First Post - The Life Aquatic

Well, it's my first blog post. It's been the kind of month where there has been so much to reflect on, some real opportunities for growth, and some real frustrations. Now, that's no different than any school administrator that I know - but I have the luxury of working with a team that I value and deeply respect. I feel like we're part of a caring but dysfunctional family who tries way too hard sometimes.

I watched The Life Aquatic (a really under-appreciated Wes Anderson film) tonight. Odd segue, I know. I can really relate to the film's tortured, yet likable, protagonist, Steve Zissou. Bill Murray's genius aside, his character is conflicted on many levels, and he's someone you just want to cheer for, if you can see the good in him. Despite suffering tragedy, the death of his best friend, a broken marriage, a man who may-or-may-not be his son arriving on his doorstep, having to deal with porates, and chronic underfunding for his deep-sea-adventure films, he holds it together. He really is the epitome of resilience. He has his vices and flaws too, but I tend to overlook these and choose to see the best in him.

"Remind me. We'll send him a red cap and a speedo."

Steve tends to look to the best in his team too. His crew is a real bizarre group of musicians, journalists, biologists, interns, and friends with no discernable, useful skillset at all. At least for an oceanic voyage. Despite this, his crew just works... And he never gives up on them.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go on an overnight drunk, and in ten days I'm going to set out to find the shark that ate my friend and destroy it."

I guess that's what I like about Steve. No matter how much of a disaster he is, he believes in his crew and they trust him, no matter the situation. The desire (at least at first...) to kill the elusive, friend-eating shark aside, I kind of want to be more like Steve. Spoiler alert - he doesn't actually kill the shark.. In case that was something that people were worried about.

This all fits with the Appreciative Leadership model that I try to follow in my school. Although it can be hard sometimes, seeing the best in people (and in artsy movie protagonists) is the only way to foster growth. Like with many people who disliked The Life Aquatic, who wrote it off because Steve seemed to be such a despicable character, many people write off their co-workers and judge them by what they superficially dislike, rather than choosing to seek out the positive qualities that exist. It just takes a little looking. To see the best in the people I work with every day is something I take pride in, and although no one would want me in a speedo and a toque, I feel a little like a member of Team Zissou every time I do it.

All I need is the matching, limited-edition Adidas.