Leadership Beliefs

In my masters level graduate education courses, I learned about school finance, school law, curriculum and instruction, staff supervision and many other valuable topics. In my doctoral studies, I expanded this knowledge to include understanding how to evaluate and then produce original research in education. One thing they do not teach you in preparation for school administration is the development of your own leadership style.

Honestly, I am not sure this is a topic that can be taught in a college course. Much of what I have come to believe about leadership has been developed over time. Particulary valuable has been adverse circumstances. They really can teach you a great deal about who you are and what you value.

Since my childhood, I have always been a person who took charge in group situations. My mother thought my future would be as a social director. I naturally gravitated towards being the captain of the sports teams I played on. I have struggled with my role as a leader as I have grown older. Sometimes I wish that I could be a follower. It would be easier, but it is not who I am.

As I have struggled with issues over time, I have consistently sought out advice and information on the topic of leadership. Besides consulting with leaders I have come to respect, I am an avid reader of literature on this topic. In particular, I have read as many biographies of leaders as I could. While I am sure that this will be a never ending effort, I have learned a few things that I use to guide my actions.

First, I believe in modeling the way. I have spent many hours reflecting on what I value and believe in as a person. While it is hard to put into a short list, at this point in my life, I believe in:

Perseverance - Almost everything worth accomplishing in my life has been achieved through extended amounts of hard work. Nothing really has come easy to me. I was not a gifted athlete or student. I believe that I have achieved what I have accomplished because I have been willing to work harder for longer periods of time than others. I value people who are willing to work hard to achieve the results they seek.

Be honest but tactful - I have learned that sugar coating the truth can be a disservice. I never want to hurt someone's feelings, but there are times when the news you have to deliver is not pleasant. I believe that you must say what you mean and mean what you say, but you do not have to say anything in a mean way.

Do what you believe is right - Above all else, I have learned that you must be true to yourself. At the end of the day when you look in the mirror, you need to be proud of what you see. I strive to have a clear conscience by acting in a manner consistent with what I truly believe to be best.

Grow yourself and others - Perhaps because I was never particulary gifted in any area, I learned the value of working hard to get better. It is a constant in my life that I must challenge myself to do and be better tomorrow than I am today. I get great pleasure out of helping others to do the same.

Work hard but lead a balanced life - My dad worked two jobs when I was growing up. He was part of a generation of men who believed their primary purpose was to put food on the table. He did a great job doing that considering my mother was a stay at home mom and I am from a family of six boys. Yet, I know now that in his later years he wishes he had more time with us as we were growing up. I am certain that he has no regrets as he did what he had to do. On the other hand, I have made a conscious decision not to do the same thing with my children. I truly believe in what I do and will work hard and make sacrifices when necessary. However, I will not allow work to dominate my life. I value the time with my family and want to be an active part of my own children's lives. This is the hardest of the values for me to maintain in my life. I must consistently remind myself of what is most important in the long run.

Take calculated but thoughtful risks - Nothing great has ever been achieved without some degree of risk. Risk and experimentation go hand in hand with personal and professional growth. I do not believe in failure. To me, everything I have ever failed at is really just a learning experience in disguise. I have "failed forward" many times in my life and am better for it. I do not seek to fail, but I know that it is a possibility when I embark on something new.

This has been a tough year to be a school leader. Circumstances at both the local and state levels have presented me with challenges I have never faced before. As a result, I have been the subject of criticism and some degree of hostility. While I find some comfort in talking with colleagues who tell me I am not alone, I would be lying if I said that it never gets to me. I frequently drive home and reflect on what I am doing or not doing. I am not blessed with teflon coated skin. However, I always find that if I stay true to the principles I have shared in this blog, I may get more gray hairs and gain a few more pounds, but I will always sleep well at night.