Page 24 - The EDGE Winter 2025

"Brian often gave me words of advice and
encouragement. His advice to me was to remember,
Start-Stop-Keep. It was his method for keeping the
organization effective. He explained it to me and
I’ve always kept it in mind. Additionally, he always
encouraged and complimented me and others on
the work that we are doing. He was a man of great
integrity."
-Jeff LaPorta, Maryland ASBO

START – What do you think we should start doing that we are not
ST ART
currently doing.
OP
ST
STOP – What do you think we should stop doing that we are
currently doing.
KEEP
KEEP – What do you think we should keep doing that we are
currently doing successfully. spiral in the organization’s performance. A great
leader, on the other hand, embraces responsibility
Ref lections on Leadership and does not shy away from it. They understand that
being a leader means being at the forefront, taking all
February 12, 2024 the hits, and bearing all the consequences. They do
"Leadership is taking responsibility while others are making not waste time blaming others; instead, they focus on
excuses. -John C. Maxwell finding solutions to problems. A responsible leader
This quote from John Maxwell emphasizes a true leads by example, showing their team that taking
essence of being a leader. A leader not only takes responsibility is a sign of strength, not weakness.
charge and makes decisions but is also accountable
for the outcomes of those decisions. It is easy for Great leaders understand the importance of
someone to take credit for success, but a true leader accountability in leadership. They set aside their egos
stands up and takes responsibility for failures. This and take ownership of their good and bad actions. They
quote also highlights the importance of not deflecting practice authentic leadership by taking responsibility
blame onto others but owning up to one’s mistakes. and being accountable for their actions, decisions,
and behaviors. It requires humility, courage, and
Unfortunately, in today’s society, it is not uncommon a willingness to learn and grow from mistakes. As
to see leaders passing the buck and making excuses the quote suggests, while others may make excuses,
instead of taking responsibility. This often happens a great leader stands tall and takes responsibility,
when new leaders come into a position of power. leading by example and fostering trust and respect
Instead of focusing on finding solutions to current within their team.
problems, they tend to shift the blame onto their -Brian L. Mee, SFO, RSBA, M. Ed.
predecessor. They use this as a way to avoid
accountability and to make themselves look better in "Brian was one of the first people I met when
the eyes of their followers. However, this behavior moving to Arizona as I knew his sister-in-law
is detrimental to the leader’s integrity and the back in Minnesota. He was so very knowledgeable
organization they are leading. By constantly making and friendly and I will miss our monthly lunches
excuses and pointing fingers, the leader creates a toxic together. Truly a man of God and committed
work environment where no one takes ownership of Christian. In every way and example for us all."
their actions. This leads to a lack of accountability -Howard Carlson, GPEMC/AZEMC
and a culture of blame-shifting, causing a downward

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WINTER 2025
THE EDGE
24 THE EDGE WINTER 2025
24