Page 6 - The Edge - Winter 2021

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
BY BRIAN MEE
BY BRIAN MEE
Reasons Why We’re Looking Ahead to a
e Essence of Leadership

Brighter 2021
Brian Mee

Mark Twain once said, “Really great people
To say the least, this is a highly unusual time. International’s leadership, Mike will be aware
make you feel that you too, can be great.” When
We’re just beginning a new year and a new of the latest developments – not just those
elected as President to the Association of School
beginning, looking ahead to promise and hope. regarding the coronavirus but other areas of

Business O cials International, I was charged
with the task to come up with a theme for my
But we can’t forget the old year – what we all potential concern – and recommendations that
presidency. e theme I chose was something

went through, how we coped and as always, how will be of benefit to Arizona’s school business
I called, E3 Leadership. “If your actions inspire
AASBO members succeeded. professionals. Mike will be attending top-level
others to dream more, learn more and become
more, you are a leader” is quote by John Quincy ASBO International meetings, in person or

One year ago, we could not have imagined the virtually, as Arizona’s representative.
Adams captures the essence of leadership and
challenges we would face. To everyone’s credit,
lays the foundation I would like to focus on
we hunkered down, worked together, did what As a former ASBO International President
this year as I share some of the views from my
messages as ASBO International President.
had to be done, and provided the services needed myself, I know the value of having a role at the
Leadership is one of the most important
to enable our children to continue receiving their International level. It was an honor to serve
roles for school business o cials – and it is also

education. We are encouraged that coronavirus ASBO International. I recall that my theme for
one of the most challenging responsibilities.
vaccines are becoming available, but make no the year I served as President was E3 Leadership.
When it comes to leadership in our jobs, it isn’t
mistake about it – the pandemic is not over. The three E’s stand for envision, engage and
necessarily something we do, that is, lead. It’s
who we are – leaders. E3 Leadership – Envision, empower. As school district leaders, we must be
Engage and Empower are essential elements of
To help AASBO members deal with existing the ones to envision the mission and direction
leadership.
challenges and be better prepared for new ones, of support services. We must engage personnel
Envision: One of the most important traits of
I am pleased to announce that Mike Barragan, a in this vision and then empower them with the
all great leaders is the ability to have a clear vision
former AASBO President, has begun his seven- tools and resources to accomplish their goals and
for their organization — a distinct and vibrant
year commitment on the ASBO International the goals of the district. That was true nearly a
concept of what the organization should stand
Board of Directors. As an active member of the decade ago, and it is certainly true today.
for and strive for now and in the future.
Engage: Effective leaders engage all the
stakeholders through collaboration and soliciting
their input, considering their ideas, and taking constructive Speaking of excellence, I would like to thank our
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
“To everyone’s credit, we
and align them with the vision to achieve the desired result. Conference and Exposition – Learn from the Past, Go Forward
hunkered down, worked
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,
together, did what had
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
to be done, and provided
also provide the guidance, coaching, resources, and tools Tickell and Aron Ralston were informative and quite moving,
the services needed to
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
enable our children to

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
continue receiving their
excellence. In that environment everyone strives to produce memories for all of us.
education.”
a quality product. In our case, that quality product is students I welcome new members to our Board of Directors, and
who have the knowledge and skills to succeed in higher applaud AASBO members who were recognized at our Annual
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
on their responsibilities. school year is September 11 at EVIT. You’re invited!

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