A leader I admire...

I see very few relationships in my life as the traditional "boss" or leader dynamic. For me many have evolved into close partnerships and deep friendships. I have, encounter one individual who I'd describe as a great leader and a person I admire. Though they can initially seem a bit gruff, they are in-fact on of the most sensitive people I have ever encountered. I would say that having depth is a good characteristic, as a leader. They are extremely well read, and very intelligent. When it comes to making decisions that impact kids, they carefully think about what is best for them, not the adults, not the money, but the kids. Thats big for me. Kids first, you can figure the rest of the stuff out later. Adults, we only complicate things anyway.

I also see this person as a powerful motivator. They are of larger stature, and have a voice to match. When they feel passionate about something, watch-out. It's infectious! The power to inspire, that's another quality of a strong leader in my book. Motivate people, get them moving!

But the reason I chose this person, has nothing to do with either of those qualities. I find that a real leader is human. When "life" happens and you need support, time, understanding. A real leader will look beyond the rules and listen to as person, support you and do what is best to help. Because that is what people do, when they lead with kindness, when they are compassionate...when they are a successful leader.

Who am I as a leader?

As a teacher, I am a leader. I lead children as they discover an education that hopefully is engaging, inspiring, and teaches them new information and skills that they are passionate about. I do not see a leader as someone who, in the stereotypical version, stands before a group tells them what to do and then oversees their progress. Pointing out mistakes and seldom acknowledging success. I have seen the model in the past, mostly in businesses I have worked in, thankfully not school and I want no part in it.

When I had the opportunity to be a "boss," early in my career, I was quite nervous. I was the director of a well established arts organization, with a staff to hire, curriculum to write, a budget to balance, parents to please and children to educate. I really wanted to lead my staff in a way that supported their work with kids, (its hard, the pay is not much, and the parents are..well..high maintenance). I needed to lead them well, become someone they could depend on, when they had question, problems, and I needed to have the answers or the ability to get the answers they needed quickly. I tried to show them that I was always prepared, so they would trust me, people don't like a disorganized leader. I would check-in on their classroom, what are they teaching, are they following curriculum, if not why? Perhaps they had a good idea that I needed to hear, as to why they changed a lesson. If so, a one-on-one meeting was a good way to help that person feel valued and acknowledged that I really wanted to hear what they had to say. They were all smart and qualified people, if they weren't it's my fault, I hired them! I would try to give personal but not "fake" feedback. People can tell when you are just saying something nice a mile away, find something authentic that they are doing well and complement them on it, they'll do more of it. I also tried to be a place to "vent," better to me in my office than in-font of a parent or a kid. We are all human, we have bad days. Get it out! I found that my best moments as "boss/leader" were small acts of kindness, (bringing a teacher a cup of coffee, just because) and extreme organization when it came to student enrollment, teacher rosters, and curriculum. I was more confident as a leader when I felt organized and in control, then I could be there to support my colleagues.

I loved my position as director and held it for three years, up until my pregnancy with my son. It was a wonderful experience and was instrumental in shaping the teacher I am today.