Page 47 - The EDGE Winter 2025
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"It is with deep respect and admiration that I remember Ref lections on Leadership
Brian Mee, whose remarkable 38+ year journey with
AASBO has left a mark on our organization. A true July 29, 2024
visionary and leader, Brian served with distinction as "Lead by listening - to be a good leader you have to be a
both a President of ASBO International and President great listener." -Richard Branson
of Arizona ASBO. His unwavering commitment to This quote underscores a fundamental principle of
the advancement of education, his innovative spirit, effective leadership often overlooked in favor of
and his exceptional leadership have shaped the paths more assertive strategies. In a world increasingly
of so many of us. I am grateful for his contributions, characterized by rapid communication and constant
his friendship, and the legacy he leaves behind. His noise, the true essence of great leadership lies not
leadership, creativity, and dedication to excellence merely in articulating a vision or issuing directives
will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of but in the capacity to hear and appreciate the
working with him. Brian will be deeply missed." viewpoints and concerns of others. Active listening
- Ana Sanchez, AASBO is the cornerstone of this approach, as it fosters an
environment of trust, teamwork, and openness that
empowers individuals to express their thoughts and
ideas freely. When leaders prioritize listening over
speaking, they demonstrate respect for their team
members’ perspectives, leading to increased morale
and engagement. Active listening involves fully
immersing oneself in the conversation, understanding
not just the spoken words but also the emotions and
intentions behind them. This level of engagement
signals to team members that their input matters,
promoting a culture where creativity and innovation
can thrive.
Likewise, leaders who are preoccupied with talking
"I feel fortunate to have known Brian for numerous or dominating discussions miss valuable insights and
years. He treated everyone with respect. He could risk alienating their team. The act of listening requires
explain school finance issues in simple terms to discipline and patience; it means creating space for
all, making everyone feel comfortable with the others to share their views without interruption,
explanations. Brian always spoke confidently about thereby allowing for deeper understanding and
school funding limits and the negative impact on connection. Additionally, influential leaders use
school districts. Arizona has lost a great advocate for their listening skills to identify issues, gauge team
public education." dynamics, and discern what motivates their team
-Dr. Marvene Lobato, AZALAS members, all essential for making informed decisions.
Authentic leadership is not about having all the
answers but cultivating a collaborative environment
where everyone feels heard and valued. Great leaders
enhance their relationships by leading with a listening
ear and setting the foundation for a more responsive
and adaptable organization. As the saying goes, one
cannot truly listen if they are talking, highlighting
the need for leaders to step back, engage fully, and
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