@ the fork in the road, trailblazers go straight.

My first year, I was assigned a

mentor, a retired principal. Her task

was to guide me through some decisions

without the fear of being evaluated.

This was cool. I was to be able to lean

on her even if it seemed like I needed

to vent about my boss (even though I

never did, don’t fall for that one) and

she was to keep it to herself.

One day, she was sharing some old

school advice and instructed me to walk

a little harder in the hallways. To my

disdain, I questioned, “ What do you mean

walk harder?” She wanted my teachers

and students to hear me coming down

the hallways and to hop into shape from

the sound of my footsteps. I honestly

thought she was joking, but when she

offered to demonstrate the technique, I

knew we came from different schools of

thought.

There are many theories of how to

lead effectively, how to administrate

with confidence, and how to rule with an

iron fist. All of these theories have a

place and/ or school where the method

maybe most effective. However, you

cannot add a template to your leadership

style, because it will never be yours.

You don’t have to fit a mold, be

just like you predecessor or imitate

some other principal so much you forget

who you are. Remember, at the fork in

the road, trailblazers go straight.

Confession -16

Don’t try to fit into some others

perception of you, lead from within.

Don’t do things a certain way, just

because you were told that’s how it has

always been done. Be Bold. Be Innovative.

Be Fearless. Be Brave. Be Different. Be

One of a Kind. Be You.

Get guidance from those you trust,

but be unique, an original is always

better than a copy.

http://www.confessionsofa1styearprincipal.com