Page 44 - The EDGE Winter 2025

progress. "I remember a time, long before Brian became the
Great leaders act as catalysts, igniting passion, Executive Director of AASBO when Brian had taught
facilitating collaboration, and creating an environment my AASBO Class for “Budget and Finance”. Being
where individuals feel respected, appreciated, and a procurement officer, I felt a little out of my comfort
motivated to contribute their best. They empower zone. This was back when the classes were set up on
their team members, providing them with the the four-day sessions, two weeks apart.
resources, support, and guidance necessary to thrive. While taking “budget and finance” I didn’t feel
This supportive environment, where everyone’s comfortable with all of the responses I had given
contributions are valued and appreciated, fosters a while being tested in some of the areas. It was for
sense of belonging and commitment. good reasons too. I hadn’t actually given all correct.
Ultimately, a great leader recognizes that the key to By the end of the last day, we were all giving last
achieving extraordinary outcomes lies not in their minute comments on the class. Everyone had good
individual brilliance but in their ability to foster a comments and all was well. After the class Brian had
collaborative environment where the combined efforts informed me that there was and “Advanced Budget
of a united team can unlock unparalleled potential. and Finance” class coming up in the near future.
They emphasize the importance of collaboration in Not knowing Brian as well as others, my response
reaching extraordinary heights, reminding us that we was like, “Dude, I barely got through this class, you
unlock our potential and achieve the extraordinary needn’t look for me in the “Advanced” class. Brian
through teamwork. just smiled and said, “Fair enough.”"
-Brian L. Mee, SFO, RSBA, M.Ed. -Gary Barkman, Mesa Unified School District #4

Ref lections on Leadership

June 17, 2024
"Managing change is hard. Leading change is even harder."
-Brian Strobel
Managing change is an intricate and challenging
task that requires organizations to navigate a
complex landscape of human behavior, technological
advancements, and cultural dynamics. It’s about
overseeing the practical aspects of implementing new
processes or systems and delving into the profound
Ultimately, a great leader recognizes that the key to human dimension. This requires leaders to inspire,
achieving extraordinary outcomes lies not in their motivate, and navigate resistance. Authentic leadership
individual brilliance but in their ability to foster a in change is not merely about controlling the reins of
collaborative environment where the combined efforts transition but about creating an environment where
of a united team can unlock unparalleled potential. individuals embrace the transformative journey,
They emphasize the importance of collaboration in recognizing its purpose and potential.
reaching extraordinary heights, reminding us that we Effective change leadership demands a meticulous
unlock our potential and achieve the extraordinary approach. As the driving force behind this process,
through teamwork. leaders must carefully craft a vision that articulates
-Brian L. Mee, SFO, RSBA, M.Ed. the compelling reasons for change and communicates
it clearly and transparently. This vision, grounded in a
well-defined strategy, outlines the steps and milestones

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