I had an interesting conversation with a board member last week. As we discussed the events of this past year and all we've learned, she said we really need to take some time to look at the kind of a leader we were, and understand now - what kind of leaders we are. I spent some time thinking about the notion that it's quite possible our leadership style or type evolved over the last year. Certainly, we evolve every year, right? However, leading through a pandemic and through all that the pandemic dealt us - changed leaders. In another board conversation a member told his board colleagues, he felt better about the tough decisions being made because of the trust he had in each fellow member and the superintendent and treasurer.
To a large extent, school districts opened their ability to succeed to their communities, teachers, parents and students. We had to work together. Decisions were made about daily operations and how we would collectively educate our students. All of our actions had an impact on our students.
Some lessons learned:
1. Admit when you are wrong or made a mistake.
2. Respect your stakeholders and make sure they know you respect them.
3. Share the "why" behind decisions made, detailing the value to the student, district, and school employees.
4. Be honest and share as much information as possible. Honest information helps people not focus on their fear.
5. Address how all stakeholders will be affected as early as possible and update as frequently as possible.
This list could go on and on, and I hope it does. Take the time as a leadership team to consider your lessons learned. What kind of leaders were you? More importantly, what kind of leader are you, now?