The Toughest Leadership Lesson I Ever Learned

So, it turns out it is not always about the children. Yup, you read that correctly, it is not always about the children. That is the toughest leadership lesson that I ever learned.🧠 I didn't say it was a good lesson. 😡 For some people, organizations, states, etc. their decisions show that it is not about the children. 🏃‍♀️🏃🏃‍♂️

We MUST make it about the children and the following will help you move the conversation in that direction.

When you make decisions consider how it impacts the stakeholders in this order: what is best for children, what is best for their families, what is best for the staff, what is best for leaders, and what is best for ME. ✅

When someone brings a situation to your attention ask "are we solving a problem that affects children, if we are then we need to focus on the children." All too often the conversations move to what is best for the adults. ✅

When you are budgeting be sure your resources are going to meet the needs of the children. Are you staffed appropriately so that the students are getting the appropriate teachers? Do you have enough RTI staff? GT staff? Arts staff? Are the kids getting enrichment and field trips? ✅

Are you providing professional development that teachers need to teach the children who are IN FRONT of them? ✅

Know your children. Go into classrooms, the cafeteria, the playground and get to know them. Ask them questions and listen to them so you know what is important to them. As the leader, you set the tone, and knowing your students will help you remember why you are in this business.

In friendship, love and leadership,