What is leadership?  What makes a great leader?  And…what does this have to do with Almond School?

Let’s start with the last question.

Our school is full of leaders; students, staff, and parents.  I have the blessing of intersecting with each of these leaders and watching their magic unfurl. 

Students organize basketball games at recess, campaign for “mix it up Fridays” at the lunch tables, request help for friends dealing with conflict, coordinate the work of peers in classroom presentations, acquaint new students with our campus, and the list goes on.  Some of these student leaders lead with flare and enthusiasm, while others take a more subtle approach and lead not through loud gestures or overtures, but through example.

Almond’s staff leaders utilize their talents to negotiate a common time during the day to implement Targeted Instruction Groups (TIG) and facilitate the “getting connected” portion of our staff gatherings.  Parent leaders problem solve distribution in the hot lunch lines, enlist volunteers for Helping Hands, spearhead events like the Walkabout, and so much more.  Each leader incorporates his or her style into how they bring people together.  Those that are most effective have the capacity to empower and galvanize others into action.

Leadership is at the forefront of my mind today because tomorrow some student leaders will stand before our student body at the Friday assembly and share why they should be selected to lead various positions on the Student Council. Whether a student is elected or not, this is not what identifies them as a leader.  It is one’s actions, not their position, that establishes their leadership. My reflections on this topic have led me back to one of my favorite leadership books (The Servant by James C. Hunter) and to some insightful TED talks (Itay Talgam’s “Lead like great conductors,” and Simon Sinek’s “Why good leaders make you feel safe”). 

Itay Talgram (international orchestra conductor), and renown authors Simon Sinek and James C. Hunter all speak about the conditions that leaders create.  Talgram explains that leadership is the practice of empowering the stories of others to be heard at the same time.  One of the most powerful phrases he shares is a leader’s ability to open a space for others.  Sinek speaks about trust and cooperation and how leaders put the needs of others, or the organization, before their own. Hunter’s story reminds us that to lead you must be willing to serve.

I had the great privilege of speaking with one of our students about the difference between a leader and a boss as he directed his peers in a kickball game.  The term “boss” simply means that someone has a supervisory role over others.  Sinek emphasizes, “leadership is a choice…not a rank.”  So what distinguishes someone who solely functions at the boss level as opposed to someone who leads?  Bosses often tell people what to do; leaders know the talents of those with whom they work and inspire their team to perform.  Bosses micromanage; leaders create a culture of trust and cooperation.  Bosses talk more; leaders listen more.  Bosses consider themselves in charge; leaders consider themselves partners.

As we continue talking about superpowers, leadership is one of the skills we strive to cultivate on our campus.  Thank you to all the student, staff, and parent leaders in our community who exemplify best practices in this area.  You teach me greatness on a daily basis.  Please continue contributing your gifts to Almond.  Together we can accomplish anything!