Summary: <a href="http://www.npr.org/podcasts/510307/invisibilia">Invisibilia</a> is a fascinating podcast about the invisible forces that affect us without us being aware. In a January 29, 2015 episode, the reporters narrating the episode were talking about a phenomenon known as “entanglement.”<br> They began by describing a physics experiment where scientists have been able to isolate particle atoms in separate locations, change the motion, and cause the two separate atoms to react to the change at the same time in separate locations.<br> That’s right. In one experiment, an atom contained in a box four feet away from itself in another box was demonstrating simultaneous responses in both boxes. These atoms are not mirror images of one another; this research suggests that they are one another. Separate but one: a phenomenon known as quantum entanglement. Charles Q. Choi from <a href="http://www.livescience.com/50280-record-3000-atoms-entangled.html">Live Science</a> explains that scientists theorize entangled atoms may stay connected even if a universe a part!<br> Scientists are able to explain how to make this happen, but they are still unable to explain why this is possible.<br> So, why am I fascinated with this idea of entanglement?<br> Well, before I answer that question, let me describe another entanglement phenomenon. This may seem common sense, but Invisibilia reporters also explain how psychologists have proven that a person’s behavior is unconsciously influenced by his or her environment—a kind of social entanglement.<br> In one example, an unsuspecting individual was placed on an elevator with groups of people who had pre-determined certain movements (like facing the wrong direction or taking their hats off at the same time.)<br> Over and over again, and with multiple test cases, individuals would follow the movements of the group—even to the point not just mirroring their movements but following them simultaneously.<br> For instance, an individual wearing a hat would be joined by a group of people wearing hats. Without any advanced notice, the hatted folks would reach up and remove their hats, and the unsuspecting individual would follow suit–often without any hesitation and sometimes simultaneously!<br> Their explanation for this phenomenon? Entanglement.<br> So why is this important to educators or school leaders? In some ways, it confirms what we’ve always known: our surroundings influence us more than we often recognize. We may be connecting with one another in ways more mysterious than we’ve ever imagined. In other ways, it opens our eyes to incredible possibilities.<br> So, here’s a simple application. If you take the idea of entanglement to its logical conclusion, you must seriously grapple with the power of your position as a school leader and ask yourself some questions:<br> <br> * What persons or ideas am I consistently surrounding myself with, and how is this affecting who I am?<br> * How am I purposely and intentionally influencing my home, work, surroundings to bring about the most positive outcomes possible?<br> * In what ways am I taking time to intentionally provide positive feedback to students and teachers?<br> * How am I tailoring messages through lessons, conversations, announcements, newsletters, assemblies, concerts, ceremonies or social media?<br> <br> As school leaders, we cannot ignore how incredibly (and sometimes mysteriously) significant a part we each play in the environments of our schools. This can be done in many ways, but I can’t think of more powerful way than by the messages delivered by the teachers and staff who touch our students for the majority of their day.<br> And as a school leader, it is your responsibility to positively influence the message students are consistently receiving. But you are a small part of a web of entangled messages and influences; how can you keep the part you play meaningful?<br> Why Messaging Matters<br>
