Out of the Office

This week concludes my first week as Principal of MJHS. And although I would love to say that I am keeping up with the paperwork and looming deadlines, I am not. I am not because I have made a commitment to be in the classroom every single day for the first two weeks of school; to greet students everyone morning as they enter the building; to be in the hallways with my teachers ushering students to their next learning adventure; and lastly, to be both present and visible not matter the cost. 

Why? Because I believe this is what great leaders do. They get out of the office and on the front lines. They take advantage of every opportunity to observe team members in their most natural state. Great leaders are intentional about celebrating successes and they model risk taking as a means of learning and growing.

So out of the office, I will remain. I will remain out of the office because I desire to know my teachers and my students in a more authentic way. I want to know the day-day operations of their classrooms and I want to see first-hand the type of educational experience we are providing our students.  

Has this journey been easy? Of course not; but it has been worth it!

So what can you do to get out of the office?

Make the Commitment - Every journey ever began, began with a first step. 

Write it Down and Review it Daily - I have learned very quickly that if I don't write the vision, then I can't run with it. The simple act of writing down what you say you are going to do increases your chances of doing it while reviewing it daily keeps it at the forefront of your mind.

Tell Someone - You will need an accountability partner. This person's job is to check in with you on a regular basis and help you gauge how well you are doing. 

Just Do It! 

Until next time,