The Vision of a Leader

People who are not leaders often don't understand a "vision" or "the big picture" that leaders often share with them. Over the years as a principal I have come to terms with not taking this personally. It used to bother me and make me second guess the ideas I would share with my staff. I have come to realize that I can see the bigger picture because I am a leader. I have tried to share the big picture or my vision for my school. Many understand or accept that I know what I am talking about and others don't understand and choose to fight me on some points. There comes a time as a leader that I must go forward with plans even if there are some naysayers. I have not always followed through with some ideas because I didn't have 100% of the staff behind me. As I have grown as a person, Christian, leader and educator, I have learned sometimes I have to make a decision in spite of the naysayers and forge ahead for the greater good.
I often hear my staff and parents state, "I could never do your job." It is true. Not everyone is cut out to be a leader. Because I have been trained to be a principal and I have the spiritual gift of leadership, I am in this position. Because I have the title of principal I can impart my vision or big picture on my staff. I try not to throw my leadership weight around like that. I strongly believe that buy in to an idea is very important. Most times that is how I operate-listening, weighing the opinions of others and allowing my idea to take a back seat. Sometimes I must be like a parent and just act out "because I said so" philosophy because I do see the big picture.
If you are a subordinate and struggle with your boss' grand ideas and don't see the value or purpose, look over my list and give your boss the benefit of the doubt that she knows what she is doing.
1. Has your boss had ideas that have been a success. More successes than flops.
2. The idea is for the greater good of the company. Set your own feelings aside and do what is best for your company.
3. Your boss is willing to admit mistakes and take responsibility for the flops.
4. The vision and the activities that go along with it make the staff/employees better at their jobs.
5. Your boss is in the trenches with the staff when an idea is being implemented. She is not watching from an ivory tower and taking the credit for work you did.
Leaders come in many shapes and sizes. The important thing about being a leader is where her heart lies. Find out where your leaders heart lies and support her. If you can't support your leaders vision, heart or big picture, it may be time to find another organization with a different leader.

Marvelous and Magnificent day in Education

Today concludes American Education Week. Throughout the week my school has participated in a variety of activities to remind the students and staff that American Education is something to celebrate and to be proud.
Monday we wore suspenders to show our "support" of American Education.
Tuesday parents were invited to eat breakfast or lunch and to read to a child's class.
Wednesday we colored torches and posted the poem by George Bernard Shaw about education being a light that is passed on to one another. Not just teachers to students but students to other students.
Thursday we wrote "Thank you" notes on an apple pattern. The notes were to be written to someone in education that we appreciate.
Friday every student, staff and visitor received a snack size pack of "M&M's" to remind us that it is a marvelous and magnificent day in American Education.
I am saddened by the negative spin the politicians, community members, and often parents have of education in America. I know that at Blaney Elementary School the entire staff comes every with a desire to make a difference in each student. Each of us sees our position in education as a calling and we put our entire being into the role. I am offended when judgments are made by people outside of the educational field. It is disheartening that the public is so easily influenced by the media. Every person went to school at some point in his or her life. They only way that was possible is if there were teachers in the schools teaching. Students are not expected to wait to be seen by teachers; they don't need to make an appointment to get an education; their parents don't need to earn a certain amount of money, drive a particular car, own property or even hold a job; and it doesn't matter what a child looks like, acts like or learns like because public education is open to every single child. Wow! Think about that and teachers make less money than doctors, lawyers, bank presidents, CEOs or CFOs. If it weren't for the teachers in these people's lives, they would not have the careers they have.
The next time you want to judge public education I suggest you visit your child's, grandchild's, niece or nephew's, Godchild's or best friend's child's school and see what is going on in public education at the heart of public education-the classroom!

No Regrets

On Monday, October 24, 2011, my dad died. As all four of his children and his wife of 54 years sat around the bed, we cried but most importantly, we laughed and remembered the wonderful times we had as a family of six. Stories were told of how dad got us lost in the woods of Connecticut and wound up in New York State, about camping on Grandma and Grandpa Goldsmith's farm in Delhi, New York and how dad told stories about "greeblies" and calling the cows in the pasture next to our campsite with his rendition of mooing and how he was always there for us. He was a man of routine. We remembered how every morning before he went to teach at Wilton High he would shower, fix fried eggs, pack a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch, put on a hat and overcoat and head off to teach. He loved my mom so very much. She was the light in his eyes and he was the light in her eyes. They would sing in the church choirs, walk the dogs, swim in their pool, read for endless hours, watch MASH reruns and listen to Satellite radio. They knew how to demonstrate their love for one another so there were NO regrets on Monday, October 24 when we all kissed dad goodbye and witnessed him take his last breath.
I share all of this with you so you can have NO REGRETS at the end of your life, the life of your parents, spouse, children or friends. It is important to love one another unconditionally, accept people for who they are, enjoy your family and always let your family know that you love them with the words-"I LOVE YOU!" Don't ever assume they know that. Live your life with no regrets of missing your child's school play, baseball game, dance recital. Have no regrets about telling your child, "Not now, maybe later" or "I don't have time." You will never get those moments back to hear your 5 year old tell the same knock knock joke over and over, throw the football, push the swing, make cookies together, read a book, watch your child's favorite cartoon or movie 100 times or cheer him on at a track meet. Time is fleeting-cherish every moment so in the end you have NO REGRETS!