How often do you take the time to acknowledge the good work of the people around you? Too often we're remiss in that regard.
There are some that are forthcoming about acknowledging the efforts of others, and there are others who are quick to take ownership of others' work and ideas.
Some who lead, make their constituents invisible by not responding to their efforts, acknowledging their hard work, and listening to their ideas. These leaders often humiliate, demean, and disregard those around them. And there are leaders who truly empower those around them. These leaders truly work with their teams to make things better. Those are the inspirational leaders in our midst.
It's rare to find a leader who is at one end of the spectrum or the other. It's almost impossible to be the selfless, inspirational leader who truly cares about each and every person they lead, and it is similarly almost impossible to find a leader without any merit or positive attributes.
As we lead our students in school, we have to make sure that we are making good time to empower those students. We need to talk to them with respect and listen to their ideas. We have to acknowledge their good work and help them when they struggle. To teach well is to lead well, and while that's not easy, it's possible and a it is also a goal worth reaching for.
