Excellent reflection Bill! I had a similar experience as a leader but the trap I fell into was seeking recognition, and trying to be the highest performing urban school. It took some hard feedback from a school inspection, to get me to focus on why I was working so hard. Like you shared, I realized public recognition and achievement were for self, ego and hollow, it was working for the kids, families and social justice that mattered most at all times. That shift to excellence and love for others made a big difference and made me a better leader. Thanks for this reflection.
Thank you Jamey. Your leadership has always embodied excellence and self forgetfulness in my experience. You are someone I always tried to emulate in my own leadership journey.
Thanks so much for this wonderfully insightful piece, Bill. It took me back to when I first started teaching (ugh, I was baaaad). But as always, you touch on so many important features of being present in whatever you do (and the true joy it brings). It's a game-changer once you understand self-forgetfulness. Thank you for writing!
This was so timely to pop up in my inbox, thank you for sharing these reflections!
Excellent reflection Bill! I had a similar experience as a leader but the trap I fell into was seeking recognition, and trying to be the highest performing urban school. It took some hard feedback from a school inspection, to get me to focus on why I was working so hard. Like you shared, I realized public recognition and achievement were for self, ego and hollow, it was working for the kids, families and social justice that mattered most at all times. That shift to excellence and love for others made a big difference and made me a better leader. Thanks for this reflection.
Thank you Jamey. Your leadership has always embodied excellence and self forgetfulness in my experience. You are someone I always tried to emulate in my own leadership journey.
Thanks so much for this wonderfully insightful piece, Bill. It took me back to when I first started teaching (ugh, I was baaaad). But as always, you touch on so many important features of being present in whatever you do (and the true joy it brings). It's a game-changer once you understand self-forgetfulness. Thank you for writing!
Thank you PK.. You are exceptionally good at self-forgetfulness. I admire that in you.