"What, if anything, about the way people are leading today needs to change in order for leaders to be successful in a complex, rapidly changing environment where we're faced with seemingly intractable challenges and an insatiable demand for innovation?" - Dr. Brene Brown
I have the privilege to work with outstanding educational leaders throughout the United States. As I interact with Superintendents, Principals and teacher leaders, I find that many of them have the skills needed to deal with today's challenges. One dear friend, a Principal whom I admire greatly, refers to herself as the "lead learner" in her school. What a wonderful awareness. We are all lifetime learners. Either we are busy learning or we are busy dying. The willingness to learn, grow and be vulnerable including being able to admit "I don't know the answer, but let's work together to find it."
I find that the educational leaders I love working with are courageous. They are deeply committed to the growth and well-being of everyone for whom they care for and lead. "Every single employee is someone's son or someone's daughter. Like a parent, a leader of a company is responsible for their precious lives." - Bob Chapman
I also find that courage being modeled when educational leaders tell their story. When we tell our story, we empower others to do the same. We realize we are not the only one. We realize we are not alone. We are connected by our common humanity.
I feel that educational leaders have the courage and skill to give specific, descriptive, observable feedback to those they lead. This feedback offers opportunity for growth and development.
Educational leaders also speak their truth. When new agendas and mandates with short time lines erupt, they speak to the fears and challenges that they and their staff feel.
Educational leaders model trust. They work at building relationships and building community. They listen to different perspectives. They seek to understand and work towards empathy. "Trust profoundly impacts performance by providing the foundation for effective teamwork and intrinsic motivation." - Dr. Paul Zak
Educational leaders acknowledge, affirm and celebrate the hard work of the educators who devote their lives to children.
Educational leaders show value and appreciation to everyone on their staff. As one dear Superintendent friend once said "We love our staff and students when we hold them accountable."
Educational leaders welcome diversity. They celebrate inclusion. They understand having hard conversations about differences enriches our community and builds everyone's trust.
When something goes wrong, educational leaders take responsibility and they make every effort to make it right.
As I continue to assess myself on a daily basis and continue to learn from all the educational leaders I am blessed to work with, I find that I need to continue to find the courage to be vulnerable and speak my truth and listen to your truth. I need to remain true to my core values of love and commitment. I need to continue to trust and forgive when trust is broken and trust again.
I need to rise up again and again and again.
