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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!



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