Page 6 - The EDGE Spring 2020

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
BY BRIAN MEE
BY BRIAN MEE
The Critical Elements of Leadership Communication
e Essence of Leadership

Brian Mee

Mark Twain once said, “Really great people
One of the most important but over¬looked aspects of our job style based on the circumstances is what makes them effective
make you feel that you too, can be great.” When
as education leaders is communication. Our communication – they match the content (the words) and the delivery (vehicle
elected as President to the Association of School
skills can help define the type of leader we are perceived to and emotion) to the context (the situation).
Business O cials International, I was charged
be, the kind of work environment we create, and even the
with the task to come up with a theme for my
public’s perception of the district. Effective communicators know their information and
presidency. e theme I chose was something
I called, E3 Leadership. “If your actions inspire their audience, whether that’s one person or one thousand.
Effective communication does not come naturally to most The key to understanding the audience and tailoring the
others to dream more, learn more and become
of us, yet it’s vital to our success in helping our employees communication accordingly is a vital element of effective
more, you are a leader” is quote by John Quincy
and district stakeholders understand the broad area of school communication – listening. By truly listening to others,
Adams captures the essence of leadership and
business management. This, in turn, gives us the credibility school business officials can better understand their
lays the foundation I would like to focus on
we need to lead our district operations. perspectives and base their decisions on that understanding.
this year as I share some of the views from my
messages as ASBO International President.
“Leaders who make it a practice to draw out the thoughts and One of the biggest communications chal¬lenges today is
Leadership is one of the most important
ideas of their staff and who are receptive even to bad news a reflection of our fast-paced society – the need for instant
roles for school business o cials – and it is also
will be properly informed. Always communicate to staff gratification.
one of the most challenging responsibilities.
with at least the same care and attention as you communicate
When it comes to leadership in our jobs, it isn’t
upward to your superiors.” — L. B. Belker Technology has made us come to expect immediate answers.
necessarily something we do, that is, lead. It’s
who we are – leaders. E3 Leadership – Envision, Yet school business managers must remember that what
Toastmasters International identifies four types of leadership we communicate, when, and how can affect the public’s
Engage and Empower are essential elements of
communicators. Can you identify yourself in one or more of perceptions of us and our district. It may also affect the bottom
leadership.
these descriptions? line. So as vital as the audience thinks it is to get answers or
Envision: One of the most important traits of
all great leaders is the ability to have a clear vision information now, it’s just as vital that you take the time to
Expert leaders hold to the organization’s mission, basing
for their organization — a distinct and vibrant listen to what they want, consider the information you have to
their communication and decision making on facts and using
concept of what the organization should stand share, and then communicate that information clearly.
those facts to move the organization forward in its mission.
for and strive for now and in the future.
Engage: Effective leaders engage all the
Visionary leaders communicate based on their cause and “Regardless of the changes in
stakeholders through collaboration and soliciting technology, the market for well-crafted
core values. Their focus is on persuading and their power
their input, considering their ideas, and taking constructive Speaking of excellence, I would like to thank our
comes from conviction.
criticism regarding the vision and the path toward its outstanding President Nate Bowler for providing a clear
messages will always have an audience.”
realization. ey weigh the stakeholders’ interests and needs and positive vision for our recently completed 66th Annual
Coaches communicate by discovering what motivates
— Steve Burnett, The Burnett Group
and align them with the vision to achieve the desired result. Conference and Exposition – Learn from the Past, Go Forward
individuals and addressing their needs. Then, the coach is able
Empower: One of the most important skills of every to the Future, and of course a huge thank you is due to all
to motivate the individuals to join together as a team.
successful leader is the ability to empower others to make the speakers, vendors, volunteers and especially Ana, Audrey,
Transformers lead by combining information with persuasion
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
and conviction to transform people and organizations.
also provide the guidance, coaching, resources, and tools Tickell and Aron Ralston were informative and quite moving,
“Effective communication does not
necessary to ensure the decisions support the work of the the professional development breakout sessions provided
organization. Success requires mutual trust and a clear vision. our members with a wealth of knowledge on a broad range of
come naturally to most of us, yet it’s
Leadership also involves another E: Excellence. E ective topics, and the tribute to Carolyn Warner, the iconic Arizona
vital to our success”
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.
a quality product. In our case, that quality product is students I welcome new members to our Board of Directors, and
Chances are you fit into more than one of these categories –
who have the knowledge and skills to succeed in higher applaud AASBO members who were recognized at our Annual
which is good. Leaders’ communication styles should vary by
education, in the workforce and our society. If we are excellent Conference for their accomplishments.
situation. Their ability to choose their leadership communication
in our supportive responsibilities, our education sta can focus Finally – a reminder. Our rst bimonthly meeting of the new
on their responsibilities. school year is September 11 at EVIT. You’re invited!
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