#1: Integrity
Gosh, 2017. What a pain in the butt you were, right? I can
hardly begin to put my finger on all the not-so-great events that took place in
our world. I’m not sure you’d want me to list them and give my opinion either –
we might not be friends by the end of this post if I did. But, here is what I
did in 2017 that you are about to learn in this journey with me. Through my
observations in US and World politics, journalism, Hollywood, and frankly every
other experience that I encountered was an entire series of leadership
qualities that we need today in education. I have taken 2017 and created a Top List of Leadership Legacy Traits that are necessary to pull us from the brink of
an educational meltdown (and I’m pretty confidence that other sectors of the
economic world would also benefit). Are you ready?
Integrity. If you
visit my Twitter Account (go ahead and do this – follow me, too!) @adamddrummond
you will see that my description begins with: Integrity. [W/O it nothing else
matters]. I’ve longed value this trait and believe it serves as my own personal
moral compass. Before we explore this trait, please know that I’m not on a
might horse looking down and judging. I have my own flaws – ask my wife,
children, or parents. They are brutally honest. ALL. THE. TIME. But, I do
strive to use integrity in everything that I do.
Why Integrity? Why do we need to have leaders that use
integrity? Why is this the most important leadership trait? Why do we need to
model this daily? I could give you a thousand more whys – they make great
essential questions you know? But, truly why integrity? There are three reasons
why integrity is a leadership trait that educational leaders must model to be
successful.
The first is DECISION
MAKING. I’ll never forget Dr. Marilyn Quick’s leadership classes at Ball
State University (Chirp! Chirp!) when studied the Thinking Hats theory. Simply
put this theory takes a current problem and positions the leader to examine the
situation from multiple perspectives. After examining the situation from these
perspectives, the leader can better predict the outcome. So, what does this
have to do with integrity. We have an obligation to approach problems with an
open mind and examine all facets of the issue. Then and only then, are we able
to begin formulating a plan for solutions. Our solutions must be rooted and
based in a belief system. The belief system is what helps guides the decisions.
When we use our belief system and this theory we can make decisions rooted in
integrity. We can develop a well-rounded solution that has been thought out,
examined from multiple perspectives, was not concocted in a rash and flippant
moment.
EYES ARE EVERYWERE.
If we have observed anything in 2017, social media has created a horrific black
hole of facts, fiction, and everything in between. Plus, we are all an expect
because we have an @ in front of our name on Twitter or an Instagram Account or
a like button that has become more powerful than the sword (#ToldYouSo). Now
more than ever we must operate within elevated levels of integrity. We must do
this because everyone watches how we act as leaders. We are always ‘on’. When I
was a principal, I shared with my staff that I always tried to be the “same Dr.
D.” every day. This meant that no matter the situation I was approaching that
moment in a calm, rationale, level headed moment. Our students (and staff)
deserve that. Was I 100% successful? No, but I strived to be darn close. Even
when a fifth grade threw his entire tray of food on me (I walked up to the line
and was treated to this gift because he thought he was in trouble) I managed to
keep my cool in front of 125 other students (#WillPower). You see, more and
more students are unable to have experiences where adults are consistent in
their own behavior and choose to act with integrity in each situation. We, as
educational leaders, must model this and intentionally teach and call out the
behavior when it is modeled.
WE ARE UNDER ATTACK.
It’s true. Education has become scrutinized in all aspects. State and federal
accountability don’t help when we minimize a school’s performance to a letter
grade (though that may be changing for some states). Or when we have political
leaders continuously criticize teachers and educational leaders. Or when
everyone is now an expert because they graduated from high school or college.
But, through all this, we must make the right decision for our students. Every.
Single. Time. We don’t have any other option. We must act with integrity so
that our own decisions and solutions are not questioned. When we jeopardize our
integrity to make an easy choice even though it’s wrong, we lose even more
credibility. We must operate at the highest level of integrity at all costs for
the sake of our students.
If we don’t, who will?
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