Setting the example, direction, standard, relationships, and alignment

On October 14 we welcomed a talented cohort of new principals to our association at the MESPA New Principals Seminar. Their experiences, insights, skill sets, and enthusiasm were remarkable. Many of these men and women have been “called” to the principalship as their second career after working in corporations, the private sector, and even as an opera singer. Several brought numerous years of teaching experience to their first principalship.

In their new role as instructional leaders, we talked about what leadership is and the challenge and expectations of transitioning from the classroom to leading a school community. Great principals should always be great teachers, but leadership is the intangible element that propels schools to build the capacity of their human resources.

According to retired Colonel Art Athens at the Annapolis Institute of Ethics: “Leadership is the art of influencing others to change, unite, and achieve common objectives. Leadership influences change.”

So what do leaders do? They set the example by: being on time, dressing like a pro, following through on what they promise, setting the tone through modeling. Leaders set the direction by knowing and/or developing a school’s vision, mission, and goals. Great leaders tie everything back to the mission and make it real.

Leaders also set the standard. They know and teach the guidelines, develop the norms, set the climate, and hold people accountable for the collective good.

Leaders connect with people. We have to genuinely care about the people we lead. That is to say, leaders need to correct people in a humane, caring, and respectful way and of course, catch people doing things right.

Setting the alignment is an important leadership attribute. Keeping the focus on the vision, using our time and resources toward those goals, determining what fits and what does not fit, is the alignment that prevents mission drift. Alignment is key to reaching our goals, but is easier said that done.

Finally, leaders need to confront the unexpected! This is the hard part because we don’t know when it is coming. If we establish and demonstrate the five previous attributes of setting the example, direction, standard, relationships, and alignment, confronting the unexpected will come easier.

According to Col. Athens, there is one personal attribute that is essential for extraordinary leadership – and that is humility. Successful leaders demonstrate humility. They remember where they have been. One of the most destructive behaviors in an organization is arrogance or the unhealthy focus on oneself. Arrogance tends to blind us and create a sense of entitlement that can destroy an organization.

So what is the price of leadership? Real leadership is about serving your followers. Ultimately leaders must give and sacrifice. Successful leaders serve their school and community; your community doesn’t serve you. Sacrifice is the debt that leaders owe those whom we serve.

I’m hopeful about the future of our schools and our new emerging leaders, and am revitalized by their enthusiasm. Colonel Athens’ leadership reminders are inspiring and humbling as we move forward in helping to build the capacity of the children and adults we serve.

Another great leader, Colin Powell said: “Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers who can cut through argument, debate, and doubt, to offer a solution everybody can understand.”