Focused Leadership
Over the course of the last year, we have discussed different aspects of leadership. We have talked about Ethical Leadership, Responsible Leadership and Courageous Leadership. This article is my last article as president of NMASBO and today I would like to discuss “Focused Leadership." The people who work with me are going to find it quite entertaining that I’m writing about “focused” leadership. When it comes to the traditional definition of focus, I am very much like my one-year-old Scottish terrier; I’m really good at chasing squirrels or anything else that may blow by the window. So, I’m writing an article about an area in which I struggle.
What I’m talking about is focusing on the mission. Sometimes our jobs make us feel like a juggler on the high-wire. It seems the only time we can get work done is before everyone gets to work or when they leave. I have this personality quirk (not the only quirk I have) where I want my “to-do” list completed at the end of the day. In reality, this never happens. What happens is I pick the “low-hanging fruit” or the task that can be completed quickly and get as many things off the list as possible. Typically, many of these tasks are less substantive and do little to advance the mission.
So, how do we stay focused on the mission and follow-through on substantive issues that advance the mission? Do we know our mission? This seems like a really stupid question (and it may be), but have you engaged in the mission? Stop reading for a minute and answer the question: “What is our mission?” (Insert music from the Jeopardy gameshow here). If you answered the question with something like “to account for public assets and ensure the proper use of those assets," then you need to apply for a job with the State Auditor’s Office. Our mission is to educate students. Our role in the mission may be “the efficient use of resources” but do not confuse the mission and your individual role.
How do you stay focused on the mission? Depending on the size of your school district/charter, you may not witness the real work that occurs to advance the mission. In the larger schools, sometimes the only thing we get to see is the paper we are pushing and, unfortunately, those types of tasks do not lead to a high-level of job satisfaction. If you are a supervisor, let your team know what they are doing is important and is helping achieve the mission. Put items on your to-do list that have a direct correlation to advancing the mission and complete those items first. In other words, stay focused on the mission with your actions and your words. Complete substantive tasks that directly impact the mission and consistently communicate the mission to others. Sometimes, superintendents get caught up in the sideshows and need to be reminded of the mission too. I recommend you do this gently.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your president of NMASBO. We have been able to accomplish many things and the organization is on a trajectory for a great future. As you may know, I am retiring from the Las Cruces Public Schools this summer (date TBD) and will be embarking on a new career as an accordion player in a Tejano Band. I need to work on a plan B in case the band gig doesn’t work out.
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