Passion

Leadership takes passion. As a leader, you need to be sold out to your role. I am. My role as an elementary school principal challenges my passion on a daily basis. I have learned many things about my passion. First, it is often misunderstood for driven witch on wheels. When I share my ideas, I speak loudly, firmly and confidently. Therefore, I am almost always misunderstood, especially in the south. Second, it is often seen as my way or the highway. Because I share with conviction, confidence and a loud voice, it appears to the listener that I am demanding it be my way. That is rarely the case. Of course, everybody likes to get their way once in a while. Third, my passion is often mistaken for me having blinders on and unable to see other people's ideas or point of view. Not true, I want to hear what other people have to share. I learn from what other people share. Because I have such good friends that hold me accountable, I have been able to tone down my passion so I don't intimidate, stifle or overwhelm those I am sharing with.
One time I spoke to a group of people about a topic and a gentleman commented that I could sell shoes to a cobbler. I took that as a compliment because he got how sold out I was to that particular topic. I am completely passionate about being an educator and helping my teachers reach their potential and the students at my school reach their potential.