Page 7 - The EDGE Summer 2024

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
BY BRIAN MEE
BY BRIAN MEE
What Is Your Leadership Style?

e Essence of Leadership
Brian Mee

Mark Twain once said, “Really great people
As a school business official, your role is crucial. is characterized by a leader who sets high expectations,
make you feel that you too, can be great.” When
You hold the responsibility for the financial health encourages creativity, inspires, and fosters a sense of
elected as President to the Association of School
and safety of your students, the effectiveness and purpose among followers. Transformational leaders

Business O cials International, I was charged

with the task to come up with a theme for my
overall operations of your school district, and inspire their team members to go above and beyond
presidency. e theme I chose was something

playing a crucial role in ensuring that all students what is expected of them. They create a vision for
I called, E3 Leadership. “If your actions inspire
and staff have the resources they need to succeed. the future and motivate their team members to work
others to dream more, learn more and become
Your leadership style, therefore, profoundly impacts together to achieve that vision.

more, you are a leader” is quote by John Quincy
Adams captures the essence of leadership and
your school district's success. If you are an effective
lays the foundation I would like to focus on
leader, you can create a productive and positive Authentic Leadership
this year as I share some of the views from my
work environment, motivating your team to achieve Authentic Leadership is a style based on being true
messages as ASBO International President.
their goals and build strong relationships with the to yourself. Authentic leaders are transparent and
Leadership is one of the most important

community.
roles for school business o cials – and it is also trustworthy. They lead by example and are not afraid
one of the most challenging responsibilities. to show their vulnerabilities. They are self-aware and
When it comes to leadership in our jobs, it isn’t
There are various leadership styles, each with its genuine, and they lead with integrity and honesty.
necessarily something we do, that is, lead. It’s
unique approach to managing and motivating people. Authentic Leaders are influential in situations where
who we are – leaders. E3 Leadership – Envision,
The beauty of these styles is their adaptability. You trust and credibility are needed. It builds confidence
Engage and Empower are essential elements of
leadership.
can adopt these styles depending on which one you and open communication among staff, fostering a
Envision: One of the most important traits of
prefer, and the best style for you will depend on your culture of transparency and accountability.
all great leaders is the ability to have a clear vision
personality, your team, and the specific challenges
for their organization — a distinct and vibrant
you face. Adaptive Leadership
concept of what the organization should stand
for and strive for now and in the future. Adaptive Leadership is a style that focuses on
Engage: Effective leaders engage all the
Transactional Leadership adapting to changing circumstances and addressing
stakeholders through collaboration and soliciting
Transactional Leadership is a style based on rewards complex challenges. Adaptive leaders are flexible
their input, considering their ideas, and taking constructive Speaking of excellence, I would like to thank our
and punishments. Transactional leaders understand and innovative. They are skilled in identifying 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
the importance of setting clear expectations for their root causes of problems and addressing them. An

and align them with the vision to achieve the desired result. Conference and Exposition – Learn from the Past, Go Forward
team members and rewarding those who meet them. adaptive leader will recognize the need for change
Empower: One of the most important skills of every to the Future, and of course a huge thank you is due to all
They also punish those who do not meet expectations. in response to new policies or shifting demographics
successful leader is the ability to empower others to make the speakers, vendors, volunteers and especially Ana, Audrey,
Transactional Leadership can be effective in situations and work collaboratively with their team to develop
decisions that support the organization’s vision. Effective Chuck and Je for providing the outstanding foundation on
with a clear need for structure and accountability. and implement effective solutions.
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,
However, it can also create a hostile and demotivating
necessary to ensure the decisions support the work of the the professional development breakout sessions provided
work environment.
Servant Leadership
organization. Success requires mutual trust and a clear vision. our members with a wealth of knowledge on a broad range of
Servant Leadership is a style of leadership based on

Leadership also involves another E: Excellence. E ective topics, and the tribute to Carolyn Warner, the iconic Arizona
Transformational Leadership serving others. Servant leaders prioritize the needs
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.
Transformational Leadership is a style that focuses of their team members and always look for ways
a quality product. In our case, that quality product is students I welcome new members to our Board of Directors, and
on inspiring and encouraging followers to achieve to help them succeed. Servant Leadership is a style
who have the knowledge and skills to succeed in higher applaud AASBO members who were recognized at our Annual
a shared vision. This leadership style is effective in that identifies the needs of followers and prioritizes
education, in the workforce and our society. If we are excellent Conference for their accomplishments.
situations where change and innovation are needed. It them over the leader's self-interest. Servant leaders

Finally – a reminder. Our rst bimonthly meeting of the new

in our supportive responsibilities, our education sta can focus
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