HOW
We often find ourselves worrying about what is going on around us in schools rather than what is happening right in front of us. The job of a great leader is to help everyone see a collective vision and eliminate barriers that stand in the way of getting there. The vision, like the view out of the front window, should inspire and keep those in the organization moving in a positive direction.
CAPACITY
Building the capacity to lead means providing opportunities for those you serve to help move the organization forward. Building capacity means that the movement of the organization is not predicated on one person’s commitment to the organization, but everyone’s willingness to be part of its success. Pushing someone’s perspective to the side is the easiest way to ensure that you will never have that person invested in the larger goal of building a successful organization.
AVOIDING VERSUS MENTALITY
The “us vs. them” mentality often comes from a lack of knowledge from “us” of what “them” is doing. When we don’t know what people we tend to make up what people do and in doing that we compare ourselves to what we believe they do without even knowing what they do. Start with grace and follow up with support…even if you don’t know.
DEVELOPING SYSTEMS
The best systems in the world set up parameters for the individual talents of the group to impact the larger group, while not being completely dependent on the individuals to move the organization forward. If the system is set up for everyone to do their best work, then they will. When that work is tied to the collective goal of the system, then the organization moves forward.