Leadership and excellence are two of the most daunting words I know. Habit seems a little more feasible. I like habits. I do well with routine. That is why Aristotle knew what he was talking about when he described excellence not as an act, but as a habit. "We are what we repeatedly do." If what he posited is true, then leadership is also a habit, just as excellence is.
The leaders I admire do not do magic or have flashes of greatness. They put in the hours and sweat equity behind the scenes. They spend time painstakingly planning, lovingly listening, and doggedly driving past all the negative forces that seem aimed directly at them. They lead as a force of habit, not of nature.
I've noticed a beautiful convergence of our concerted efforts in education. I call it being "AVID for Excellence." Our goal in Lee County is for every child to graduate with "more than a high school diploma." No doubt, this will require excellence and leadership. So, how can we cultivate the habits of excellent leaders?
Recently our principal (@SoLeeHS) outlined his "spirit of excellence" using the 5W's and the H. It was simple and effective, and although some may deem AVID tactics like those gimmicky or infantile, I can tell you it stuck with me (and my students, because I promptly shared the slides with them). You see, the grandiose is not always the best plan. Many times leadership is doled out in small doses.
1. You drink excellence in sips, not gulps.
Another aspect of excellence in leadership also comes up in this article about 15 characteristics of great leaders (Thanks @PatriciaColdren and #taketheleadLCS!).
2. (#12 in the article) Positive energy and attitude comes naturally to leaders, even when it seems unrealistic.
In other words, feed the happy wolf, people.
And finally, we all know that habits are not formed out of wanderlust, ennui, greed, or envy. Habits are built in an effort to cultivate our best self. Leaders work hard to train their bodies, minds, and souls to do what they believe they are meant to do. Why?
3. Excellent leaders enjoy their responsibilities and are not "in it" for a monetary reward or fleeting accolades.
As we begin a new year and a new semester, I wanted to crystallize these three lessons on leading with excellence in cyberspace so I can study them from time to time. I know I have a lot of habit-forming left to do. How about you?
Until next time, keep advancing via individual determination, one day at a time!
Joanna (@jc_perk)
The leaders I admire do not do magic or have flashes of greatness. They put in the hours and sweat equity behind the scenes. They spend time painstakingly planning, lovingly listening, and doggedly driving past all the negative forces that seem aimed directly at them. They lead as a force of habit, not of nature.
I've noticed a beautiful convergence of our concerted efforts in education. I call it being "AVID for Excellence." Our goal in Lee County is for every child to graduate with "more than a high school diploma." No doubt, this will require excellence and leadership. So, how can we cultivate the habits of excellent leaders?
Recently our principal (@SoLeeHS) outlined his "spirit of excellence" using the 5W's and the H. It was simple and effective, and although some may deem AVID tactics like those gimmicky or infantile, I can tell you it stuck with me (and my students, because I promptly shared the slides with them). You see, the grandiose is not always the best plan. Many times leadership is doled out in small doses.
1. You drink excellence in sips, not gulps.
Another aspect of excellence in leadership also comes up in this article about 15 characteristics of great leaders (Thanks @PatriciaColdren and #taketheleadLCS!).
2. (#12 in the article) Positive energy and attitude comes naturally to leaders, even when it seems unrealistic.
In other words, feed the happy wolf, people.
And finally, we all know that habits are not formed out of wanderlust, ennui, greed, or envy. Habits are built in an effort to cultivate our best self. Leaders work hard to train their bodies, minds, and souls to do what they believe they are meant to do. Why?
3. Excellent leaders enjoy their responsibilities and are not "in it" for a monetary reward or fleeting accolades.
As we begin a new year and a new semester, I wanted to crystallize these three lessons on leading with excellence in cyberspace so I can study them from time to time. I know I have a lot of habit-forming left to do. How about you?
Until next time, keep advancing via individual determination, one day at a time!
Joanna (@jc_perk)