My Philosophy of Leadership

I believe that relationships are at the core of any great leadership model.  I base this belief on years of experience, as well as the latest research on the subject.  With regards to school/educational leadership, I think the effort to establish and maintain good, healthy relationships is even more essential.  On a smaller scale, you can observe the impact and significance of relational leadership in the classroom.  The teacher who has laid the “relationship foundation” will inevitably be more successful than the one who has not. 

Right alongside of relationships, the ultimate goal of a successful organization should be to build effective teams that are functional and committed to the vision.  I’ve borrowed from Patrick Lencioni’s 5 Dysfunctions of a Team to assist my philosophy.  I truly believe that trust is foundational.  Only after the leader has developed and nurtured this aspect, can he or she work through the conflict that is necessary to build commitment, garner accountability, and finally, reach the desired results.   

Finally, and this is in keeping with the first two tenants, is the importance of building a culture of success.  In some places, this is easier than others, because of where each organization is on the “culture continuum.”  I believe it is up to “the leader” to astutely access the initial culture, and then decide the most appropriate options for change.  The rate at which the changes are made, could be as important, if not more so, than the type of changes made.  All three, relationship, trust, and culture building are intertwined, and at the center of my philosophy for great leadership/administration. 

Finding a way to Heal

The great German philosopher, Arthur Schopenhauer, once said that “All Truth passes through 3 stages.  First it is ridiculed.  Second, it is violently opposed.  Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.  So, having stated this framework with regards to truth, there is still racism in the world and racism in America.  Another truth, that is seeking to manifest itself, but is probably between the first and second stages, is that black lives matter.  We are in the middle of a “monumental” movement to validate those lives specifically.  

In response to a recent article titled, “Are we seeing reverse segregation,” I felt the need to respond.  Not out of anger or pity, but out of a deep need to educate and enlighten.  I am an African American male, and I have lived all 60 years of my life in the south, first in Virginia, and these last 32 years in the great state of Texas.  I am an American, and I am very pleased to say so.  I am also the descendent of slaves only 3 generations removed, so I feel I have a perspective.  My greatest goal now is to assist in bringing healing to a country, state and county in desperate need of it.  My main objective is to bridge gaps, open real dialogue, and create positive solutions and progress for present and future generations.  And, I cannot think of a greater cause to devote my final life’s work to. 

Black lives really do matter!  We live in a society where there is institutionalized, systemic racism, and many do not even know it.  Or in some cases, they may know, but choose not to deal with it.  And maybe they hope it will just go away or blow over.  You know, we have seen this movie before.  Well, the feel of what is currently happening is different people.  It is being felt all over the world in ways we have never seen, at least not in my lifetime.  So, if it just won’t go away on it’s own, and we are at a “tipping point,” what are we supposed to do? 

Remember when “they” used to say that during Sunday morning in America it was the most segregated hour of the week?  Well, I don’t know if “they” still say it, but it is still true!  Separate church services for separate ethnic groups of people still predominates our country.  This didn’t just start, and the question is when will it end?  And why is it?  Ask yourself that question, and if you are a church goer, what have you done as an individual to remedy this problem?  And if you don’t think it’s a problem… 

There are so many other examples of racism that has become embedded in our culture, and we take it for granted.  Well, I hardly know where to begin, but I’ll go back to the previous article to illustrate the main points here.  Black institutions like banks, colleges, businesses, schools, civic organizations, churches, etc., were formed because we, as African Americans were not given access.  We were denied the right, privileges and opportunities afforded other Americans.  We had no other choice with which to make progressive gains.  How do you remain optimistic in the face of severe adversity?  You find another way.  Believe me when I say that “black folks” have been very creative in making it work. 

There is a reason that some, not all African Americans don’t feel the same way as others do when Francis Scott Key’s famous words of liberty and freedom ring over us in a public gathering, primarily at the beginning of sporting events.  It has a different meaning and an unkept promise.  It’s very difficult to get excited when you or your brothers and sisters have or are being persecuted.  Why would I say that?  Well, current/recent events have made it very self-evident. 

At the very beginning, I mentioned the work of famous German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer.  My prayer and hope is that if we have to go through “stage two” with regard to how a new truth is vetted, we do not spend much time there and move quickly into stage three.  My desire is that many in this community, the critical mass, will help be the change.  So, if you are the member of a church, social or civic group, or just a concerned and awakened citizen, please help me make this happen.  Love conquers hate every day of the week, including Sunday!

Enthusiasm

Enthusiasm!  That certain something that makes us great – that pulls us out of the mediocre and commonplace – that builds into us Power.  It glows and shines, it lights up our faces.  Enthusiasm is the keynote that makes us sing and makes men and women sing with us. 

Enthusiasm – the maker of friends -the maker of smiles – the producer of confidence.  It cries to the world, “I’ve got what it takes.”  It tells all people that your job is a swell job – the company you own or work for just suits you – the goods you have are the best. 

Enthusiasm -the inspiration that makes you “wake up and live.”  It puts spring in your step – spring in your heart – a twinkle in your eyes – confidence in yourself and your fellowmen and women.   

Enthusiasm is reason gone mad to achieve a definite, rational objective. 

Enthusiasm is inflamed by opposition, but never converted; its’ the leaping lightning that blasts obstacles from its path. 

Enthusiasm is contagion that laughs at quarantine and inoculates all who come in contact with it. 

Enthusiasm is the vibrant thrill in your voice that sways the wills of others into harmony with your own.  

Enthusiasm is the “philosopher’s stone” that transmutes dull tasks into delightful deeds. 

Enthusiasm is a magnet that draws kindred souls with irresistible force and electrifies them with the magnetism of its own resolves. 

Enthusiasm – do you have it?  Then thank God for it.  If you haven’t got it – then get down on your knees and pray for it. 

Original Author Unknown 

One of Our Finest Hours

Winston Churchill once gave a great speech regarding the Battle of France, and the effort to maintain and secure “freedom” during World War II.  In this speech, the watershed statement given was, “This was their finest hour.”   I would like to refer to this sentiment when it comes to the USA and our resolve immediately following 9-11, the terrorist attack which was now exactly 20 years ago. 

It was an “event” that us Americans should never forget, for various reasons.  Many will focus on the tragic occurrences of the day and what followed.  I would like to touch briefly on the day from my personal and professional perspectives, and what I witnessed that followed.  For what I remember shocked me, stirred me, and brought my opinion of my fellow Americans to new heights.   

I remember the day like it was yesterday.  I was a 41-year-old assistant principal working at the then recently built North Crowley High School.  I was also the father of a one-year-old baby boy.  At school, we had just begun the day, as students arrived at school by bus or car and began to commit to their classrooms.  The documented record shows that the first plane hit the initial building in NYC at 8:46am EST, or 7:46 Texas time.  Seventeen minutes later, at 9:03am EST/8:03am CST the second tower was struck by a second plane.  By the time the buildings began to collapse, there was mass hysteria almost everywhere in the country, and TV’s and conversations were buzzing throughout the building.  We had already entered the era of the cell phone, so it didn’t take long for planning and networking to take place.   

I remember parents beginning to call the school and asking for their students to be released, or they arrived in person after leaving work to pick up students.  The thought processes at the time were that if this was the “beginning of the end” of the world, they wanted their families to be at home together.  I remember vividly that this was one time when we as a school didn’t ask questions, we just required verification and then allowed them to depart.  As administrators, we stood by and assisted however we could.  It was a day of deep reflection, sorrow and regret. 

If I may, I’d like to now skip forward to the days and weeks that followed the tragedy.  I’ve said this before to several people, but I don’t think I will ever forget what I witnessed in the aftermath.  People, our people, coming together lie I’d never seen before, or in my humble opinion since.  Folks joining hands and joining in the effort to not only clean up, but aid and assist in any way possible.  Wallets and purses were open with unmatched generosity! 

People committed themselves to a joint effort to make things right, with their money, time, talents and any other available resources.  And this was regardless of ethnicity, race or religion, varied backgrounds or political party affiliations.  For the first, and maybe the only time in my life, “WE” were truly “One Nation under God.” 

So, as we reflect upon the events of 20 years ago, my questions are the following: Can we once again put away our differences as we honor those who gave their lives in service and sacrifice?  Can we come together to make positive changes for ourselves, but more importantly for our posterity?  Can we find a way to “build bridges” and mend lives, both figuratively and literally?  I truly think we can do it when we put aside foolish pride and humble ourselves.  We did it in 2001.  Remember, someone famous once said, “We Rise Together.”  In my humble opinion, this is still very true. 

Influences

I have had many people who have influenced my life.  In fact, I’m not sure how I would have made it this far without those people.  Mentor is a humble word, and maybe I overuse it, but my mentors have been mighty and numerous.  For the sake of clarity and brevity, I’ll concentrate on only one of them here in this piece.   

One of the great influencers in my life is a man named Fred Woodard, who I met back in the summer of 1990.  The first meeting in fact was an interview.  Fred was the assistant principal at an urban middle school in Texas, and he was pre-screening candidates to replace a recently fired head coach and athletic director.   I just wanted to be employed, and I had just completed my masters degree in PE, with an emphasis in special/adapted education.   

Well, Fred and I hit it off immediately.  He recommended me to his principal and after the final or “real” interview, I got the job.  I was 31 years old, and Fred was several years older, but more like a big brother than a father figure.  It was under Fred’s tutelage that I transitioned from athletic coach to administrator.  He gave me the push to do it, and he also gave me the example of what I knew I wanted to be as a leader.  Someone who was trustworthy, faithful, diligent, helpful and caring.     

Fred and his wife continue to be role models for me and my family until this day.  Valentines Day is special in that we have a tradition.  My wife and I take Fred and his wife out to a fancy restaurant for a double date.  It’s our way of giving back.  You see, Fred also helped introduce me to my wife.  Being a good mentor is so powerful.  It’s being a person of great influence!