Dad always had a core set of employees he "raised." Many of them have gone on to lead in different stores throughout the surrounding states. There were always two perspectives people had about dad's leadership: he's hard to work for or he has taught me everything. Working for dad and many new employees not knowing I was his daughter, allowed me to see his impact as a manager. He worked for Elder Beerman for over 39 years and in my opinion was successful for many reasons.
He always has the customer in mind. He served his customers and taught those around him to serve as well. It was always about meeting the customer's needs. He often walked the floor and made jokes, all the while building relationships that would last a lifetime. If you didn't respect dad as a leader, you didn't value customer service. He was quick to pick up on those that were there to clock in, collect pay, and leave. The ones that didn't buy-in to his customer care, which often included floor sets, timely mark downs, constant straightening, and proactive approaches to everything with the customer in mind. Ok-you get it...dad loved those who worked for him and those that shopped in his store.
What does all this have to do with cultivating leadership?
I have just finished Michael Fullan's book, Leading in a Culture of Change. Anyone close to me understands that I am my dad's daughter. I quickly picked up on customer service and had 19 wonderful years as a sales associate for Elder Beerman. I loved serving my customers and building relationships. It was not just a job for me, it was a passion. One that I didn't pursue because of another calling to teach kids. I witnessed the struggles dad faced in leading as a retail manager. I saw him miss times with us because of retail hours. I saw him do everything in his power to help those in need. I saw him struggle with stress of getting the job done correctly, when others failed to do their part. I saw him interact in the community to make Richmond a better place. I saw him prepare others to lead. He served his community in so many other ways than store manager. Now, I get to follow in his footsteps...
This summer, I get to learn in context. I will be co-principal for RCS summer school. This provides an opportunity for me to model and mentor others. As a school leader, it is imperative that I share the knowledge I have as an eLearning coach and continue modeling best practices of blended learning. This is so much more than an administrative position. This is my time to build deeper relationships, listen attentively to challenges, serve others in this changing world of education, and guide them with love, just as a shepherd.
"2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice" (John 10:2-4).
During the school year, there is so much time spent on processing information, solving problems, and meeting deadlines that there is little, if any, time to think. I feel this summer is an opportunity for our teachers to focus on their craft and pick an area for growth. The end goal is to fill in the gaps for our students so they can be success in the next school year but also for our teachers' reflective practice. I must be able to create and nurture an environment where our teachers can progressively learn how to do what they need to do. I must focus on customer service.
 |
| Created with Retype |
Blended learning is something that is changing the way we deliver content. Our teachers are at the gate, waiting to go out and explore, but they need someone they trust and can model what is expected of them. This summer gives me a chance to cultivate leaders in blended learning, to form a core group of educators that can then go out to their building and lead others. I look to dad for guidance and reflect on his leadership traits. I continually follow God's plan as he presents opportunities for my own growth, both professionally and in my faith. I'm thirsty for yet another challenge!
JUST LOVE what you do and find peace in His presence. Here is a song for this week's bible verse.
Peace to you all!
Kirsten
No comments:
Post a Comment