Leading is Serving

Some who read the title of this blog will understand it immediately. Some may need clarification. Some will think I've written an oxymoron.

It might be helpful to know that I am an educator. Currently I serve as a Lead Teacher in a K-4 school  in Connecticut. Previously I was a classroom teacher for fifteen years at the elementary and middle school levels. In all of these positions I led students and staff by serving them.

I find resources for teachers who want to try new strategies with their students. I process problems with children to help them learn from their mistakes and restore their relationships with their friends. I meet with parents to plan family activities that get people involved in our school. I supervise in the cafeteria and at dismissal. I say hello and smile at everyone I pass in the hall. I stop and listen to anyone who wants to let me know when there is an issue or when a student has met a goal or when a parent is ill. I believe every interaction is an opportunity to build a relationship.

Of course a leader develops a vision for his school. In creating this vision, the leader is serving his people by imagining a lofty goal that he expects the school to reach.

However, in order to guide and support the school in achieving the vision, the leader must serve his people through strong relationship-building and hands-on involvement in the day-to-day activities of the school. This is leading through serving.