Leading by Example: Lessons from Patty Tate and the Power of Gratitude
As an educator, I've always believed in the power of leading by example. I recently listened to a podcast featuring Dr. Peter Attia and Walter Green, where Green spoke about his "Say It Now" movement, which encourages people to express their gratitude to those who have impacted their lives while they are still alive to appreciate it. This conversation struck a chord with me, I thought about who I would Say it Now to and it reminded me of a pivotal moment in my career influenced by a remarkable leader, Patty Tate, a former superintendent in the Osborn School District.
A Personal Journey with Patty Tate
Back in 2010, Patty Tate, then the assistant superintendent, and I were involved in the Ready for Rigor grant, which used the TAP system for comprehensive school reform. The grant required teachers to be evaluated using a rigorous rubric, a prospect that was understandably met with some apprehension. Patty, however, wanted to ensure she fully understood the process before asking others to adopt it. She said, "I want to know how this works and feels before I decide if the district will use it."
To my surprise, she asked me to evaluate her as she taught a kindergarten science lesson at Encanto Elementary. I remember thinking, "This is leadership in action." Patty wasn't just supervising from a distance; she was immersing herself in the very processes she expected others to embrace. Her commitment to experiencing the evaluation firsthand set a powerful example and built a foundation of trust and credibility among the staff.
Leading by Example: Addressing Current Issues
Building Trust and Reducing Resistance to Change
One of the significant challenges in educational leadership is resistance to change. When administrators like Patty lead by example, they build trust and credibility. This approach aligns with Simon Sinek's principle that leaders who go first create an environment of trust and safety, encouraging others to embrace change more readily. By experiencing the evaluation process herself, Patty showed her team that she valued their experiences and was committed to making informed decisions.
Fostering a Culture of Empathy and Understanding
Empathy is crucial for effective leadership. Patty's decision to teach and be evaluated was a testament to her empathetic leadership style. By understanding the process from the teachers' perspective, she could better support them through the transition. Dr. Peter Attia's emphasis on the importance of understanding and addressing the emotional and mental well-being of individuals resonates here. Empathetic leaders create a supportive environment that fosters collaboration and innovation.
Enhancing Accountability and Performance
Accountability is essential for maintaining high standards in education. Patty's approach ensured that she was held to the same standards as her teachers, promoting a culture of mutual accountability. Sinek's work highlights that leaders who hold themselves accountable inspire their teams to do the same, leading to improved performance and outcomes. Patty's leadership demonstrated that accountability starts at the top and permeates throughout the organization.
Shifting Focus: From Compliance to People
Patty Tate's leadership significantly shifted my focus from compliance to people. Her approach was a powerful reminder that people matter more than policies. By modeling accountability with servitude, she led the storm of change with grace and effectiveness. This experience reinforced the importance of gratitude, empathy, and leading by example in creating a positive and impactful educational environment.
Patty Tate's leadership story is a testament to the transformative power of leading by example. Her approach to leadership not only built trust and credibility but also fostered a culture of empathy and accountability. These lessons are invaluable for school administrators, leaders, and teachers striving to create a supportive and effective educational environment.
Reflective Questions
How Have I Experienced Leadership by Example?
Reflect on a time when a leader demonstrated leading by example. How did it influence you?
In What Ways Can I Foster Empathy and Understanding in My Role?
Consider how understanding others' perspectives can improve outcomes in your professional setting.
How Can I Promote Accountability While Supporting My Team?
Think about how to balance accountability and support within your team.
For more insights, explore Simon Sinek's works, "Leaders Eat Last" and "Start with Why," and listen to Dr. Peter Attia's podcast, "The Drive."
References
Attia, Peter, and Green, Walter. "The Drive" Podcast.
Sinek, Simon. "Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't." Portfolio, 2014.
Sinek, Simon. "Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action." Portfolio, 2009.
Reflecting on Patty Tate's example, we can strive to be leaders who inspire and drive positive change in our educational communities.
