The Three Currencies of Leadership
As we approach winter holidays and the end of the calendar year, are you reflecting on your efforts to lead?
My recent conversation with Adam Bryant has me thinking about leading change in schools. Three particular things stand out from that chat:
Focus on “impact” rather than “intent.” Adam pointed out that if we over-index on purpose and mission (“intent”), we may lose sight of the reason to lead: to create positive impact.
Shift from “priorities” to “outcomes.” Schools are notorious for trying to be “everything to everyone,” but when everything is a priority then nothing is a priority. To remedy this, leaders should identify (and get commitment on) the most important outcomes for the community. (He further suggested no more than three priorities, and I wholeheartedly agree!)
Distill your leadership experiences. Adam said that there are really only three “currencies” in leadership: insights, stories, and tools. He recommends a simple framework to distill your leadership experiences: “I have learned ____, because of an experience I had with _____, which is why I now rely on _____.”
You may not realize it, but at Middle States we talk all the time about you and how we can support your efforts to lead change. We know—from experience—that you’re doing difficult and worthy work. That is why we’ve begun to offer new resources to support your efforts on the ground. Here are just a few from the first half of this school year:
“Forces at Play” Reports on how AI prompts critical questions and opens new doors.
Live Chats/Webinars with thought leaders covering topics like advancing school leaders of color, responsible AI in education, and leading change in schools.
Workshops on forming the “Best Teachers on Earth” and using AI to create exceptional learning experiences.
And we have so much more in the pipeline for 2024! If we can help you start the second half of your school year on a strong note, just say the word.
On behalf of the entire Middle States staff, we wish you a peaceful holiday season.
Christian Talbot
President
Middle States Association
Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools
