I felt like my blog was turning into a paper last week, so I am going to try to keep my blogs brief.
I was once told that when you hear the same message from three or more different sources, it is time to listen. So after reading, A Whole New Mind,Leading with Soul, and reflecting on messages during my devotional time; the answer has hit me like a brick. Before a leader is truly equipped to address diverse learners including both teachers and students; the leader must find a balance. This may seem like common sense to some of you, but it is a lesson I have had to learn the hard way. I have always measured my success on how hard I work and if others worked hard I needed to work even harder. I wasn't brought up to believe that work was the only important aspect of your life, but it become my reality and other areas of my life have suffered because of that perception.
Therefore my thought process has changed from a good leader means, "WORK, WORK, WORK!", to finding a balance. As leaders we must take care of ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually. How can we effectively lead others and address their needs if we cannot address our own needs? I have been taught that there are several qualities that make a good leader such as listening to others, having compassion for others, and having good management skills to name a few. However,I believe it all comes down to being balanced within all the areas of our own lives first and then our approaches to the needs of others second.
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Susan, I can totally relate to how you feel. I have struggled with finding a balance and saying "No" has always been difficult for me. I feel guilty at work if I'm not busily filling out paperwork, ordering things we need to run efficiently, and keeping my email in box emptied. I am realizing that the time I spend connecting with staff and students has the greatest impact on our success as a campus. Being there for them, listening to their needs both personal and professional, and getting to know them as individuals has paid off tremendously. The staff I work with has said that they are happier this year than they have been in years. All of the other stuff can wait. People have to be our biggest investment.
ReplyDeleteYou have learned well, Grasshopper. Good luck as you continue to learn the discipline of slow.
ReplyDeleteRemember the book from the 70's called, "I'm Third?" After nearly 40 years, it may be backwards... I feel old now.... Nap time.
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