As a superintendent your days are extremely busy and often unpredictable. In other words, the way your calendar looks in the morning is rarely how it progresses throughout the day. It seems like there is always something which takes you off course and although it may be a minor diversion, it is a diversion, nonetheless.
The concern I have about this reality is not so much that you are buffeted by the winds of distraction never to get back on track, but rather that you are intentionally exercising leadership thought on a daily basis. In today’s post I want to talk to you about the necessity of leadership thought as a habit, which if practiced on a regular basis can enhance your performance as an educational leader.
Ok, so what is “leadership thought” in this context? It is the intentional commitment of time to process information, reflect on potential courses of action and creatively solve problems. It is a work pattern preference which is built into your day. It may come in the morning, mid-day or in the evening – the apportioned timeline is not important – but fidelity to the habit is what counts.
A couple of months ago I recommended to a group of superintendents I was presenting to that they need to build in time each day, uninterrupted, to exercise leadership thought. It is not only necessary to your success on the job, but it can be cathartic too. Your schedule is full and with so much input your brain needs time to sort it all out and thoughtfully establish priorities, approaches, and next steps.
Interestingly, this concept of setting aside time each day for leadership thought was affirmed in a recent New York Times article sent to me by a superintendent friend. The article spoke of George Shultz’s (former Secretary of State under President Reagan) habit of engaging in leadership thought each day during what his colleagues affectionately called the “Schultz Hour”. As I described above Secretary Schulz maintained, with fidelity, time each day for reflection, problem solving and creative thought. He believed it enhanced his performance and you should too.
So, as the title of this blog post indicates if you have not already built leadership thought into your schedule, I hope you will do so immediately. Clearly COVID has made this a tough year for superintendents. As the end of the year approaches and plans for the coming year progress, it is important to build in time for thought and reflection. My hope is that you will give “leadership thought” a try and over time will let me know how it works for you. I truly believe, if followed with fidelity, it will have a positive impact.
As always, I appreciate that you have taken time to read this post. If you currently exercise leadership thought, or have a plan to do so, I hope you will briefly describe your preferred approach. Any time we can share and gain from each other we expand our leadership wisdom.
Dr. Carlson,
Thank you for your insight on Leadership Thought. It makes sense; trying to accomplish this new practice will defiantly take some effort on my part. As I reflect on my day, it can become chaotic at times; taking time will help me grow as an administrator and an effective leader.
Than you
I agree that it does take effort and dedication, because the tyranny of the urgent is always with us. I do believe though that if you practice Leadership Thought with fidelity it will make a difference in your focus and performance. I hope it goes well, Jeff!
I’ve been searching (and praying) for what to do with my leadership team this year. Our traditional two-day work session just doesn’t seem needed or what we need after the year we have experienced. This is going to be step one of the day! Choose a place (not work or home) and for one hour reflect, dream about next year (creative thought and problem-solving). Thank you!
Great news, Kathy! I agree after this past year setting aside time for daily “Leadership Thought” will be vital. It is how we find the space to think through options, solve problems and reflect on how to become more effective in the work we do.
Please let me know how it goes for you!
Often, the busier you are, the more you need a message like this and, the less likely you are to overtly think about it yourself. Thank you, Howard, for the simple and yet powerful reminder about the importance of taking time to think, so that we can act with thoughtful purpose.
Right, Manny. The busier we are the less we think about the importance of uninterrupted thought. We think we are checking items off our list and keeping up with the many tasks before us, but in reality we are cheating ourselves and others out of our best thinking. Thanks for pointing out the importance of acting with “thoughtful purpose”!