All I Really Need to Know about Leadership, I learned from Barbara
Remember the famous poem by Robert Fulghum? It was called "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten" ... well I am here today with a new rendition. It is called: "All I Really Need to Know about Leadership, I learned from Barbara"...
Most of what I really need
to know about how to lead
and what to do and how to be
I learned from Barbara.
I speak from experience, when I say wisdom is not at the top
of the graduate school mountain,
But was there in our Monday afternoon faculty meetings all along.
These are the things I learned:
Share ideas openly.
Be transparent.
Ask for input and listen to all of it.
Work hard but play hard.
Don't hurt people.
But when you have to have a tough conversation with someone, do it with grace and compassion.
Empower others to try new things.
Don't be afraid to say NO - but say it with a smile.
Celebrate people's successes and celebrate their lives with funny hats.
Give great gifts.
Meditate.
A gin and tonic on the porch every evening is good for you.
Live a balanced life …
Learn some, read some, and think some
And drink and eat and sing and dance
And play and work everyday some.
Wear fun shoes.
Don't just meet a deadline - beat a deadline.
Take a nap every Sunday and Saturday or any day you can.
When you step foot in front of children or adults SMILE
Embrace their differences and place them in the right place with the right people so they will grow and
flourish ...
Provide the time and space for that to happen.
DON'T hold their hands ... instead create a culture where they will want to hold each others’ hands.
Be aware of the wonder that WE creates.
Use post-it notes.
Keep chocolate handy.
NEVER announce to the whole school: "Ms. Grosser dial 225, Mr. O'Connor dial 225, Ms. Grosser dial
225, Ms. Vacarro dial 225, Ms. Grosser dial 225, Coach Brooks please dial 225, Ms. Grosser dial 225."
Instead, send an email so the entire faculty doesn't have to know who is in trouble and how often.
Provide support for people's weaknesses but focus on their strengths.
Don't just leave - prepare for the departure - say the proper goodbyes and above all else, make sure
someone capable will be able to continue where you left off.
Say thank you for a job well done.
So Barbara, I am here today on behalf of the staff to say thank you for 4 wonderful years. Thank you for saving us from the dreaded 225. Thank you for taking care of us, for going to bat for us, for placing us in capable, caring hands. Thank you for being the compass that has pointed us to higher ground.
Remember the famous poem by Robert Fulghum? It was called "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten" ... well I am here today with a new rendition. It is called: "All I Really Need to Know about Leadership, I learned from Barbara"...
Most of what I really need
to know about how to lead
and what to do and how to be
I learned from Barbara.
I speak from experience, when I say wisdom is not at the top
of the graduate school mountain,
But was there in our Monday afternoon faculty meetings all along.
These are the things I learned:
Share ideas openly.
Be transparent.
Ask for input and listen to all of it.
Work hard but play hard.
Don't hurt people.
But when you have to have a tough conversation with someone, do it with grace and compassion.
Empower others to try new things.
Don't be afraid to say NO - but say it with a smile.
Celebrate people's successes and celebrate their lives with funny hats.
Give great gifts.
Meditate.
A gin and tonic on the porch every evening is good for you.
Live a balanced life …
Learn some, read some, and think some
And drink and eat and sing and dance
And play and work everyday some.
Wear fun shoes.
Don't just meet a deadline - beat a deadline.
Take a nap every Sunday and Saturday or any day you can.
When you step foot in front of children or adults SMILE
Embrace their differences and place them in the right place with the right people so they will grow and
flourish ...
Provide the time and space for that to happen.
DON'T hold their hands ... instead create a culture where they will want to hold each others’ hands.
Be aware of the wonder that WE creates.
Use post-it notes.
Keep chocolate handy.
NEVER announce to the whole school: "Ms. Grosser dial 225, Mr. O'Connor dial 225, Ms. Grosser dial
225, Ms. Vacarro dial 225, Ms. Grosser dial 225, Coach Brooks please dial 225, Ms. Grosser dial 225."
Instead, send an email so the entire faculty doesn't have to know who is in trouble and how often.
Provide support for people's weaknesses but focus on their strengths.
Don't just leave - prepare for the departure - say the proper goodbyes and above all else, make sure
someone capable will be able to continue where you left off.
Say thank you for a job well done.
So Barbara, I am here today on behalf of the staff to say thank you for 4 wonderful years. Thank you for saving us from the dreaded 225. Thank you for taking care of us, for going to bat for us, for placing us in capable, caring hands. Thank you for being the compass that has pointed us to higher ground.
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