Today’s Black People Magic celebrates truly seeing another person and giving them what they need at the very moment they need it.
An Indianapolis middle school principal Jason Smith recently dealt with a discipline problem in school in a unique way… with a haircut.
When an 8th grader was sent to his office because he refused to take his hat off in class, Smith asked him why. Turns out the boy had a bad haircut and didn’t want the other kids to laugh at him.
Instead of making the kid go back to class without his hat (or worse), Smith pulled out his phone, showed the kid his sons’ haircuts that he does himself and basically asked him, “Want me to line you up?”
After getting the ok from the boy and his parents, Smith ran home, got his clippers, tightened up that young man’s head and sent him back to class.
That’s what you call compassionate leadership… knowing that there’s almost always a reason behind bad behavior that needs to be understood and addressed. It’s not always about punishment, sometimes it’s just about the right solution.
Salute to Jason Smith… and the power of a haircut.
Remember to always celebrate your magic! xo