A Special Message

Good Morning Vikings,

Educational Leaders frequently enter into their positions with great expectations of having a significant impact on their schools and communities. However, in practice, being an educational leader, whether at the district or school level, as a department chair, as a PLC leader, or as a grade-level leader, can be difficult and turbulent. Many leaders discover they are unprepared for the complexity and nuances of the job. Good leadership in education necessitates not just a thorough understanding of how people learn but also the capacity to unite people and the willingness to give each member of the school-level team a voice.

We can learn a great deal from observing others. When a leader enters a district or school and greets everyone with a calm spirit, humble conversation, and a focused mindset, it speaks volumes about the charisma of that leader. Those watching become intrigued by that person and want to be enlightened by spending even more time around that particular leader. Leadership is a practice where influence, the ability to inspire, relationship-building, decision-making, and collaboration are at the forefront of safeguarding a positive organizational climate and culture. Still, leadership is also a difficult craft to master within a set amount of time. It is rather a lifetime commitment to the mastery of leadership itself.

The leader who remains calm during the storm and humble whether things are going wrong or right maintains the stewardship of those for whom he or she provides supervision and empowerment. While navigating the obstacles often encountered in education, there are many times we are faced with human conflict, district-level vs. building-level philosophies, community issues, student achievement and test scores, disciplinary outcomes, and parent concerns. As leaders, we are trained, and we are expected to swiftly navigate through the turbulence and resolve challenges in an equitable manner. The decision-making process the leader employs should reflect state requirements, the district’s philosophy, the supervisor’s vision, parents' concerns, and student achievement expectations. The reflection upon each area is often a skill set established by seeking observation opportunities from a mentor and participating in guided conversations.

Making mistakes in leadership is natural as leaders navigate the obstacles of education. Integral to the development, growth, and success of a great leader is the forming of a relationship with a mentor to embark on the journey of educational leadership collectively. The pathway to success, including occasional failures, is most often journeyed easier when the leader has been mentored appropriately, remains calm, has an assuring presence, is knowledgeable and focused, and leads with both confidence and humility.

I am no different than anyone else. If I can do it, so can you. No more excuses. Minor Setbacks = Major Comebacks!!!

Consistency is the mark of a CHAMPION. Be a champion for our scholars and each other as I will be for you.

Sincerely,

Doc Trip