Page 6 - The Edge - Spring 2021

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
BY BRIAN MEE
BY BRIAN MEE
The Importance of Planning

e Essence of Leadership
Brian Mee

Mark Twain once said, “Really great people
To be successful leaders, we must plan our positive and temper the negative as much as
make you feel that you too, can be great.” When
work and then work our plan, as the saying possible.
elected as President to the Association of School

Business O cials International, I was charged
goes. For school business officials, that means
with the task to come up with a theme for my
setting goals; utilizing all our data, resources, School business leaders must look ahead,
presidency. e theme I chose was something

and knowledge to develop effective short- anticipate change, and develop strategies to
I called, E3 Leadership. “If your actions inspire
range and long-range plans; and then guiding successfully steer through the turmoil created
others to dream more, learn more and become

those plans through to fruition.
more, you are a leader” is quote by John Quincy by today's economic conditions. Although risk
Adams captures the essence of leadership and and uncertainty are inevitable and no amount
lays the foundation I would like to focus on
We know how critical financial planning is. It of planning can eliminate them, effective
this year as I share some of the views from my
establishes the basis for effective leadership financial planning replaces wildfires with
messages as ASBO International President.
within the district and helps build trust within controlled burns. It saves us from drifting
Leadership is one of the most important

roles for school business o cials – and it is also
the larger community. It serves as the bench aimlessly in random directions and steers us
one of the most challenging responsibilities.
mark that drives all managerial functions away from time-wasting, money-wasting,
When it comes to leadership in our jobs, it isn’t
and decisions, and it improves overall nonproductive activities.
necessarily something we do, that is, lead. It’s
organizational efficiency. Comprehensive
who we are – leaders. E3 Leadership – Envision,
Engage and Empower are essential elements of
planning prevents hasty judgments and Solid planning can direct everyone's energy
leadership. toward making informed decisions and
arbitrary actions.
Envision: One of the most important traits of
all great leaders is the ability to have a clear vision putting into action, plans that help the entire
There is another saying: If you don't know organization meet its strategic goals. As John
for their organization — a distinct and vibrant
where you are going, any road will get you F. Kennedy said, "The time to repair the room
concept of what the organization should stand
for and strive for now and in the future.
there. Planned effort is always more efficient is when the sun is shining."
Engage: Effective leaders engage all the
than unplanned action. Sound financial
stakeholders through collaboration and soliciting
planning provides the organization with And speaking of planning, I hope you have
Speaking of excellence, I would like to thank our
their input, considering their ideas, and taking constructive
purpose and direction. It provides a balanced made plans to join us on April 7-9 for the
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
approach to predefined purposes, brings AASBO Spring Conference As we have
and align them with the vision to achieve the desired result. Conference and Exposition – Learn from the Past, Go Forward
together all the activities and resources of the been doing successfully since the pandemic
Empower: One of the most important skills of every to the Future, and of course a huge thank you is due to all
organization, and then secures those purposes hit, it will be virtual, lacking only the glitter
successful leader is the ability to empower others to make the speakers, vendors, volunteers and especially Ana, Audrey,
into a systematic and meaningful action plan. of Laughlin. Nevertheless, you'll gain the
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
It helps connect internal conditions and skills and knowledge you need to become
also provide the guidance, coaching, resources, and tools Tickell and Aron Ralston were informative and quite moving,
processes to external events and forces. It a more effective school business leader.
necessary to ensure the decisions support the work of the the professional development breakout sessions provided
bridges the gap between where we are and Our keynote speaker is Joe Sanfelippo,
organization. Success requires mutual trust and a clear vision. our members with a wealth of knowledge on a broad range of
where we want to go. Superintendent of the Fall Creek School
Leadership also involves another E: Excellence. E ective topics, and the tribute to Carolyn Warner, the iconic Arizona
District in Fall Creek, Wisconsin. His district
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.
Our students, staff, and community rely on was named an Innovative District in 2016
a quality product. In our case, that quality product is students I welcome new members to our Board of Directors, and
us to plan ahead, to forecast and make plans and 2017 by the International Center for
who have the knowledge and skills to succeed in higher applaud AASBO members who were recognized at our Annual
for those future events that will affect them Leadership in Education. We’ll also have
education, in the workforce and our society. If we are excellent Conference for their accomplishments.
positively and negatively— to promote the AASBO’s Corporate Partner Expo Hall,

Finally – a reminder. Our rst bimonthly meeting of the new
in our supportive responsibilities, our education sta can focus

on their responsibilities. school year is September 11 at EVIT. You’re invited!
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