Page 61 - The EDGE Winter 2025

"Brian Mee!! My mentor, former supervisor, and
most importantly, my friend for over 20 years.
I met Brian when he moved from Cottonwood to
Phoenix to work at Murphy School District. Later, he
promoted me to Director of Maintenance, Operations,
and Transportation. Throughout my entire career
as a School Business Official, Brian mentored me,
offering guidance and support. I always considered
him my "work dad."
Over the years, Brian and I became close friends, and
our wives did as well. His daughter, Heather, used
to watch our son during the summer conference. We are valued. When leaders demonstrate their vision
often ran into each other at Costco or restaurants, and through action, they create an environment of trust
every time, it felt like a reunion for the four of us. and motivation, fostering a sense of belonging and
Brian had a habit of sending me his daily devotions unity among employees and team members.
via text, which I would share with family and friends. Similarly, leaders who model effective decision-
He touched countless lives—many more than he ever making, problem-solving, and adaptability provide
realized. their teams with tangible examples of navigating
Brian has always been a significant part of my challenges. This hands-on approach empowers
life and always will be. I am truly blessed to have individuals to develop their skills and confidence,
known him, both professionally and personally." knowing their leader is there to guide them. Instead
-Ernie Meza, Paradise Valley Unified School of feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, team members
District & Past President can look to their leader as a mentor, ready to provide
the necessary support and inspiration.

Ref lections on Leadership In essence, great leadership is a balance of influence
and example. It’s about nurturing growth and building
relationships rather than imposing authority and
November 18, 2024
"Great leaders don't tell you what to do... They show you expecting blind compliance. As leaders show what
how it is done!" needs to be done and how it can be achieved, they
This quote is an excellent example of how leadership cultivate an environment prepared for innovation and
goes beyond merely issuing directives; it involves success, inspiring others to reach their full potential.
embodying the principles and actions that inspire Through their actions, they don’t just lead; they
others to follow. Great leaders understand that their empower others to become leaders in their own right.
influence is most potent when they demonstrate the Remember, the most impactful lessons are often
behaviors and values they wish to instill in their learned through observation—leading by example is
teams. When a leader actively engages in the tasks truly the hallmark of great leadership.
at hand, showing commitment and dedication, those -Brian L. Mee, SFO, RSBA, M.Ed.
they lead members are more likely to adopt a similar
mindset. Ref lections on Leadership
Great leaders lead by example, embodying the values
of integrity, humility, servant leadership, and work November 19, 2024
ethic they wish to instill in others. This method of "Great leaders build trust and collaboration while focusing
leadership transforms the traditional hierarchy into a on developing people's capacities rather than focusing on
collaborative journey where everyone’s contributions their limitations!" -Leithwood et al., 2024

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