#CelebrateMonday
January 30, 2017
As we make our way out of January and into February, the potential to feel as though we are in the doldrums is significant. We must be intentional about fighting off the negative emotions and thoughts that this time of the year can bring. And while we continue to be the cheerleaders for our faculty and staff during these long months, we need to recognize that we can't do it all alone. It's important that we take the time to lift up each other!
But when you hear that term, does it make you think both "Yes, I want to be a servant leader!" and "Yikes! How can I possibly serve everyone I am supposed to be leading?"??
When I first heard the term "servant leadership," I thought it was an amazing idea and I immediately wanted to understand it better. As I considered what that might mean for me, I was concerned about the amount of time, effort and even work that being a "servant leader" may require of me. Yes, that sounds incredibly selfish - and maybe it is, but it was my reality.
As I continued to learn more about it, I realized that really servant leadership doesn't mean literally serving folks at every turn and opportunity. Rather, servant leadership means that I am leading with others in mind.
For me, that means that the focus of my leadership is not on my position or on my title. The focus of my leadership is on the people I am privileged to lead and serve.
In his blog post about servant leadership, Skip Prichard identifies (and provides a very brief explanation) of 9 qualities of the servant leader:
1. Values diverse opinions
2. Cultivates a culture of trust
3. Develops other leaders
4. Helps people with life issues
5. Encourages
6. Sells instead of tells
7. Thinks you, not me
8. Thinks long term
9. Acts with humility
In this time of great transition in our district, it seems to me that our faculties, staffs, parents and students need servant leaders now more than ever before. With all of the change that our district is facing, it is so important for us to lead with others in mind.
It is a commitment of energy and emotion, and it is an investment of time.
#CelebrateMonday today by considering those who have been servant leaders in your life. And maybe, take some time to consider how those examples of servant leadership helped you to grow into the leader you are today!
Don't forget to make this the best Monday of the week!
Cheers!