Superintendent Year 2 (Vulnerability)
Happy New Year! I did not want to let this month end without sharing some of my learning as a superintendent. Again, my hope is that I share a little something that challenges, inspires and stretches you to be a better leader and servant.
I want to talk about vulnerability. I think that is a characteristic that is necessary for leaders to posses if they are to truly make an impact with their teams, staff, students and community. There are various levels of vulnerability so I’m not suggesting you share everything but I am recommending you let the people you serve know you are human.
I’m currently at our annual conference where we as educational leaders have the opportunity to learn and grow from one another. Yesterday I had the humbling opportunity to share with my peers and colleagues about my first year as a superintendent. During the TASA Midwinter conference I shared about thriving by listening, learning and leading. It was my opportunity to share the unexpected things that took place in my first year and the intentional priorities I had to set as a leader. Again, this was just a time to provide a transparent yet vulnerable experience through my first year about such items as community connections, board relations, self care and more. I have learned so much and I know I still have much more to learn. I believe my calling is to share the journey and encourage others while they are on their journey.
I was so thankful to share and hear from colleagues as they considered what they will do moving forward to thrive in their leadership roles. I also had the unique opportunity to present at our Texas Council of Women School Executives (TCWSE) conference. This is where the vulnerability got really real! At this conference educational women leaders across Texas came together to pour into one another, encourage one another and build one another up on this amazing journey leading from our respective roles. I led a session called Leadership: Get Your Priorities In Order. I was excited to share and my hope was that it would bless at least one person. In the session I talked about my experiences as a new leader and not having my priorities in order. I messed up. I think I was a pretty great leader (my thoughts at times) but I did not keep my faith as my foundation. My family, especially my children, did not have the best mom because they had to share her with the students and staff I served all the time. My career and people came first. My health, what was that?! It was out of control (to say it nicely). I even shared some old pictures of where I used to be when I struggled with my less than healthy lifestyle. During this session I took the women through my journey over the last ten years. The highs, lows, good and bad. It was not easy to share, it was raw and unfiltered but I felt it was necessary to provide perspective. I shared many of my shortcomings and failures but I also shared my resilience and determination to change me.
Personally and professionally my journey has been one of perseverance and persistence. It has not always been easy and I don’t know that it ever will be. However, I can do hard things! I do know how to prioritize and set boundaries and take care of me as I take care of those around me. My hope is that you find the grit and grace to lead through any obstacle. You are needed for this work as we support students, families, staff and our communities but you cannot do the work if you are not whole.
The session was a success and a blessing. There were tears, there were ideas given, aspirations shared and more. I was so proud of the participation and the women who were vulnerable in sharing their experiences. We are all going through something and we need one another on this journey. This is why we are here; iron truly does sharpen iron.
My challenge to you. Accept the call! When asked to share out or present say yes! Or if an opportunity to submit a proposal is before you step out on faith and submit it. Yes, I could have easily just attended sessions and absorb learning like a sponge but I’ve learned that it has to be a blend of both. During this professional learning I was blessed and encouraged by the sessions I attended. At the same time I was able to impart and speak life into this those who aspire to be in various leadership roles. We must do both in order to build and strengthen one another. You have gems inside of you that need to be shared. You never know who will hear you or who will be blessed by you. You may also never know if you made a difference or changed a life but know that you will plant a seed, water the seed or even be a ray of sunlight needed for growth.
As always continue to #InspireExcellence
