Page 7 - AASBO EDGE Summer 2023 WEB

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
BY BRIAN MEE
BY BRIAN MEE
Leadership Is ….

e Essence of Leadership
Servant Leadership
Brian Mee

Mark Twain once said, “Really great people
Last month we discussed the characteristics of integrity,
make you feel that you too, can be great.” When
and as stated, a person's integrity is one of their most Leading as a servant can be daunting. First, it is essential
elected as President to the Association of School
valuable possessions. Our true character is who we are to understand what Servant Leadership truly means and
Business O cials International, I was charged

when no one is watching. And it is the foundation upon its power to transform an organization. Second, there
with the task to come up with a theme for my
which our relationships, careers, and lives are built. may be a need for more resources or support to lead as
presidency. e theme I chose was something

I called, E3 Leadership. “If your actions inspire a servant effectively. Finally, they may need to focus
As a leader, you must set the environment where your
others to dream more, learn more and become
employees work. You have to be an example. more on their success to realize that success can only be

more, you are a leader” is quote by John Quincy achieved if those they serve succeed.
Adams captures the essence of leadership and
Servant Leadership
lays the foundation I would like to focus on During difficult situations or when feeling overwhelmed,
this year as I share some of the views from my one may need more time to understand the needs of their
Servant Leadership is a concept that has been gaining
messages as ASBO International President. employees or those they serve. Instead, focus on the task
momentum in the corporate world over the past few
Leadership is one of the most important
decades. It is based on the philosophy that a leader should at hand.
roles for school business o cials – and it is also

be focused on helping the people they serve rather than
one of the most challenging responsibilities.
simply serving the organization’s needs. In essence, So, how might school district administrators apply Servant
When it comes to leadership in our jobs, it isn’t
it is the idea that the leader should be focused on the Leadership concepts? To start, understand the power of
necessarily something we do, that is, lead. It’s
well-being of their team and should be willing to put the Servant Leadership and take the time to learn how to
who we are – leaders. E3 Leadership – Envision,
needs of their squad ahead of their own. It is a style of lead as a servant. Create an environment conducive to
Engage and Empower are essential elements of
leadership that involves serving the people you are leading collaboration and success by providing employees with
leadership.
and putting their needs before your own. It is a form of the resources and support they need to succeed. Finally,
Envision: One of the most important traits of
leadership that focuses on empowering others, often be mindful of how their actions impact all stakeholders
all great leaders is the ability to have a clear vision
through providing resources, coaching, and mentorship. and lead by example.
for their organization — a distinct and vibrant
concept of what the organization should stand
for and strive for now and in the future. As stated, Servant Leadership is at the heart of
“Servant Leadership is all about making the goals clear
Engage: Effective leaders engage all the
and then rolling your sleeves up and doing whatever it successful school district administration. School district
stakeholders through collaboration and soliciting administrators can create an environment that encourages
takes to help people win. In that situation, they don’t
their input, considering their ideas, and taking constructive collaboration, respect, and trust by understanding
Speaking of excellence, I would like to thank our
work for you; you work for them.” Ken Blanchard
criticism regarding the vision and the path toward its outstanding President Nate Bowler for providing a clear
and embracing servant leadership. This will improve

realization. ey weigh the stakeholders’ interests and needs and positive vision for our recently completed 66th Annual
morale, productivity, and success for administrators and
As a school district administrator, one of the most critical
and align them with the vision to achieve the desired result. Conference and Exposition – Learn from the Past, Go Forward
opportunities to excel is to lead as a servant to those you employees.
Empower: One of the most important skills of every to the Future, and of course a huge thank you is due to all
serve. Not doing so can harm the district and impede your
successful leader is the ability to empower others to make the speakers, vendors, volunteers and especially Ana, Audrey,
leadership growth. To put it simply, Servant Leadership is Defining Servant Leadership
decisions that support the organization’s vision. Effective Chuck and Je for providing the outstanding foundation on
the idea that a leader's success depends on the success of
leaders grant others this decision-making authority, but they which we build this event. e keynote presentations by Josh
their employees and (or) those they serve. Servant Leadership is a leadership style that involves a
also provide the guidance, coaching, resources, and tools Tickell and Aron Ralston were informative and quite moving,
leader serving their team and organization to help them
necessary to ensure the decisions support the work of the the professional development breakout sessions provided
Why is leading as a servant to those you serve such an reach their goals and objectives. It is based on the idea
organization. Success requires mutual trust and a clear vision.
our members with a wealth of knowledge on a broad range of
imperative? An attitude of Servant Leadership can lead that a leader should be a servant first and a leader second.

Leadership also involves another E: Excellence. E ective topics, and the tribute to Carolyn Warner, the iconic Arizona
The concept of Servant Leadership is also based on the
to an environment (a lack) of trust, respect, and loyalty
leaders create an environment that expects — even demands Superintendent of Public Instruction, brought back fond
memories for all of us.
excellence. In that environment everyone strives to produce belief that when a leader serves their team, the team will
from the community, Board, and employees, ultimately
I welcome new members to our Board of Directors, and
increasing productivity and morale. It will also create a
a quality product. In our case, that quality product is students be more productive, more successful, and more likely to
who have the knowledge and skills to succeed in higher applaud AASBO members who were recognized at our Annual
collaborative and productive work environment essential
stay together. This is because when a leader is helping the
education, in the workforce and our society. If we are excellent Conference for their accomplishments.
team, they show that they care about the team’s success.
for success.

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