Our leader coaches often visit with school and district leaders striving to improve their culture and organizational alignment, their service to stakeholders, and their conversations about improving practice. Our partners commit to making improvements that will make school better for students, make work better for employees, and help parents feel more confident about where they send their children each day.
The one thing that we appreciate most during our visits is the examples set by district leaders who live Gandhi‘s sage advice to “be the change you wish to see in the world.”
As leaders, it is important that we model dedication, humility, self-awareness, vulnerability, and an openness to transparent accountability. How can we provide a concrete example of the change we wish to see within our organizations? Try this:
- Reflect openly about the gift of feedback, even when it doesn’t feel like a delightful present
- Show the importance of serving stakeholders in ways that make them say, “Wow!” by being present and learning alongside employees
- Agree to public accountability through a transparent and measurable evaluation process
- Build on current successes while also demanding continued improvement, so that all students achieve success in a district’s schools
While we sometimes say, “walk the walk,” “practice what you preach,” or “model the desired behavior,” Ghandi’s version engages the heart and mind. It activates our commitment to making the world a better place. It connects our work in education systems to the actions of those far beyond our walls who foster community development, seek electoral office, protect us from danger, march the streets, advocate in courts, and do their part to make our world the place that future generations want and deserve.
Do you want to see change happen in your organization? If so, be it.