Page 26 - The EDGE Winter 2025
P. 26
Ref lections on Leadership
February 26, 2024
"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more,
do more, and become more, you are a leader." -John Quincy
Adams
This quote, by John Quincy Adams, encapsulates
one of the true essence of leadership. It emphasizes
the transformative power of a leader’s actions on
those around them. A leader is not just someone
who directs and commands others but inspires and
motivates others to do their best and be their best
selves. When great leaders ignite a spark in others,
encourage them to dream bigger, work harder, and
grow into better versions of themselves, they truly
fulfill their leadership role.
- Great leaders inspire others to dream more,
showing them that anything is possible. They are "I have known Brian and his wife for over 25 years.
breaking down barriers and reshaping the limitations I worked for him in the late 90’s while we were both
that individuals may have placed on themselves. By with ABS School Services. Although we were in two
doing so, a leader instills in others a sense of hope different areas, he would always take time to listen to
and possibility, motivating them to strive for more an issue I was having and provide some insight and
significant achievements. comments about it. But, he always let me find my
- A great leader’s actions will encourage others to do way. I always appreciated that.
more. By leading by example, a leader sets the standard There is one memory that continues to play in my
for hard work, dedication, and determination. When mind. Sometime around 2010 or 2011, I was heading
those around them see the leader’s commitment to to lunch. As I walked into Panda Express, there was
their work and cause, it motivates them to put in Brian. He quickly said, get your lunch and join me.
the extra effort and go above and beyond what is As we were enjoying our Kung Pao Chicken, he
expected. This benefits the organization or team and told me about how his Auditor General Performance
helps individuals grow and develop their skills and Audit was going. It went well, but what I loved and
abilities. took from that moment is that he didn’t say I or me,
A great leader will also encourage others to become it was mainly Annette Moreno and the team or we.
more. This means that a leader should not just focus He was taking pride in knowing that with support
on their personal growth but also the growth and and professional development to train and grow his
development of their team and provide guidance, staff, he didn’t need to be the point person on this, he
support, and mentorship for their team. By investing trusted and believed that they would be successful. I
in their team members’ personal and professional think it was a great lesson in leadership. Thank you,
growth, a leader can help them reach their full Brian, for modeling the leadership that you always
potential, become better versions of themselves, and spoke about.”
create a lasting impact, leaving a legacy that extends "
beyond their own achievements. -Ken Hicks, Tolleson Union High School District
-Brian L. Mee, SFO, RSBA, M. Ed.
|
26 THE EDGE WINTER 2025
