Resilient Leader

As I navigate the evolving role of the principal, it is important to remain resilient.  Criticism, defamation, and destructive forces will accompany any decision, mission, and/or direction.  Boards change, directors change, superintendents and principals change, and so forth, and this change causes both an opportunity for new and refreshing ideas and the uncomfort of changing the course(s).

I know parents, teachers, and administrators want the best for their students and their schools.  Boards want to be proud of the accomplishments and direction of the school community.  Employers and colleges want students ready to solve problems and work in teams.  Are you serving these expectations?  Do you help support ideas in which foster the development of problems solvers, critical thinkers, and collaborators?  These questions must be considered throughout the year.  Furthermore, the essential questions which guide your leadership and decision making should be obvious to the students and staff in your building.  Not because you tell them, but instead because you consistently use them to influence your decisions.

Remain resilient and steadfast to your core beliefs and mission.  Some will try to bring you down.  You are human and the criticism will impact you.  "If you want to walk fast, walk alone.  If you want to walk far, walk with others." - Burkina Faso.  Use the people around you to make sure you are in this for the entire journey.  We need you to lead and we need you to stay.  Be resilient!

Legacy

I never set out to leave a legacy, merely impact people positively each and every day.  Recently, I was asked to reflect on the legacy of my leadership.  Being one to serve others, it is difficult to think of my influence on the people in which I am employed to lead.  I think of the relationships I have with so many people and the structural changes we have made in our organization.  It is through the numerous students I run into years after they graduate I am reminded of my leadership.  Former students reminiscing about great times within the walls of the school and they never fail to ask about their favorite teachers.   I'm always impressed with their level of success and maturity at such young ages.

What will people say of your legacy?  Have you thought about your influence on your organization and the people within?  I know I haven't given it much thought, but I will from this point forward.  It will be my measure to ensure I am serving others.