The Intersection

School's back. Fourth term starts today and we're excited to again share in the learning and leadership journeys of the students and teachers who we'll work with. So much happens over the next couple of months within a school. Lots more learning of course. Bringing together student's growth and development through reporting. Celebration of all that's transpired this year. And planning for 'where to next'. That's why we're hoping both students and teachers enjoyed a refreshing break over the past two weeks before enthusiastically jumping back into the adventures that lie ahead.

During the holidays one of my not so guilty pleasures is catching up on reading. I've always got books on the go, but a break usually provides a few more opportunities to sit and read for that little bit longer. Last week, on a rainy day, I got lost in a new book that I bought that morning. My first Mitch Albom book was 'Tuesdays with Morrie' close to 20 years ago. But it's a certain line from 'The Next Person You Meet In Heaven' (that I read last week) that has me remembering why we're so passionate about developing leadership potential within our client schools.

So often leadership is viewed as a position. It carries thoughts of waiting or not being ready, change being someone else's responsibility, and needing to be elected or given a platform by others if we want to help. That's a pretty disempowering list and doesn't reflect the Leader's Lens that we're privileged to help shape through our program experiences and ongoing communication with our clients. The Leader's Lens is all about the development of purposeful skills, attitudes and behaviours that are open to us all. This enables us as individuals and groups to consistently notice and act on opportunities to be difference makers.

So back to the line from the book I was reading, and why it resonated so deeply. It read, 'That the end of loneliness is when someone needs you'. Ten words only, but I found them to be such a powerful reminder. This intersection is navigated by us all, over and over again, each and every day. It's when we're experiencing a particular emotion or feeling, so what will we do next? The lens we view whatever is happening through really does make a difference. Then the choice/s we make have the potential to open pathways, or leave us lost and assigning blame because there's nothing we can do.

Thank you to all those we have the pleasure of practicing leading with. Leaders aren't defined by being in control, not making mistakes or being perfect. Together we're able to courageously and authentically embrace the gifts, opportunities and challenges that leadership presents. We'll remember, forget at times, and then remember again, that 'leadership is action, not position' - Donald H. McGannon. So when we notice an intersection in front of us we'll be able to choose thoughts, words and actions that allow us to deepen connection to, and make a difference for, self, others and the world around us. It's time to get back to work!