NBOA President and CEO
If you’ve been reading my CEO Notebooks this summer, you’ll know that I am a fan of the Olympics, and watched many of the events in Paris this summer with rapt interest. It was no surprise that when Steve Kerr, coach of the Golden State Warriors and the U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team, spoke on leadership issues last week, I paid close attention.
The proudest moment of his life, Kerr said, was when the men’s team stood with their hands on their hearts as the American flag was raised and the Star-Spangled Banner played. The U.S. men won basketball gold by coming together — as did the U.S. women. Rivalries that grew fierce over the course of an NBA (not to be confused with NBOA!) season melted away, as each and every player on the 12-person squad joined forces to accomplish a goal greater than any of them could pull off alone. The effort demonstrated the true power of teamwork and what is possible when individuals work together for a higher cause. If you watched the medal ceremony, you may have been struck by how the players, each worth multiple millions of dollars, held their gold medals dearly because they knew this particular achievement was priceless.
Kerr’s words spoke to me deeply as the leader of NBOA because they pinpoint what we as an association do so well. Independent school business leaders help others in similar roles at other schools (sometimes schools competing for the same enrollments) because it’s the right thing to do. It not only helps themselves in making their job easier, but it also helps the children who pass through our schools, the faculty who deliver world-class education, and the missions supported within our school walls and beyond them.
Kerr went on to list the essentials that he looks for in any leader, be it a coach, mayor, parent or leader of a community organization. As we head into a new school year, I hope the inspiration I gleaned from Kerr’s remarks have a similar impact on you. Here are my key takeaways from the leadership philosophy that Kerr laid out, in context of our schools.
Leaders must display dignity.
It might be a trustee that questions some part of your proposed budget with more than a little vigor, or a parent that has choice words for school operations — regardless, any school leader will face challenges from the community at some point. And a strong leader will need to respond with dignity, calm and purpose. School leaders must also set an example for the students around them, whether those leaders are inside or outside the classroom.
Leaders must tell the truth.
I don’t need to tell school business leaders, who may have just recently finished their school’s financial audit and are always aware of internal controls, that being honest and truthful is important. If anything, this point of Kerr’s affirms how business leaders play an essential role in the leadership team; those who steward school finances and operations are often known as truth tellers, even when the truth is difficult, who spell out the facts as they are. It’s imperative that school business leaders embody this level of honesty as seen by their colleagues, faculty, students and families.
Leaders must be able to laugh at themselves.
Independent school business leaders are among the most accomplished and also the humblest individuals I’ve had the opportunity to work with. While I know you are not likely to toot your own horn — there’s a reason NBOA honors Unsung Heroes each year — you might also take the opportunity to laugh when you make a mistake, as we all do. It will lighten your load and show those around you that you are human too.
Leaders must care for and love the people they are leading.
Most (dare I say all?) of you are in the business you’re in because you believe in your school’s purpose, its reason for being, and being a part of the community brings you joy. Make sure you build time into this school year to attend school events, step outside the office, observe a class, even coach or teach if that calls to you. It will remind you why you work so hard and why it’s worth it.
Leaders must bring knowledge and expertise with a full awareness that none of us have all the answers, and, in fact, some of the best answers come from members of the team.
This is a great point to end on and one that brings us back to the beginning. We all have our strengths, our points of agreement and our differences among those on the team we work with. From those differences may stem new perspectives that will help your school move forward. Our world class schools can’t be managed by any one individual alone; rather, it takes a diverse team with diverse skills and abilities. Lead with confidence, lead with your best, but listen with care.
The NBOA membership inspires me, and the entire NBOA staff, every day of every year, and I thought it fitting to give you a boost of inspiration as you begin a new school year, with new challenges and opportunities ahead! And remember, you and your school have your professional association, NBOA, comprised of a nationwide network of colleagues and committed staff, to rely on as you lead at your schools!
Follow NBOA President and CEO Jeff Shields on LinkedIn.
