and I’ve coached other leaders across industries and around the globe.

By working with dozens of leaders and leadership teams, I’ve seen firsthand what sets apart leaders who create change and those who don’t. I understand what it takes to achieve one’s mission and to create a unified vision around that mission.

And now I want to share my insights with you.

Join me on LinkedIn.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/arileubitz/

Ari Leubitz - Head Of School - Scheck Hillel Community School | LinkedIn I help leaders diagnose problems, get vulnerable about what’s standing in their way, and get the support they need to achieve their missions. With two decades of communal and school leadership experience, I’ve learned that people, not causes or institutions, make the difference. Empoweri...

Ari Leubitz - Head Of School - Scheck Hillel Community School | LinkedIn I help leaders diagnose problems, get vulnerable about what’s standing in their way, and get the support they need to achieve their missions. With two decades of communal and school leadership experience, I’ve learned that people, not causes or institutions, make the difference. Empoweri...