I went back to high school to learn these 7 transformative leadership values!
That first “real” job
Of all the anxiety-inducing situations one may experience, few rank higher than that brought about by a college diploma and the looming reality that it is time to get a pro-fesh-uh-nul JOB. In 1994, this freshly-minted college graduate did what anyone who is ready to take the world by the horns would do. I went back to high school.
When I re-entered the hallowed hallways of secondary education, I did so as an English and German teacher, ready to transform the lives of pupils surely eager to learn and grow! Needless to say, those eager pupils were more eager to eat my lunch than to learn from me, and I would be but a withered shell of my former self were it not for the firm guidance given by the principals who hired me, although each approached education with different principles.
Two Principals
Robert Hunter hired me to teach at Shelby High School for 9th-grade English. This dapper, well-dressed man recognized that I would be out of my element ethnically and culturally, but nevertheless took a chance on me. He made himself available to me for advice when a student accused me of racism; he mentored me in how to manage classrooms of hormonal teenagers not particularly interested in the finer points of English literature (shocking, I know); at the same time, he put me in situations conducive to my growth and self-knowledge (ask my wife about The Electric Slide and The Butterfly …). Finally, Mr. Hunter stood up for me when the school board decided at the end of the year not to renew my contract. He gently took me aside, explained the situation, and graciously offered to give me a referral for the next job.
The next job was teaching English and German at Drew High School, and Roosevelt Ramsey was the polar-opposite of Mr. Hunter. Known as “Coach” to many, Mr. Ramsey was an Army veteran and brought that no-nonsense approach to his leadership style. During my interview, I distinctly remember him asking me why I wanted to teach and I explained that I like teenagers and wanted to be their friend. He stopped, gave me a stern look, and said, “Those kids don’t need a friend from you; they need an adult!” He then chuckled and gave me the job anyway, knowing full well I would figure that out in the classroom. He also believed firmly in accountability, often poking his head into classrooms as he strode through the hallways, checking on students and teachers alike. While Mr. Hunter came from a mentoring standpoint, Mr. Ramsey came at education with a more direct approach. I have since learned that either approach has its place in leadership.
Lessons Learned
These two men taught me seven transformative leadership values during my time back in high school. Authentic leaders …
… engage their people on a regular basis;
… provide top cover to their subordinates;
… mentor their people in the tricks of the trade;
… recognize and work within the power dynamics at play;
… look for the success of their subordinates;
… understand the need to be both tough and fair;
… expect adherence to standards.
Reflect
1. What was your first professional job?
2. In what foundational ways was your leadership formed?
3. How were you stretched outside of your comfort zone?
4. What embarrassing moment did you have that you still laugh about?
Resource
A commander once gave me a novel comparing and contrasting two fictional military leaders throughout their careers. This book, Once An Eagle by Anton Myer, has been instrumental across the Armed Services and is highly recommended. Get more information here!
