I Caught a Glimpse of Servant Leadership

A few weeks ago I put some feelers out for a good spring break read. My son in law, a voracious reader and writer of a blog entitled Literary Nachos (@LiteraryNachos), took me in his office and handed me Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek. I brought it home, glanced at the back cover, and put it on my nightstand where it would have to wait for a leisurely day of spring break sans lesson planning, data to analyze, papers to grade and enter, and...you get it...the proverbial never ending to-do list.

Every morning and every night I would glance at the book on the night stand. Leaders Eat Last. Hmmm. Interesting. Servant Leadership. The back cover captured my attention with quotes like, "Leaders run headfirst into the unknown" and "Leaders rush toward danger" and "Leaders sacrifice what is theirs to save what is ours". I thought to myself ... I'm married to that man! The acorn didn't fall far from the oak tree, because I raised three children just like that and now they each have spouses with similar qualities. Thus, the son in law who handed me the book! OK, I'm hooked. I can't wait for spring break.

 Then just a few days later, it snowed. Snow days at school are like no other, especially when the announcement is made that school is closing early for the day due to inclement weather. Teachers know. A 45 minute dismissal process can morph into 2-3 hours. And so it did. I watched our administrators leap into action, out in the snow, directing traffic and assisting students and parents. For hours they were in and out - mostly out - monitoring the process and providing direction until we were down to the last 25 or so students. Our principal, Mr. Parker, thanked the teachers and staff for a job well done and wished them safe travels as they braved the icy roads toward home.

 Lunch time had come and gone. Mr. Parker said, "It's time to feed these kids." Again, the administrators sprang into action. I stayed to help them set up an impromptu cafeteria line, preparing plates of warmed up pizza and a cooler of water for a picnic in the gym. At last, tummies were full, the kids were fed, and the mess was cleaned up.

As I recall, it was about 2:00. We were down to less than 10 kids, whose parents were, no doubt, stuck in one of those gridlock traffic jams. Once again, the school was calm. I felt things were well under control and it was time to go home. The hallway was quiet as I walked to my classroom to gather my coat and purse. No one saw it but me. It was Mr. Parker, making his way from his office to the teacher's lounge, lunch in hand. I saw it and and I immediately thought of the book on my nightstand... Leaders Eat Last. I realize that I had just caught a glimpse of a model of servant leadership. It was an object lesson to remember. My leader ate last.

Next week is spring break. I'm excited that I get to read the book on my nightstand; however, I recognize that I have already been inspired by leaders in my both my personal and professional life who put their own interests aside in order to serve, protect, and provide for others. What are the results of that kind of leadership? I read the back cover. "And when we feel sure they will keep us safe, we will march behind them and work tirelessly to see their visions come to life and proudly call ourselves their followers." Yep, that's it! That is what it means to be a leader. If you hang out with such a leader, chances are, you will catch a glimpse of it first hand!

5 Positive, Powerful Leadership Thoughts That Can Change a Student's Life

Today I was prompted to remember a special privilege I had several years ago. It was December, 2011, and I was given the opportunity and challenge of being the keynote speaker at the Leadership Day Assembly at Life School Oak Cliff Elementary. The auditorium was packed with excited students as Christmas break was just a few days away. I wrapped 5 rather large boxes in Christmas paper and bows to use as props. I told the students that Mrs. Bishop was going to leave with them 5 Christmas Presents! Not the kind you buy at WalMart or ToysRUs. Not the kind of gifts that break or get lost or that you outgrow. I told them I would leave them with something that would last a lifetime and had the potential to change the course of their lives! Inside those boxes were 5 powerful, positive leadership thoughts.

I must admit that I got a little teary-eyed thinking back on that day, prayerfully watering the seeds that were planted in those little hearts and minds, and marveling at the resident potential held in those seeds. Now as I rehearse those 5 positive, powerful leadership thoughts, I'm reminded that, on a daily basis, teachers plant seeds that can change a student's life. So, teachers, if you need some seeds to sow...here you go.

We all want our students (and our own children) to be high achievers. We want them to be positive, strong, self confident leaders. High achievers can attribute their success to 3 simple things - hard work, practice, and continuing to try even when mistakes are made or when things get tough. This builds confidence and character. With that in mind, take note of these 5 positive, powerful leadership thoughts that can change the course of a student's life!

Positive, Powerful Leadership Thought #1 - I have control over my own life and I am responsible for my own happiness.

• The opposite of this thought is - What happens to me is completely beyond my control and everyone else is supposed to make me happy.

Students, you can take control of your life by making right choices. We can each take responsibility for our own happiness when we manage our emotions and we develop self-control.


Positive, Powerful Leadership Thought #2 - Hard work and learning is what builds my character and my confidence, and it is what leads me to success.

• The opposite thought of this is - I deserve to be successful and rewarded without hard work. Hard work and learning creates misery.

Students, the road to success is paved with hard work and character! Your success is measured by EFFORT!

Positive, Powerful Leadership Thought #3 - Tough things may be challenging, but I have what it takes to learn and solve most problems that I face.

• The opposite thought of this is - Tough things are unfair. I just can't learn and solve problems on my own.

Students, you can do more than you think you can do! You have what it takes!


Positive, Powerful Leadership Thought #4 - I can learn from my mistakes. When things get hard, it's time to keep trying.

• The opposite thought is - Mistakes are the end of the world. When things get hard, it's time to give up.

Students, don't waste your pain! Learn from it! Get up and try again! When the goin' gets tough, the tough get goin'!

Positive, Powerful Leadership Thought #5 - I should serve my family, my community, and my country.

• The opposite thought is - My family, my community, and my country should serve me.

Students, serving others will bring you deep satisfaction, develop your character, and help you to learn new skills.

        Every day teachers plant seeds that can touch and change a student's life! 

        Uh, oh! I  think I'm getting teary-eyed again!

Words of Wisdom From a Few Old Friends

   A Person Worth Following

   From time to time I like to go my bookshelf and find an old friend. I like to pick up a book and reflect upon what impacted me in the moment, when when I first read it. I then like to reflect upon how it may

have planted a seed that is a part of who I am today. This art of reflection can bring new insights and shed light on where I've been and where I'm going. With that in mind, this morning I'm just reflecting on some words of wisdom from a few old friends.

   Years ago I read Maxwell's Developing The Leader Within You (1993). In it, he defines leadership

as simply, influence. Leadership is having the influence and the ability to obtain followers. He also outlined Five Levels of Leadership, which, to this day, still have a profound impact on me. I
often reflect upon these Five Levels of Leadership because I believe we, as leaders, can increase our influence and leadership potential by doing so.

   Here are the five levels in a nutshell. The lowest level, the entry level of leadership, is Level 1: Position. According to Maxwell, Positional Leaders may be bosses, but they are never leaders. They rely on rules, regulations, policies, and organization charts to control their people. Their people will only follow them within the stated boundaries of their authority.
Maxwell identifies Level 2 leaders as Permission, which is a person’s first real step into leadership. In this level, people actually start to follow the leader because the leader begins to influence people with relationship, not just position. They begin to work together with their leader and each others because they feel liked, cared for, included, valued, and trusted. Next comes Level 3: Production. Production leaders are leaders that make things happen

and get results because they are able to help their team produce. They are able to put their organizational and leaderships skills to use to achieve goals. Level 4 leaders are People Developers. Maxwell asserts that to have superb organizations and reach the upper echelons of leadership, leaders must transition from producers to developers. That is because an organization’s most valuable asset
is it's people. Good leaders on Level 4 invest their time, energy, money, and thinking into growing others as leaders. Finally Level 5 is The Pinnacle or Personhood. People follow them for who they are
and for what they represent. The individuals who reach Level 5 lead so well for so long that they create a legacy of leadership in the organization they serve.

   I am fortunate to have been mentored by a Level 5 Personhood leader who has profoundly impacted

me as a leader. This individual is a servant leader who known for his character, integrity, and excellent communication and people skills. Oftentimes when I am faced with a decision, I ask myself what this
individual would do if he were in my shoes. I have also been greatly influenced by a Positional leader who, in reality, was not a leaderat all. This individual had a position and authority, but operated
solely out of power and control. I have found that some of life's lessons are like that. Some are glaring examples of what TO do and what TO be and others, painfully so, are glaring examples of what NOT
to do and what NOT to be. Lesson learned!

   Andy Stanley, in The Next Generational Leader (2003) - another old friend - poses a sobering

and challenging thought for me as I continue to grow as a leader. "Your talent and giftedness as a leader have the potential to take you farther than your character can sustain you. That ought to
scare you." Stanley goes on to explain what I believe is a key for me and for any emerging leader who aspires to develop into that Personhood Leader. He states, "To become a leader worth following, you must give time and attention to the inner man. To leave a legacy that goes beyond accomplishment alone, a leader must devote himself to matters of the heart." Hmmm. Reminds me of that Maxwellism, "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."

   This morning I'm just reflecting on some words of wisdom from a few old friends. As I continue to

reflect upon the jobs, roles, and positions I've held over the years, I can see myself in various stages of leadership. As a servant leader, my goal is ultimately to move toward being a Level 5 Personhood leader, where hopefully people would follow me because of who I am and what I represent. As my friend, Andy, says 'a person worth following'.

5 Tips That Can Help You Meet Your Challenge

Leaders are often risktakers. They tend to stretch, take on new challenges, and set bold, yet attainable, goals. Are you thinking of taking on a new challenge? Hold on tight, because your roller coaster ride is just about to start!

Almost one year ago I decided to take on a new challenge. I set a goal that would take me about a year to successfully accomplish. I counted the cost of time, money, and energy. I calculated the risk. Here I am, almost at the finish line. What a crazy, busy, stressful year it has been! Last summer I jumped off of the cliff and enrolled in a principal certification program, along with taking on a new grade level and new subject matter. What was I thinking? I feel like I've been on a roller coaster that just won't stop! Though I will admit that I have thrived on the challenge, the daily stress of my never ending to-do list can be quite overwhelming. As the roller coaster is now slowing down for the next wide turn, I managed to catch my breath and put into words some of the sanity-saving nuggets of wisdom I found helpful in meeting my challenge. If you find yourself on a similar roller-coaster, hold on tight, and then see if these sanity-saving tips can help you meet your challenge.

1. One day at a time. Just take one day at a time. Don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for this today is it's own worries. Prioritize. Organize. One day at a time. When you are up against a challenge, do all that you can today ... and then go to bed!

2. It takes two! We all need somebody to lean on! A buddy, a friend, a co-worker, a spouse. For me, it's my man. The decision for me to take on this challenge was made together, because we are a team. He pledged his support to take on laundry, grocery shopping, cooking...whatever he could do to help. We are not meant to go it all alone. A good friend is made for times of adversity. When you are up against a challenge, we need a friend or buddy for encouragement and support.

3. I am a like tri-pod ... body, soul, spirit. If one leg is weak or not functioning, I am not balanced. If I am exercising and nurturing my soul - my mind, will, and emotions - then my soul will be strong. If I neglect to take care of my body or if I do not feed my spirit, then they will become weak and I will not have balance in my life. When you are up against a challenge, it's easy to get off balanced. Remember that you are a three part being and it is important to keep the tri-pod balanced.

4. Out the door, most days, by 4:00. I am a teacher and so my "official" work day ends at 3:45. Now we all know that teachers stay late, take work home, and even put in many hours on the weekend! Since I have my "second shift" of course work awaiting me when I get home, I found that I had to budget my time and energy accordingly. If I am going to have any energy for the second shift, I have to be super organized and get out the door by 4:00! When you are up against a challenge, remember to leave some margin and budget your time and energy wisely!

5. Take 5! You know what? Some days I just need a break! Some days I just can't open that laptop! At least not until I've taken a little break. And when I know I'm going to be hard at it for a few hours, if I just take a few 5-10 minute breaks along the way to do something else, I find that it helps me to get more accomplished. When you are up against a challenge, remember it's OK to take a break! Even taking a 5 minute break can hit your refresh button and help you to accomplish more.

Leaders, lead on! If you need a bit of sanity along the way, just count 1, 2, 3, 4, 5!