Page 7 - AASBO EDGE BTS 2023

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

Credibility
Brian Mee

Mark Twain once said, “Really great people
In the previous issue, we discussed what servant in a leader by allowing followers to have faith in
make you feel that you too, can be great.” When
leadership is, and as stated, servant leaders are the leader’s intentions, abilities, and commitment
elected as President to the Association of School

Business O cials International, I was charged
focused on helping the people they serve rather to doing the right thing.
with the task to come up with a theme for my
than simply serving the organization’s needs. In

presidency. e theme I chose was something
essence, it is the idea that the leader should be One way for a leader to establish credibility is
I called, E3 Leadership. “If your actions inspire
others to dream more, learn more and become
focused on the well-being of their team and should through delivering on promises. If their team
more, you are a leader” is quote by John Quincy

be willing to put the needs of their squad ahead of knows that their leader can consistently bring
Adams captures the essence of leadership and
their own. It is a style of leadership that involves positive results, they will be more willing to trust
lays the foundation I would like to focus on
serving the people you are leading and putting their their judgment. A leader who can demonstrate that
this year as I share some of the views from my
messages as ASBO International President.
needs before your own. It is a form of leadership they have achieved successful outcomes in similar
Leadership is one of the most important
that focuses on empowering others, often through situations and can deliver on their promises will be

roles for school business o cials – and it is also
providing resources, coaching, and mentorship. seen as more credible and trustworthy.
one of the most challenging responsibilities.
When it comes to leadership in our jobs, it isn’t
necessarily something we do, that is, lead. It’s
The following characteristic of a great leader we Another factor that contributes to a leader’s
who we are – leaders. E3 Leadership – Envision,
will look at is credibility. credibility is their communication abilities.
Engage and Empower are essential elements of
leadership. Leaders need to communicate their ideas, plans,
In today's society, leaders must have established and expectations effectively and clearly to
Envision: One of the most important traits of
all great leaders is the ability to have a clear vision
credibility with their team if they are to be followers to be seen as credible and gain their trust.
for their organization — a distinct and vibrant
successful in achieving their goals. Whether It is also essential for a leader to make sure that
concept of what the organization should stand
in school, business, politics, or any other field, their words match their actions. When followers
for and strive for now and in the future.
Engage: Effective leaders engage all the
success is impossible without the trust of those you sense inconsistency or dishonesty, it can erode
stakeholders through collaboration and soliciting
lead. This trust comes from having a proven track confidence in the leader.
their input, considering their ideas, and taking constructive Speaking of excellence, I would like to thank our
record of success – or credibility.
criticism regarding the vision and the path toward its outstanding President Nate Bowler for providing a clear
Finally, a leader’s credibility depends on their
realization. ey weigh the stakeholders’ interests and needs and positive vision for our recently completed 66th Annual

and align them with the vision to achieve the desired result. Conference and Exposition – Learn from the Past, Go Forward
When Leaders establish credibility, their words commitment to ethical standards. A good leader
Empower: One of the most important skills of every to the Future, and of course a huge thank you is due to all
will be taken more seriously, and their team will can make difficult decisions with integrity and has
successful leader is the ability to empower others to make the speakers, vendors, volunteers and especially Ana, Audrey,
be more willing to accept their instructions. When a moral compass aligned with their team. A leader
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
someone is credible, they demonstrate a degree who always strives to do the right thing, even in
also provide the guidance, coaching, resources, and tools Tickell and Aron Ralston were informative and quite moving,
of responsibility and trustworthiness. They are challenging situations, will be viewed as more
necessary to ensure the decisions support the work of the the professional development breakout sessions provided
reliable, honest, and ethical. credible and trustworthy.
organization. Success requires mutual trust and a clear vision. our members with a wealth of knowledge on a broad range of
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
Credibility is also a key determinant of trust One of my favorite sayings on credibility states,
excellence. In that environment everyone strives to produce memories for all of us.
between a leader and their team, and leaders need “Credibility is a leader's currency. With it, he or
a quality product. In our case, that quality product is students I welcome new members to our Board of Directors, and
to establish their credibility to build relationships she is solvent; without it, he or she is bankrupt”
who have the knowledge and skills to succeed in higher applaud AASBO members who were recognized at our Annual
with those they lead. Credibility establishes trust John C Maxwell.
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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6 THE EDGE | BACK TO SCHOOL 2019