Years ago, I was blessed to be in a position to hold seminars with groups of educators designed to discuss and build leadership skills both informally and formally, internally – for the individual and externally for the school. As we discussed leadership skills and qualities, we would talk about new tools being put in our toolboxes as leaders. This year in Teach & Serve, I have decided to talk about many of those tools.
DELEGATE
I believe that one of the weaknesses that afflicts many leaders is the belief that they can do it all. Most leaders received their positions because of their abilities. They have typically illustrated competence and mastery over a great many things. They often seek out responsibility. They rarely turn down the chance to learn something new in terms of the way the school works.
For this reason, they believe they can do things better than others and that teaching others to fish, as it were, is time that could be better spent in other pursuits.
Hang on.
Leaders who delegate are realistic. They know they cannot do everything.
Leaders who delegate are empower-ers. They know they can share their authority.
Leaders who delegate are visionary. They can see a future without themselves in leadership.
Delegation is a tool that most leaders – this one included – should employ far more often than they do.