Hat tricks are great. At sporting events, they usually come with a unique animation and song to hype up the crowd and keep the momentum going.
But today, I'm excited to announce I have not achieved a hat trick.
EdTech Magazine included me on their EdTech's 30 Must-Follow K–12 Education IT Influencers list for 2019. (Click this text to read my thoughts on that recognition.) Then in 2020, I was included on the Influencer list for a second time. On May 10th, 2021, EdTech Magazine released the 2021 list, and I was not on it.
I'll admit it, it would have been cool to be on the list three years in a row. However, I'm glad I'm not.
There is a perception that if you aren't repeatedly recognized for your work, you'll become irrelevant, or people will devalue your contributions to the field. While some may hold this belief, I think it's an unfortunate result of the competitive nature of consulting and the number of fads we've seen a phase in and out of education.
Practically we know quality work doesn't stop when the next list of influencers is posted, but seeing someone fall off a list may still breed negative conations in the back of our minds.
So, why am I glad I'm not on the list despite knowing how it might affect others? It goes back to an idea often referenced in training or strategy sessions "the smartest person in the room, is the room." The more voices that are elevated and shared, the better for everyone in the community.
These lists have repeatedly promoted the same people for far too long, making it harder for new perspectives to be shared. This behavior makes it even more difficult for people of different races, classes, genders, sexual orientations, and those with disabilities to amplify their voice. Repeating some elements of your top # list isn't a bad thing, but as with all things in life, balance is vital. I hope moving forward, those creating lists like this, whether they are individuals, brands, or publications, keep this in mind.
Again, I'm glad I'm not on the list this year. I appreciated being featured in the past, and I'm always grateful when my work is honored and acknowledged. However, not being on the list this year makes room for a least one new person, and I'd rather have more than an animation and a song.
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Congratulations to those on the 2021 list. I'm excited to network with new individuals and am proud of the members of my PLN featured on the list. If you haven't read the list yet, I encourage you to read it and follow the featured individuals.
