Vulnerable Leaders have short email signatures, park in the back, and rarely post pictures of themselves. We don’t mask celebrations of others as opportunities for self-promotion. We are more interested in the empowerment of others than they are their own legacy.  Vulnerable leaders chose leadership not to make a name for themselves, but to make a difference in others.  We listen intently to others, always in a learning stance.  We value the contributions of others and are aware of the weight of our presence and voice in all situations.  We are always working to get better at active listening.  

When the world of education went into panic mode as a result of Covid-19, vulnerable leaders resisted the urge to shut their doors and attempt to make decisions in isolation and pass them down upon the people. They refrained from allowing the teams they serve to get lost in wishing for what was and “normalcy.” Instead they inspired their team to focus on what could be, what could a new normal look like, and the lessons that can be learned if we are willing to sit bravely in the uncertain and uncomfortable. Two years later, these same vulnerable leaders are not falling prey to the narrative of ‘filling Covid gaps' by returning to what was, has been, and doing more of the same. Rather, they are celebrating the risk takers and innovators who do not desire to return to the normal, but instead to create a different future.

Have you ever accepted a job and 6 months in wondered what happened? You reflect on the types of questions you were asked, the mission and beliefs that adorned the walls of the interview room, and the voices of those espousing passion for the vision. You tell yourself transitions take time and the evidence of what you drew you in will emerge soon.

Don’t allow your self worth to be measured by outcomes. There is great danger when we allow our self-concept to be driven by the things we accomplish.   Rather, allow it to be measured by the hearts you touch.

Our society tells us a different story. We live in the age of the selfie.   We live in the age of self-promotion and self-preservation. We are evaluated by the achievements and outcomes of ourselves and our families.  In our need for affirmation and acceptance, oftentimes our instagram and facebook feeds are of these very achievements and outcomes that society tells us are most valuable. 

“In medicine, a side effect is an effect, whether therapeutic or adverse, that is secondary to the one intended; although the term is predominantly employed to describe adverse effects, it can also apply to beneficial, but unintended, consequences of the use of a drug.”

Empowerment is defined as authority or power given to someone to do something; the process of becoming stronger and more confident. Delegation is defined as distributing work or tasks to another person.

Take in this vulnerable reflection written by guest blogger Kristin Moffitt. Mrs. Moffitt serves as the Principal at Westwood Elementary in Friendswood ISD.

As leaders, have you ever been guilty of making excuses for poor performance because “he/she is a really good person?” Is this person still employed on your team or within your organization? If yes, what’s the plan?

I recently read an article titled “What’s Really the Reason Behind the Great Resignation of 2021?” Just a few days later I read an article titled “Why Education Is About To Reach a Crisis of Epic Proportions.” Since reading these articles, I have been struggling to name how I feel, whether it’s sadness, frustration, intrigue, and even hope of a new beginning for public education.