Start with Why
Listening to Brene Brown’s podcast Dare to Lead with guest speaker Simon Sinek this week has been so refreshing. Simon Sinek, author of the best-sellers Leaders Eat Last and Start with Why, has so much passion and energy about leadership. A quote from Mr. Sinek that resonates with me is as follows: “Leadership is not a rank or a position, it is a choice – a choice to look after the person to the left of us and the person to the right of us.” Leadership is not a position of power, but it is about being servant to those around you. I am blessed with phenomenal co-workers, students, parents, and community members who help create a fun, loving environment among our school campus. However, leadership is arguably one of the most difficult jobs, and I often find myself reflecting and contemplating if I am doing enough. Center for Creative Leadership identified the top ten most important traits of a leader,and these include:
Agility; quick thinking
Every single day, successful leaders must possess each of these traits and so many more. Referring back to Mr. Sinek’s quote, why is it that some leaders make the choice to continue in his or her servant leadership role while others walk away? Is it due to not being on the right seat on the bus? Is it due to a lack of understanding his or her why in the first place? Personally, I have only researched principal turnover rates, but we all know leadership turnover is an issue across multiple entities. If leadership turnover rates are to be reduced, I believe it is important for the leader to understand his or her why, to truly know their passion, and that they get up each day ready to be a better version of themselves than they were the previous day. A quote I often remind myself from Zig Zigler is: “People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily.” As leaders, if we are going to motivate those around us we have to first be able to motivate ourselves.
I urge all of you to listen to or read Start with Why. My why is to be a constant influence and inspiration to those around me. I truly believe every single person can accomplish so much more than they even realize. The confidence to take risks and make failed attempts is taught at a young age. I hope to always be a role model and a constant reminder to students and staff that they can achieve anything they set their mind to, even when they see me fail. I am a firm believer in the fact that if you can dream it, you can achieve it. I would love to hear your WHY!