We're excited to launch a new regular newsletter feature, "Leadership Lens," delivering insights and inspiration to support you in your vital role as a school board member. Our Leadership Development team will share practical wisdom, fresh perspectives and motivation to help you lead with confidence and purpose. We hope these nuggets encourage and energize you as you serve your schools and communities.

All Aboard: Fuel Your Leadership with Love and Purpose

Recently, a group of board members and superintendents participated in a book study of "The Energy Bus" by Jon Gordon. We had a fantastic discussion, and I was truly encouraged! 

I encourage you to download a copy and listen on your way to work and to print a copy of the “10 rules for the ride of your life” and hang them up in your office as an encouragement to stay focused on the things that matter. During the upcoming holiday season, I want to focus on two of the rules that stand out to me.

One is to Love Your Passengers. Take a moment to reflect on the people around you. Seriously, sit down in a quiet place and think about the people on your school board, the staff members in your school system, the families you represent, the students whom you serve. We sometimes get caught up in mundane tasks or frustrations of the job and forget the very reason we are in the education arena – the people! What can you (not somebody else) do to create positive vibes to demonstrate love to those around you (maybe even the biggest grinch of all)?  

The second is to Drive with Purpose. Remember when you decided to seek your current seat? Remember the feeling of purpose and dedication you had to make a difference? Visit that feeling often. Every decision, every day, every response should be guided by the desire to connect our purpose with the people. Forget hidden agendas or personal platitudes or getting stuck in a rut. Seek ways to work collaboratively with those around you for the purpose and for the people. What can you do intentionally to drive with purpose (it might mean recalibrating your thinking to focus on the greater good)? 

During this season of celebration, we celebrate you. Thank you for being leaders – on the great days of great news and positive press – and on the not-so-great days of heartache and frustration. You are seen. I am cheering you on!  Love your passengers and drive with purpose. 

~ Happy Holidays,

Janice Stockman
AASB Director of Leadership Development