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From the Editor

Possibility Thinking: It’s So DKG!

In a series of blogs and podcasts in 2019, American author, speaker,
and leadership theorist John C. Maxwell explored the notion of “possibility
thinking.” Defining the concept simply as “the willingness to see possibilities
everywhere instead of limitation,” he noted, “I believe we’re at a time in our
culture where we need people who can engage and inspire others to see more
than just the problems before us—we need people who see the possibilities
within the problems.” Possibility thinking “sets people free from the discomfort
of ‘what is’” by helping them to look at the world “through a lens of ‘what
could be.’” The result is the kind of positive anticipation that results in hope.
Is possibility thinking evident in DKG? Clearly Founder
Annie Webb Blanton had this key mindset, envisioning the
possibility of an organization to unite women educators
to improve the status of women in education. And of
course, educators by their very nature are deeply invested
in possibilities—seeing the potential in those we teach and
stretching to find the best possible ways to meet their needs
(even when that included retooling the whole concept of
schooling overnight in response to the COVID-19 pandemic)!
Consider also the way that DKG members embraced
possibilities during the pandemic, finding unique ways to
continue the programs and genuine spiritual fellowship that
are the hallmark of our Society. Our origins, our core profession, and our focus on
mission clearly provide evidence of possibility thinking in DKG, and such thinking
is captured, celebrated, and promoted in this issue of the Collegial Exchange.
Throughout the world, many are discussing the “new normal” after the
pandemic—and a good deal of speculation exists regarding what that will be and
how we will shape it. The authors in this issue demonstrate that the new normal for
our unique organization will be undergirded by the constant of possibility thinking.
DKG is, as ever, moving forward: connecting and collaborating; working to frame
and reframe our governance; talking about what’s next; defining and proposing
solutions to professional challenges; reminding ourselves of core values; pursuing
innovative initiatives; and moving on to new places, both literally and figuratively.
May this issue inspire DKG members, as leading women educators, to continue
to dwell in possibilities. Embracing possibility thinking enhances our own personal
and professional growth and allows us to impact education worldwide. And that is
so DKG!

Judy Merz, EdD
Editor

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