Leadership Style
Although there are many skills one might use when leading a school and/or community, I have determined over the years that servant-leadership best fits my approach and style. I value this type of leadership because of the team and consensus building it brings to the table. Utilizing the collective team’s resources, opinions, and data have given me exceptional opportunities to problem solve and meet the educational challenges that we have experienced over the last several years. Doing more with less has become the norm and this creation of “synergy” has allowed us to continue to grow while defining realistic and obtainable goals.
My personal ongoing leadership goal is inspired by John Maxwell: Leading with a mentoring/coaching style that empowers teachers and other administrators to take leadership roles without fear. I try to make sure that no matter the situation, the dialogue is always non-threatening, constructive, and especially instructive. With this in mind, I understand that not all faculty members are at the same place, and my job as a leader is to meet them where they are and encourage while supporting them along the way to achieving their goals. I believe in helping people sort through problems and look at a variety of creative solutions that serve to enhance not only their personal growth, but also whatever it is we are trying to accomplish as a school and community.
I have observed over the years that when faculty and staff are challenged and encouraged through a mentoring approach, they develop the leadership skills to carry that initiative back into their professional roles of helping our students. Seeing each individual reach his or her potential becomes a common goal for faculty and staff that is, in turn, expressed to our students, their parents, and community stakeholders to have a broader impact.