Page 8 - The EDGE Winter 2025

For any leader to succeed and progress toward their
objectives, credibility should be one of their primary
focus areas. Credibility is people’s trust or faith in a
leader’s character and ability. It is derived from the
unequivocal knowledge that a leader will do what
they say and is earned over time through a track
record of successful performance.
Establishing credibility requires patience, hard work,
and moral standards. However, when leaders have
credibility, their team will follow them, support
their decisions, and trust their judgment. Ultimately,
credibility is the cornerstone of a successful leader,
and with it, the results will be immeasurable for you,
your staff, and your organization.
-Brian L. Mee, SFO, RSBA, M.Ed. Ref lections on Leadership

October 10, 2023
"When you were made a leader you weren't given a crown,
you were given the responsibility to bring out the best in
others." - Jack Welch
As a leader this is an essential reminder that leadership
is not about power or recognition but rather about
using our influence to motivate and bring out the best
in our team. It is a great responsibility and should not
be taken lightly. Leadership is about understanding
the strengths and weaknesses of each individual
and using them to create a cohesive unit. It is about
inspiring others to push themselves to be the best that
they can be.
Leadership requires us to take initiative, be proactive,
We were grateful to have Brian serve as a Trust board and be patient and understanding with others. It’s
member from 2004 to 2016 and see and feel his about inspiring and motivating people to do their best
contributions firsthand. We were always impressed and be their best selves. It is important to remember
with his insightful ideas and additions to moving that each individual has unique talents and skills, and
the work forward in a thoughtful and helpful way. as a leader, you have taken on the responsibility to
That approach also highlighted his time at AASBO; bring out the best in each of them.
he always took time for the “one.” When you spoke As a leader, you have the privilege to shape the future
with Brian, he always took the time to make you feel of those around you, and you have the privilege to
important and appreciated. We want to express our help them reach their full potential. Leadership is
heartfelt condolences to his family and colleagues about teaching, coaching, guiding, and encouraging.
who, like all of us, were able to witness his unwavering It’s about providing the tools and resources that
commitment to education. people need to succeed. By leading with compassion,
-Ryan Cole, Arizona School Risk Retention Trust, respect, and understanding, you can help your team
Inc. reach its highest potential.
-Brian L. Mee, SFO, RSBA, M.Ed.

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8 THE EDGE WINTER 2025