There is no limit to the examples of the importance of time and the reality of now vs. procrastination. We live in a world where immediately is sometimes too late. Sure, it may be a product of our own doing and maybe it would be great if everything just slowed down a bit, but that is a luxury far too expensive for most of us.
You’ve heard them all:
“Time is money.” – Benjamin Franklin
“Time waits for no one.” - Unknown
“The key is in not spending time, but in investing in it.” – Stephen Covey
“Better three hours too soon than a minute too late.” – Shakespeare
The single message is clear – do it now!
As we look at the end of another educational year, it is increasingly important to reflect on the time already spent and the time left. We may be in the midst of a “take a deep breath, we survived” mode, but pushing decisions aside for a few months can be dangerous. Everyone needs a break; this is certainly the case, and educators do look forward to that down time to recharge. But it is not in everyone’s best interest to ignore the elephants in the room stomping their feet and raising their trunks. Action now helps minimize wrong reactions tomorrow. Time is only on our side if we are proactive early on. The onus of final decisions may fall on the shoulders of deans and directors, academic leaders and presidents, but everyone’s engagement now will always lead to better action when required. Here are some decisions looking for our engagement now.
- Concept
Now is the time to keep an open mind, observe others, assess your niche and separate your commitment to what has been from what works today. Is your concept still appropriate?
- Objectives
Why does your program exist? What are you trying to accomplish? Are your program and delivery methods connected to these objectives? If not, what needs to be done to bring everything into alignment?
- Content
Are your courses and their specifics still appropriate once you review your concept and objectives? Are you investing enough time in essential skills that will allow your students to succeed after graduation? Maybe it’s time to invest considerably more time in what is truly important. Are your graduates competent and confident in their abilities?
- Delivery Methods
How are you presenting information and developing skills? Are these the best methods for today’s students and today’s industry? Is it time to find a new way? Is there room for an online component? How about internships, externships, or a strong apprenticeship approach? Are degrees still the answer? Are certificates and certifications more appropriate in today’s market? Ask the questions!
- Measurement
How are you measuring success? Are the decades-old measurement tools of tests, quizzes, journals and practical timed skills tests still effective? Do they work for everyone, or should you be looking at different tools?
- Outcomes
What are your benchmarks? An example of an outcome has been “Can perform with reasonable speed and dexterity with minimal supervision.” Is this an outcome that can be measured and compared to a standard? Does it factor in items such as decision making, flexibility, volume, multi-tasking impact or working with a team? Is it time to review your measurable outcomes?
- Relevance
Do you know that the skills and knowledge you focus on are the same skills and knowledge employers seek? Are you working with relevant content? For example, is it still important for students to know how to work with chaud froid and even the mother sauces?
- Connections
The way to achieve and maintain relevance is through your connections. Are you integrating industry leaders and determining what you teach, when you teach and how you teach content?
- Marketing Your Uniqueness
What is your niche? What is your message? What is your difference and why should students choose to invest in your program? These questions should be asked every day.
Enjoy your time off but remember the impact of time and timing. Don’t waste it!
PLAN BETTER – TRAIN HARDER
Paul Sorgule, MS, AAC, president of Harvest America Ventures, a mobile restaurant incubator based in Saranac Lake, N.Y., is the former vice president of New England Culinary Institute and a former dean at Paul Smith’s College. Contact him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..