Page 6 - The Edge - BTS 2019

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

BY BRIAN MEE

e Essence of Leadership

Mark Twain once said, “Really great people
make you feel that you too, can be great.” When
elected as President to the Association of School
Business O cials International, I was charged
with the task to come up with a theme for my
presidency. e theme I chose was something
I called, E3 Leadership. “If your actions inspire
others to dream more, learn more and become
more, you are a leader” is quote by John Quincy
Adams captures the essence of leadership and
lays the foundation I would like to focus on
this year as I share some of the views from my
messages as ASBO International President.
Leadership is one of the most important
roles for school business o cials – and it is also
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
who we are – leaders. E3 Leadership – Envision,
Engage and Empower are essential elements of
leadership.
Envision: One of the most important traits of
all great leaders is the ability to have a clear vision
for their organization — a distinct and vibrant
concept of what the organization should stand
for and strive for now and in the future.
Engage: Effective leaders engage all the
stakeholders through collaboration and soliciting
their input, considering their ideas, and taking constructive Speaking of excellence, I would like to thank our
criticism regarding the vision and the path toward its outstanding President Nate Bowler for providing a clear
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
Empower: One of the most important skills of every to the Future, and of course a huge thank you is due to all
successful leader is the ability to empower others to make the speakers, vendors, volunteers and especially Ana, Audrey,
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
also provide the guidance, coaching, resources, and tools Tickell and Aron Ralston were informative and quite moving,
necessary to ensure the decisions support the work of the the professional development breakout sessions provided
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
excellence. In that environment everyone strives to produce memories for all of us.
a quality product. In our case, that quality product is students I welcome new members to our Board of Directors, and
who have the knowledge and skills to succeed in higher applaud AASBO members who were recognized at our Annual
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
on their responsibilities. school year is September 11 at EVIT. You’re invited!

6 THE EDGE | BACK TO SCHOOL 2019