A new school year with fresh challenges and exciting new opportunities is right around the corner, but we would be wise to take some time to prepare ourselves well for the next season. Racing legend Bobby Unser said, "Success is where preparation and opportunity meet."
Sometime before the mostly ordered-chaos of the back-to-school season kicks into high gear, take a few minutes to reflect on the kind of educational leader you want to be and make sure that what you do today, next week and next month will help you get there.
Have you ever used the navigation system on your mobile device to reach a specific destination? The friendly voice lets you know exactly where to turn to get to where you're going. When a driver veers off course the voice encourages the driver with specific instructions to get back on track.
Wouldn't it be nice if we could put our life goals or professional goals into a navigation system like that? One that would let us know when we are on a course leading away from our destination?
Every once in a while it is important to reflect on where you're going. Ask yourself, what are the most important things in my life, for my family or in my work and am I on the track that will take me there?
For example, as a parent if I want my children to respect others I have to ask myself, have I taught them what that means and modeled what it looks like? If I want them to grow to become hard workers with grit and perseverance am I challenging them while encouraging and nurturing those qualities? If I want my children to love and serve others well, how will I teach that and hold them accountable?
Think about it:
- What kind of person do you want to be?
- What is important to you as a leader?
- What do you hope for your staff or students in this next year?
Once you answer these questions you have your destination and can plan your course. Our purpose and direction are clear and everything we do should help us get there.
Unfortunately the friendly voice in our mobile device isn't equipped to tell us when we veer off course in life which is why it is critical that we take time periodically to stop and reflect.
When we clarify those things that matter most, our main values, goals or objectives, then we can be intentional about planning our course and staying on it. For those of us who want to serve well and see every student succeed it is well worth the trip!