Superintendent: Year 1 (Self-Reflection 2.0)
Last month I took some time to reflect on the year and my experience as a first time superintendent. However, a couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to meet with some peer superintendents and my coach. (I previously shared I have mentors, a coach, and sponsors). She asked us four questions and I wanted to share my responses with you all. I challenge you to think through these questions and your answers as you reflect on this past year and prepare for your coming year.
The responses below are an expansion on my initial responses as I took some time to truly reflect further on this first year.
1) What have I learned about the role?
I initially shared that it is a hard job but it can be done! Meaning some people fear the role and I completely get why especially in this day and time. However, my belief is that this role is a calling (and responsibility). I also learned that in order to succeed you must hold tight to your beliefs and values and have balance. As a superintendent, and leader in education, I believe it is imperative to know your beliefs and what you value. For me, my faith has been instrumental to the success and completion of this year. I have had to make decisions, I had my share of doubts, and of course people have questioned decisions. It is part of the role and the leadership process.
“I can do hard things”. Throughout this journey I have shared some celebrations, self doubt, some wonderings and some even ‘I should have done that different moments”. The role is hard but we were made for hard things. The role is hard but it is rewarding. You have seven distinct bosses/supervisors and there is one of you. You also have a district, with staff and students, as well as parents and community members. And if your district is the hub of the town or city I believe you have even more of a responsibility in your role as superintendent.
2) What have I learned about myself?
I need to give myself grace and not take things personal. I am hard on myself. I have very high expectations and sometimes when I felt like I didn’t meet a goal or expectation I couldn’t see the wins or successes that were right in front of me. I gave an end of the year survey to our entire staff so they could give feedback on me and to me (as well as all other district leaders). One of the comments that resonated with me the most simply said, “Stop and smell the flowers”. Most of the comments were positive but this one made me stop and think. Do I take time to just slow down and observe all the work we have done or did do this year. I probably didn’t…ok. The real answer is, “No, I did not”! I was always going 100 mph making time for people, projects and programs but slow was not a thing for me. Now, when I was home I did slow down but when I was at work I was always moving. I don’t know how to change that or if I need to but it definitely made me pause and reflect. I needed that comment.
3) What have I learned about others?
People want to feel validated, seen, heard and loved. I have known that and try my best to provide that by modeling. I also expect that from my leadership team. I saw this whenever I gave out small tokens of appreciation for each and every appreciation there was…teacher, custodian, food services, assistant principal, librarian, nurses and more. Each month was a group and each month my admin assistant created the cutest little gifts and I was able to deliver. This took a lot of time but it was so worth it to see people’s eyes light up and their smiles. This is something I will continue to do just to show I care and that I see them in every role in our district. I truly believe those deposits went a long way.
4) How will my year 2 look different based on these responses:)
This question was hard for me. I think it will be a great year because I will have had one year under my belt. I also know that starting the year after school started was difficult as I felt like I was playing catch up to learn everything I could. As we closed out the year we began planning for this coming year. I know my team, their strengths and areas to grow, we have added new team members, we have some baseline data for our programs and upcoming projects. I believe It’s going to be great!
I know I still have room to grow and I will continue to reflect on who I am as a person and a professional. I believe sharing my journey has stretched my leadership and challenged me to truly self-reflect as a leader. This is something I “thought” I was doing but evidently not to this magnitude. :-) i expect to build leadership capacity within my team and teacher leaders. I want our district to expand our impact and partnership with our families and communities. I believe when that is done we will definitely be #BetterTogether
Thank you for taking the time to read. Again, I hope my journey has inspired you as you continue to #InspireExcellence
TS
*Thank you to my #SisterSupt for tweeting this image! This is Me!
