15 Concise Thoughts on #Leadership

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Before I move on to discussing my new job as an Elementary School Principal, one more time (for now) I want to look back upon my previous experiences as an administrator – more particularly, my last 2.5 years as a curriculum supervisor. Reflection is a crucial part of student learning, so as educators we should be modeling the way by leveraging previous experiences to better ourselves on both a professional and personal level.

That being said, soon after I completed my stint as a curriculum supervisor on December 22, I jotted down 15 thoughts on leadership (some of which directly relate to ways I know I can improve). Here they are. Enjoy!

What matters more than anything else is how we treat others.
It’s one thing to say relationships are important; it’s another thing to live it and breathe it and experience it.
Always seek to understand. We cannot begin to comprehend what others have experienced.
If we don’t have trust, we have nothing.
One of the worst messages we can send to others is that we don’t value their opinions.
I’ve heard many educators claim that the worst bullies in schools/districts are usually the adults; I don’t disagree.
Friction promotes growth. Conflict tears down culture.
When we’re insecure in our actions, we criticize others. When we’re confident, we can let our actions speak for themselves.
Identical accomplishments can be applauded in one context and ridiculed in another, all depending on the lens through which others choose to view the work.
When we start to justify our actions with a job title, we’re on a slippery slope.
There’s a difference between focusing on what we want to do and focusing on what needs to be done.
When we consistently harp on what could/should be, we’re possibly insulting the hard work of others without even knowing it.
Theory tends to generate anxiety, while practicality promotes progress.
Day in, day out consistency is not easy.
Intentionally surrounding yourself with the right people can change your life.