Page 28 - The EDGE Winter 2025

Ref lections on Leadership "I was blessed to have the honor of working with
Brian for 13 years at Pendergast Elementary School
March 4, 2024 District and enjoyed every minute of it! He was a
"The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist man of great character, a servant leader and wonderful
expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails." -John C. mentor. Brian helped me find my self confidence as
Maxwell a young woman in school finance. In attending one
This quote by John Maxwell highlights the different of his AASBO Budget and Finance classes, he had
attitudes people can have towards challenges or enough confidence in me to assist the other attendees
obstacles standing in the way of being successful in developing a budget as we had done for our district.
when solving difficult situations. It highlights the I loved how he built his team and helped each of us
importance of attitude and adaptability in facing reach our potential. Our book studies were awesome
challenges and achieving success. The pessimist is where we built a great team! Brian never had a bad
quick to complain and see only the negative aspects day and was always kind to everyone. There were
of a situation. They feel helpless and defeated, so many wonderful moments working alongside with
believing there is no solution to the problem. On the Brian. He was a great mentor and friend, and I strive
other hand, the optimist sees the potential for change each day to be like Brian paying it forward in his
and hopes for a better outcome, and things will honor."
eventually work out. -Annette Moreno, Maricopa County School
However, the great leader understands that Superintendent’s Office
complaining and hoping for change are insufficient.
They take charge and make necessary adjustments
to their plans and strategies to overcome the
challenges and steer toward success. This mindset
and ability to adapt sets the leader apart, allowing
them to navigate through the wind and continue
moving toward their goals. Instead of waiting for
the wind to change, a great leader takes control
and adjusts the sails to navigate through the winds
of change. This quote reminds us that a positive
attitude and strong leadership skills are essential
in achieving our goals and overcoming obstacles.
Great leaders don’t wait for the winds of change; they Ref lections on Leadership
adjust their sails and steer themselves and their teams
toward success. March 11, 2024
-Brian L. Mee, SFO, RSBA, M. Ed. "Leaders aren't born they are made. And they are made just
like anything else, through hard work. And that's the price
we'll have to pay to achieve that goal or any goal."
-Vince Lombardi
This statement by the well-respected American
football coach, Vince Lombardi, holds a powerful
message that a person can become a great leader
through hard work and dedication. Being a leader is
not an inherent trait that some are born with and others
are not. Instead, it is something that is developed
and honed over time. Becoming a great leader takes

|
28 THE EDGE WINTER 2025