Page 7 - AASBO EDGE Fall 2023 WEB

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

Ethics
Brian Mee

Mark Twain once said, “Really great people
In the last issue of The Edge, we discussed the decisions that align with the organization's values.
make you feel that you too, can be great.” When
importance of credibility. We recognized that
elected as President to the Association of School

Business O cials International, I was charged
leaders must establish credibility with their team if When making an ethical decision, it is essential to
with the task to come up with a theme for my
they are to be successful in achieving their goals. consider the potential impact on all stakeholders,
presidency. e theme I chose was something

Whether in school, business, politics, or any other including staff, students, community, family,
I called, E3 Leadership. “If your actions inspire
others to dream more, learn more and become
field, success is impossible without the trust of those peers, and colleagues. By considering the potential

more, you are a leader” is quote by John Quincy
you lead. This trust comes from having a proven implications for all stakeholders, as stated by
Adams captures the essence of leadership and
track record of success or credibility. When leaders Ken Blanchard in his book, The Power of Ethical
lays the foundation I would like to focus on
establish credibility, their words will be taken more Management, the decision-maker can ensure their
this year as I share some of the views from my
messages as ASBO International President.
seriously, and their team will be more willing to decision is legal, fair, and balanced and be able to
Leadership is one of the most important
accept their instructions. When someone is credible, feel good about the decision to the point they can

roles for school business o cials – and it is also
they demonstrate a degree of responsibility and share that decision with those they trust. Additionally,
one of the most challenging responsibilities.
trustworthiness. They are reliable, honest, and ethical. decision-makers should also consider the long-term
When it comes to leadership in our jobs, it isn’t
necessarily something we do, that is, lead. It’s implications of their choices.
who we are – leaders. E3 Leadership – Envision,
The next characteristic of a great leader we will look
Engage and Empower are essential elements of
at is ethics. One of my favorite quotes on ethics comes from
leadership.
Envision: One of the most important traits of Edward Hennessey, who states, “Ethics must begin at
all great leaders is the ability to have a clear vision
Ethics are the principles and values that guide the the top of every organization. It is a leadership issue,
for their organization — a distinct and vibrant
behavior of individuals and groups. They are the basis and the chief executive must set the example.”
concept of what the organization should stand
for decision-making and moral behavior in all aspects
for and strive for now and in the future.
of life. Ethics starts at the top of an organization, "When making an ethical decision, it
Engage: Effective leaders engage all the
stakeholders through collaboration and soliciting
with leaders setting an example of ethical conduct
Speaking of excellence, I would like to thank our
their input, considering their ideas, and taking constructive is essential to consider the potential
for others. This is critical, as the actions of leaders
criticism regarding the vision and the path toward its outstanding President Nate Bowler for providing a clear
set the tone for how people in the organization or impact on all stakeholders, including

realization. ey weigh the stakeholders’ interests and needs and positive vision for our recently completed 66th Annual
Conference and Exposition – Learn from the Past, Go Forward
and align them with the vision to achieve the desired result. staff, students, community, family,
group interact with each other and how they conduct
Empower: One of the most important skills of every to the Future, and of course a huge thank you is due to all
business.
peers, and colleagues."
successful leader is the ability to empower others to make the speakers, vendors, volunteers and especially Ana, Audrey,
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
Making ethical decisions is the starting point
also provide the guidance, coaching, resources, and tools Tickell and Aron Ralston were informative and quite moving,
for ethical behavior. Poor ethics can create an This quote reflects the importance that ethics must
necessary to ensure the decisions support the work of the the professional development breakout sessions provided
environment of mistrust and bad morals, leading to begin at the top of an organization. It is not enough
organization. Success requires mutual trust and a clear vision. our members with a wealth of knowledge on a broad range of
decreased productivity, lack of cooperation, and an for an organization to discuss ethics – the leader
Leadership also involves another E: Excellence. E ective topics, and the tribute to Carolyn Warner, the iconic Arizona

unhealthy environment. Leaders and employees must must be a role model to uphold ethical standards.
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.
make ethical decisions to foster a climate of trust. To This means that the leader must demonstrate ethical
a quality product. In our case, that quality product is students I welcome new members to our Board of Directors, and
do this, they must understand the ethical implications behavior through their words and actions. This could
who have the knowledge and skills to succeed in higher applaud AASBO members who were recognized at our Annual
of their choices and take steps to ensure they make include exhibiting honesty, integrity, fairness, and
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