Page 7 - AASBO EDGE Winter 2023

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

e Essence of Leadership
Brian Mee

Mark Twain once said, “Really great people
As we embark on a new year, we look back at people are born leaders. They have a natural
make you feel that you too, can be great.” When
the past year, its challenges, its successes, and its ability to motivate and inspire others. They make
elected as President to the Association of School

Business O cials International, I was charged

failures. We do not dwell on them but learn from things happen. However, most leaders are made
with the task to come up with a theme for my
them and use them to grow. We also have hope, and have to work at it. But ultimately, leadership
presidency. e theme I chose was something

hope for a better year, better life circumstances, is about influence.
I called, E3 Leadership. “If your actions inspire
and for some, a new beginning. As leaders, we
others to dream more, learn more and become

more, you are a leader” is quote by John Quincy “The best leaders are those who are
look forward. We look forward to change, forward
Adams captures the essence of leadership and
to tackling those challenges that we know are
lays the foundation I would like to focus on able to create a vision and then rally
ahead, and forward to growing in our leadership
this year as I share some of the views from my
messages as ASBO International President. others to support it. They can see the
abilities and helping those we lead to grow and
Leadership is one of the most important
become the best they can be. potential in people and help them to

roles for school business o cials – and it is also
one of the most challenging responsibilities. reach their full potential.”
So, what exactly does leadership mean? There
When it comes to leadership in our jobs, it isn’t
necessarily something we do, that is, lead. It’s
are thousands of books written on leadership
who we are – leaders. E3 Leadership – Envision, But leadership is not about a title or a position.
and thousands of definitions of leadership, all of
Engage and Empower are essential elements of Leadership is the ability to influence others
which address leadership aspects. However, all to achieve a common goal. Leaders are often
leadership.
of them have a common thread. That thread is
Envision: One of the most important traits of
all great leaders is the ability to have a clear vision thought of as people in charge, but anyone can be
influence – leadership is influence. It is the ability
for their organization — a distinct and vibrant a leader. Leaders can be found in all walks of life,
to motivate, inspire, and guide others toward a
concept of what the organization should stand from the military to the corporate world, from the
common goal. World-renowned leadership guru government to the nonprofit sector. Anyone who
for and strive for now and in the future.
John Maxwell states, “Leadership is influence –
Engage: Effective leaders engage all the
stakeholders through collaboration and soliciting can influence others can be considered a leader.
nothing more, nothing less. True leadership cannot
their input, considering their ideas, and taking constructive A parent leads their family; a teacher leads their
Speaking of excellence, I would like to thank our
be awarded, appointed, or assigned. It comes only
criticism regarding the vision and the path toward its outstanding President Nate Bowler for providing a clear
classroom; a coach leads their team; a pastor leads
from influence, and that cannot be mandated. It their church. All of these are leaders.
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
must be earned.”
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,
The best leaders are those who are able to create a
If you think about it, if you cannot influence vision and then rally others to support it. They can
decisions that support the organization’s vision. Effective Chuck and Je for providing the outstanding foundation on
others to follow you, you are not leading.
leaders grant others this decision-making authority, but they which we build this event. e keynote presentations by Josh
see the potential in people and help them to reach
also provide the guidance, coaching, resources, and tools Tickell and Aron Ralston were informative and quite moving,
their full potential. They can build teams and get
necessary to ensure the decisions support the work of the the professional development breakout sessions provided
Leaders come in all shapes and sizes, and no
our members with a wealth of knowledge on a broad range of
organization. Success requires mutual trust and a clear vision. everyone working together toward a common
single formula exists for success. But there are goal. The best leaders are also those who can
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
certain qualities that all great leaders share. They
excellence. In that environment everyone strives to produce listen to others and take their ideas on board. They
memories for all of us.
are passionate, visionary, and committed to their
a quality product. In our case, that quality product is students know that they cannot do everything themselves
I welcome new members to our Board of Directors, and
cause. They are also excellent communicators
who have the knowledge and skills to succeed in higher applaud AASBO members who were recognized at our Annual
and that they need the help and support of others
who inspire and motivate others to action. Some to achieve their goals.
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

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