Page 7 - The Edge2023 - Spring

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
BY BRIAN MEE
BY BRIAN MEE
Leadership is…….
e Essence of Leadership

Leading with Integrity
Brian Mee

Mark Twain once said, “Really great people
Last month, we discussed what leadership is, and At the same time, we admire and aspire to be like
make you feel that you too, can be great.” When
as stated, there are thousands of books written people who lead with integrity. They are the ones
elected as President to the Association of School

Business O cials International, I was charged
on leadership and thousands of definitions of who make a positive difference in the workplace.
with the task to come up with a theme for my
leadership, and all of them address aspects of They are the ones whom we can trust. So, if you
presidency. e theme I chose was something

leadership. However, all of them have a common want to be a leader, people can admire and respect
I called, E3 Leadership. “If your actions inspire
thread. That thread is influence – leadership is you and commit to leading with integrity. It's the
others to dream more, learn more and become

more, you are a leader” is quote by John Quincy
influence. It is the ability to motivate, inspire, and foundation upon which all great leaders are built.
Adams captures the essence of leadership and
guide others toward a common goal.
lays the foundation I would like to focus on
this year as I share some of the views from my Leading with integrity requires more than just
messages as ASBO International President.
The next characteristic of a great leader is integrity. saying the right things or espousing the correct
Leadership is one of the most important
One of my favorite sayings on this characteristic values. It requires a commitment to living those

roles for school business o cials – and it is also
states, “Character is not reflected by what we say, values daily, even when doing otherwise would
one of the most challenging responsibilities.
or even by what we intend; it is a reflection of be easier or more advantageous. It requires being
When it comes to leadership in our jobs, it isn’t
necessarily something we do, that is, lead. It’s honest, even when it would be easier to lie. It
what we do." – Anonymous.
who we are – leaders. E3 Leadership – Envision, requires being fair, even when it would be easier
Engage and Empower are essential elements of
As a leader, you have to set the environment in to take advantage of someone.
leadership.
which your employees work. You have to be an
Envision: One of the most important traits of
all great leaders is the ability to have a clear vision
example. They will look to and at you for how When you lead with integrity, you build trust with
for their organization — a distinct and vibrant
you respond to a number of issues as they relate those around you. People know that they can rely
concept of what the organization should stand
to ethics and integrity and they will judge you on you to do what you say you will do and that
for and strive for now and in the future.
based on your response. If your actions can be you will treat them fairly. As a result, they are
Engage: Effective leaders engage all the
stakeholders through collaboration and soliciting
consistent with what you say, you will create a more likely to follow your lead and support you
their input, considering their ideas, and taking constructive Speaking of excellence, I would like to thank our
safe work environment conducive to creativity in your efforts.
criticism regarding the vision and the path toward its outstanding President Nate Bowler for providing a clear
and innovation, rather than fear and mistrust.
realization. ey weigh the stakeholders’ interests and needs and positive vision for our recently completed 66th Annual

Conference and Exposition – Learn from the Past, Go Forward
and align them with the vision to achieve the desired result. Leading with integrity also allows you to sleep
Empower: One of the most important skills of every to the Future, and of course a huge thank you is due to all
A person's integrity is one of their most valuable better at night. You know that you are doing the
successful leader is the ability to empower others to make the speakers, vendors, volunteers and especially Ana, Audrey,
possessions. Our true character is who we are when right thing, and you don't have to worry about the
decisions that support the organization’s vision. Effective Chuck and Je for providing the outstanding foundation on
leaders grant others this decision-making authority, but they which we build this event. e keynote presentations by Josh
no one is watching. And it is the foundation upon consequences of your actions.
also provide the guidance, coaching, resources, and tools Tickell and Aron Ralston were informative and quite moving,
which our relationships, careers, and lives are
necessary to ensure the decisions support the work of the the professional development breakout sessions provided
built. Yet, all too often, we see people in positions The world is always in need of leaders with
organization. Success requires mutual trust and a clear vision. our members with a wealth of knowledge on a broad range of
of power and influence behaving in ways that are integrity. People who are honest and have a strong
Leadership also involves another E: Excellence. E ective topics, and the tribute to Carolyn Warner, the iconic Arizona

leaders create an environment that expects — even demands Superintendent of Public Instruction, brought back fond
opposed to the values they profess to hold. They moral compass are the ones who make the world
excellence. In that environment everyone strives to produce memories for all of us.
lie, they cheat, and they cut corners. In doing so, a better place. They are the ones who stand up for
a quality product. In our case, that quality product is students I welcome new members to our Board of Directors, and
they damage their reputations, the organizations what is right, even when it is hard. They are not
who have the knowledge and skills to succeed in higher applaud AASBO members who were recognized at our Annual
they lead, and the people they work with. afraid to stand up for what they believe in. They
education, in the workforce and our society. If we are excellent Conference for their accomplishments.
in our supportive responsibilities, our education sta can focus Finally – a reminder. Our rst bimonthly meeting of the new

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

on their responsibilities. school year is September 11 at EVIT. You’re invited!
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