Serving as a leader in the 21st century means accepting the responsibility that comes with an important role which serves students, faculty, staff, the institution, and the community—locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. Consequently, a commitment to diversity, collaboration, innovation, and yes social emotional intelligence are central. No one person can excel while embracing the challenges and opportunities we face today. It takes respect, an appreciation for difference, and synergy to tackle the many unforeseen obstacles of our day. Powerful leadership must rely on diverse talent, individual and collective strengths, vision, and strategy to make a true difference. I am a leader who values input from an array of stakeholders; thus, the following shapes my philosophy.
Receptive
A leader wears many hats and must interact with a host of individuals who bring ideas, concerns, opportunities, and complaints that represent their interest. Listening and gleaning significance is most important and adds to relationship building as well as informed action and/or response.
Visionary
Understanding where a school, division, department, program, or the entire institution is and its internal and external strengths and challenges, prepares a leader to contribute responsibly. The objective is not to remain where you are, whether it is good or bad, but to progress with the times and in some situations lead and model progress.
Innovative
Leaders do not have to reinvent the wheel, but they must critically modify or create to ignite energy, enthusiasm, and challenge the most difficult of situations.
Strategic
Assessing, interpreting, defining, organizing, planning, leading, motivating, and controlling are central functions of an administrator and the latter actions are completed with great thought, clarity, and solicited engagement.
Collaborative, Inclusive & Diverse
Acting alone negates the very administrative role one has agreed to uphold in an educational setting that includes thinkers and doers—people well prepared to participate. As an administrator, it is my responsibility to recruit, hire, and facilitate the greatness around me and ensure that that greatness has an evidenced commitment to diversity.
Participatory
Sitting on the sidelines is not an option. An administrator is always representing someone or something, so engagement is mandatory.
Avis 