What I’ve Learned in My 30+ Years In Education
Mark Wickersham, Director of Spiritual Formation, Evansville Christian School
Being a leader can be hard work. Kids, students, athletes, parents, colleagues, and employees don’t always want to follow your lead, and sometimes they don’t. Boo. Here are three ideas I’ve learned in my 30+ years in education that I recommend you put into practice if you want to lead and serve better.
1. Have An Inner Circle. Who are your Peter, James, and John? Before you make the big announcement or send that email (yes, that one), run it by a close group of confidants. See what they think. They can tell you if something is a little off, give you some good pointers, or just tell you if you’ve gone crazy. They will help support you when others don’t like what they hear or read, help you better understand complex people, and help you become a better leader.
2. Hire Humble Team Players Who Are Curious Learners. No one likes arrogant people who don’t listen and always complain. Be sure to ask the right questions in an interview and find out who knows the people you’re interviewing. It’s a pain in the butt when you have the wrong people on your team. There was no one more humble than Jesus, and He told us to be humble (James 4:10). Find humble people who are good listeners and contribute to a Christlike culture.
3. Work Hard, But Laugh With Others. Laziness is a sin, but overworking is also dishonouring to God. We are to work heartily for the Lord, but we need to rest in Christ’s finished work. I have neglected my family, run over people, and failed to champion people like Christ. It’s important that we not only work hard, but also slow down and LAUGH with others. Are people scared of you or not seeing the fun side of you? Fix that. Laughter is an amazing gift from God and can help boost morale.
What have you learned in your years of serving in a school building that you think others should know? Let’s encourage one another by sharing our experiences and giving God the glory.
