Do With People, Not To People

 In the pursuit of a more collaborative and inclusive approach to leadership, I have set an unofficial goal for this year that goes beyond the confines of my formal development plan. I have coined this goal as "Do With People, Not To People," a principle I am committed to despite the expectation of encountering setbacks along the way. While acknowledging the potential for failure, I view this aspiration as a noble endeavor that aligns with my values. In the event that I do stumble, my secondary objective is to foster strong relationships with my colleagues, to a point where open and candid discussions can transpire, ultimately strengthening our district over the long term.

Recent one-on-one conversations with building administrators and district directors have shed light on a recurring theme:  “do things with us not to us.”  Essentially our leaders were asking for a larger voice in the process.  This shared sentiment underscores the need for a delicate balance between operational efficiency and providing individuals with a meaningful voice in decision-making processes. I candidly admit that in the past, my pursuit of efficiency has occasionally overshadowed the importance of inclusivity. The challenge ahead lies in mastering this balance and ensuring that my leadership style genuinely reflects a "doing with" mantra.

In times when I inevitably stumble, I recognize the significance of a safety net: relationship and accountability partners. While I may lack an accountability partner in my personal fitness journey is evident by my waistline and my lack of overall cycling miles this summer.  My commitment to establishing professional accountability partnerships is evident. A recent conversation with a colleague, dare I say friend, stands as a testament to this commitment. I expressed my hopes that our professional relationship will be strong enough to facilitate constructive feedback, even when it involves pointing out my mess-ups. By embracing this sense of accountability, my goal is to adhere to the fundamental principle of "doing with," while consciously avoiding the tendency to "do to" others.  

I am confident that the principles of "Do With People, Not To People" will foster a more harmonious and empowered environment.