Page 21 - AASBO EDGE Summer 2023 WEB

PRE-CONFERENCE KEYNOTE

BY DON HARRIS
You’re Not Just-a School Employee

Walter "Skip" Brown
When Walter “Skip” Brown kicked off the pre- “We need to concentrate on fixing problems,
conference sessions to the AASBO Spring versus fixing blame,” Brown said.
Conference, it was more than just a routine
keynote address. Turning to the just-a system, Brown said, “A just-a
person is one who feels their actions or job has
Several times Brown advised AASBO member s little or no direct effect. This is an incredibly
that, “We’re all in this together,” as he emphasized dysfunctional mindset. I’m just a … fill in the
the need to break down the “Just-a” system. He blank. The fact is, the support services part of
mentioned the fear of missing out, and then every district is filled with highly competent,
asked: “Do you feel helpless? Do others control proud, caring professionals – and a couple of
and micro-manage you? Do the stupid things old grumps. We must break the just-a mindset if
your organization does drive you crazy? This we want our districts to effectively address the
presentation is for you.” incredibly difficult issues we face today.”

Brown said the essence of leadership is vision, so, An indicator of people who might have a just-a
“If you don’t know where you are going, how the attitude, is often defensive – “It’s not my job” or
heck will you know when you get there?” “It’s above my pay grade,” Brown said. Maybe
No one, he said, is just-a bus driver or just-a teacher they always have a reason why a proposed solution
or even just-a superintendent, especially at a time would never work or they avoid accepting personal
when education is facing such issues as hyper responsibility or criticism from others, no matter
growth and decline. “If a school closes and you’re how gently it’s phrased.
a bus driver, those students become riders and
you’re going to have to take care of them,” Brown Even in the hierarchy, anyone could be a just-a
said. Regarding the issue of bullying and suicide, person. Excuses they give, Brown suggested
Brown said, “Kids will tell a bus driver things they are: “I can’t give everyone a raise, I’m just-a
never tell a teacher.” Other issues involve distance superintendent,” or “I can’t change the bus stop, I’m
learning and growth in technology – BYOD or just-a driver,” or “I can’t change the curriculum,
bring your own device. And then there’s the public I’m just-a teacher.”
perception of the job you’re doing.
Brown added: “The just-a system is not a
He recommended thinking outside the box, description, it’s a self-inflicted wound. You
relying on the three “E’s” of situational leadership, need to understand that. Somehow, the just-a
namely: Use all of your resources to be Effective; mindset provides false comfort through perceived
Play to your specific strengths to be Efficient; and anonymity and protection because I’m just-a. Or
Trust and respect everyone to be Equitable. Do the just-a person hopes to avoid consequences or
that and your operation will improve, he said. responsibility because it’s not my job. The just-a
mindset – I don’t count – may be the single most

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