My
principal shared this article with our staff last week. It’s called “21 Things All Great Leaders Do.” I thought it had pretty good alliance with The Principal 50 from last semester’s
Twitter chats’ readings (especially #9 of the 21 things on the list. I’m still
personally working on that one!). The article is an easy read; it’s nothing
earth-shattering. Just one of those one-stop-shop kind of readings that makes
you think about and rate yourself on these characteristics.
To
me, the best quote in this article isn’t one of the 21 things they discuss.
It’s this: “Age doesn’t make you better as a leader. It just makes you more of
who you really are. Your habits, disciplines and skill sets make you better.”
This quote is like a splash of cold water on your face when you get bogged
down; a jolt back into a little bit of reality. I think a lot of people are of
the opinion that time and experience will make them into a leader who is worth
following. Not true! If someone wants to be a leader, but they aren’t someone
worth following at the present moment, this article kind of proves there’s hope
for them in the future. However, if they don’t make a concerted effort, then
time will just keep them who they are, just with a higher age number (See #2 of
the 21 things on the list). I guess that’s part of the reason all of us are in
this program…to become better leaders (and to get a pay raise...that helps,
too! J).
Thanks for sharing, Kristin!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy things like this because like you mentioned, it is good to just have a handy reminder or jolt about your practices and habits. I tend to get very consumed by work and don't stop and smell the roses. Sinking my teeth into an article like this is a great way to make that happen.
Thanks!
I like the article a lot. I also like your favorite quote. I feel like my experience is my catch 22. One might look at my resume and see 14 schools in 29 years in 7 countries and think, "My, my, he isn't going to stick around anywhere long enough to make a difference," and then not even interview me. On the other hand, someone might look at all that and think, "Wow! What a great resource he could be for our school with all that diverse experience!" My fear is that the latter is far less often the case. I am looking for a new job now and I am starting to get concerned now that I am in March with no leads! I have completed the application to APS, reached out to friends in Houston and Palm Beach, and tried to sell myself to the right people in Fulton. I was very discouraged this past week when I found that a lead coaching position had come available and no one thought to let me know! Then for HR to sign off on this program for me and the powers that be prevent me from applying to the AP pool because I haven't taken the GACE YET. I am beginning to feel that Fulton doesn't want me! Sorry for the rant! You hit a nerve when we look at people's experience. What do we see?
ReplyDeleteNumber 19 (call people by name) reminds me of a story when I was a new principal in Iowa. Prior to arriving at my new school, I studied the pictures and names of all faculty and staff at the school (100 employees). People were blown away that I knew them when I arrived. It sent a pretty strong message about my commitment to them as individuals.
ReplyDelete