My Learnings…. My Transformations

A Leader Must Be Loyal to the Chair

People love promotions and all the frills that come with it.  They invariably tend to see it as a status, least realizing that it is a responsibility.

When my mother asked me to take over the mantle from her, I was reluctant, as my son was just two years old. I was not sure if I could give so much time to my work. But nevertheless, I joined school. I told my mother that I would do all the work behind the scene, and help her in all ways, but I did not want any designation, as that would mean a lot more commitment.

Fast forward, fast forward, today I have completed almost three decades in my profession.

I have always seen my position as Principal and Correspondent as a huge responsibility of empowering thousands of students and hundreds of staff,  creating a great culture,  providing a positive environment,  designing a holistic curriculum, developing life-skills, values and character traits, building self-awareness and confidence, inculcating gratitude and selflessness, fostering responsible citizenship, integrating spirituality with education,  and most importantly, to treat everyone equally, without any bias.

“Nothing motivates a team

More than seeing their leader

Putting in a day’s honest work” - mahatria

I always wished to be a leader who walked her talk. I resolved to first be worthy of the chair, and I started working on myself. I began to inculcate the qualities that a leader must have.

I am still work in progress…

Unless we detach ourselves from the status, we cannot think rationally.

A leader has to be objective and see everyone on par and treat them with respect and dignity. Also, to improve the overall performance of the organization, mediocrity should not be tolerated, as it affects the development of both, the individual, and also the organization.

Our likes and dislikes do not have any place here. Let’s not have a personal agenda.

“A leader must be loyal to the chair.”

A wrong is a wrong, no matter who commits it. We need to correct the action of the person and not condemn the person.

Also, appreciating good work builds a progressive organization. A leader has to achieve that fine balance.

Emotional equanimity and maturity are two important qualities a leader must possess.

It is so easy to get carried away by all the frills that come with the post. But, staying grounded is an effort.

In the kingdom of God, your labels don’t work.

So long as you understand it is not a status, you will not look down at anyone as a subordinate, rather, you will see everyone as a member of your team.

Nobody should receive any personal favors from you as your loyalty is first to the chair.

Exponential growth of the organization should be your single - minded focus.

Have this clarity and develop the maturity before you assume the role of a leader.

Do you agree with me? What is your leadership style? Please share.

#Thoughtfulthursdays #nsn #nsnschool #mentoring #parenting