LEADERSHIP COACHING: PATIENCE AND PERSPECTIVE
This week’s blog is written by one of our J Casas and Associates leadership coaches -Bobby Dodd. Bobby currently serves as the principal of William Mason High School in Mason, Ohio & is a consultant and Leadership Coach. Be sure to follow Bobby on Twitter and check out his website.
I was recently invited to speak to one of our student groups at Mason High School. It was entertaining as the students used a rapid-fire format of asking questions to get to know more about me. Some of the questions were fun, “What’s your spirit animal?” and “If you could be a blade of grass anywhere, where would it be?” and others were questions about leadership and personal growth.
One of the questions that stuck out to me was, “What is a quote that helps guide your leadership?” I paused and repeated the question. I was stumped for a second. I have never been the person who remembers and shares quotes when speaking. Ask me what a certain line is from any Vince Vaughn movie, I will nail it. But reciting catchy quotes about leadership isn’t one of my strengths.
I thought a few more seconds about the question, then responded, “There isn’t a certain quote that guides my leadership. I will say that I focus my leadership style on perspective and patience.” Both of those traits have helped me over the years in my role as a school leader. And during times like we are currently experiencing in schools, having perspective and patience are two qualities that are vital for the success of every leader.
Patience
Patience is an essential attribute of any leader during times of change and uncertainty. We need to tolerate many obstacles not only in leadership but also in our personal lives, especially with our families.
“Whatever happens in your life, joyful or painful, do not be swept away by reactivity. Be patient with yourself and don’t lose your sense of perspective.”
— Pena Chodron
We all handle situations in our lives differently. Patient leaders help develop trust in their organizations. Staff members know they are cared for when they work with patient leaders. Developing patience as a leader comes with experience and empathy. The more experiences you encounter that illustrate the benefits of patience, the more empathy you will have for others when they need a patient leader the most.
Perspective
Demonstrating patience allows leaders to keep life in perspective. We have all heard throughout our lives “It could always be worse” in situations that appear to be pretty dire. It’s important to have perspective so staff, students, and families know you have the ability to see the entire picture.
“What you see depends not only on what you look at but also, on where you look from.”
-- James Deacon
Developing and changing your perspective as a leader is difficult. Perspective is the way you see something in life. If you grew up in an environment where you were influenced to see things in a certain way, it usually affects your perspective as a leader. That’s what makes perspective difficult to change.
As leaders, we are responsible for many peoples well being, feelings, and emotions. The more we work with others and help them with each of these characteristics, the more we grow as leaders. In the toughest of times, perspective keeps us moving forward and helps foster growth in our organizations.
Every two weeks, I share out 1 Reflection, 2 Ideas, and 1 Resource for you to consider that I hope will encourage you to explore new and better practices in your daily work. My aspirations are to support you in developing your skills and shifting your thinking so you will invest in your own development and maybe, just maybe, I can inspire you to want to live your excellence so you can bring your best self to school every day!
Thank you Bobby for being an example of what it means to live your excellence…every day. Grateful for your contribution today.
Jimmy
PATIENCE AND PERSPECTIVE: 121
1 REFLECTION:
“Patience is not a natural gift of a leader, it is a learned one. The more you broaden your awareness, understanding, and compassion, the better result you will get out of your people.”
- Shandel Slaten
2 IDEAS:
1. Journal
Journaling each day allows you to prepare for the day ahead and reflect on what you accomplished. It provides us opportunities to share what we are thankful for, what makes us happy, and what we will focus on tomorrow to make it a successful day.
Keeping a journal helps us develop patience by reminding us to focus on completing tasks that are important to us. Develop action steps and objectives for the day. Managing and organizing our time as leaders allow us to tolerate obstacles because we are taking care of ourselves.
2. Connect With Others
Connecting with our colleagues helps us see that things are usually pretty good and not as bad as they appear. I have found over the years my perspective changes when I have the opportunity to speak or chat with others who are working through similar issues. Get your colleague’s thoughts, see what they are going through. You will be surprised how this will immediately change your perspective on different issues.
Another way to connect with colleagues is meeting (even virtually) with local leaders. I have always enjoyed meeting with local leaders to share resources and experiences. It is a great way to get ideas and visualize how you can change your organization. You will walk away energized with new ideas to try in your own school or district.
1 RESOURCE:
Sweet Ass Journal to Develop Your Happiness Muscle in 100 Days - Guide & Journal
https://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Journal-Develop-Happiness-Muscle-ebook/dp/B071Z56SWJ
Interested in having Bobby speak at your school? His topics on leadership and culture can be delivered as a Keynote, Presentation or Workshop and can be customized to align with your current school or district school improvement plans. An entirely new presentation can also be created to help you achieve a standard of educational excellence. Contact us at jimmycasas.com.