President's Column: Leadership, the three little pigs, and a fond farewell

By Mossi W. White

3/18/03 -- At a conference breakout session recently, this question was asked: What is the difference between leadership for good times versus leadership for difficult times? My answer would have been that great leadership is great leadership at all times.

I told you in my last column that I like fairy tales because they so often contain wisdom and good common sense. In the tale about the three little pigs who went into the world and built their own houses, we find a perfect illustration on great leadership in differing times.

We can assume that all three pigs were equally intelligent. All three knew there was a wolf out there somewhere. The first two pigs, however, seeing no particular sign of the wolf, built their houses out of straw and sticks respectively. The third pig built his house solidly out of bricks, even though there was still no sign of the wolf.

But the wolf did indeed come. The two first houses blew down with the first huffs and puffs from the wolf. (And by the way, those little pigs are no longer with us.) The third pig's house, built in peaceful times, but made to last through bad times, withstood all the wolf's huffing and puffing. (That pig went on to become a leader in his community.)

As school board members, we have for several years now been acutely aware of the approaching wolf. Even so, most of us had not foreseen the great amount of challenges we now face. We are surrounded by state budget crises, federal budget shortfalls, threat of war, the huge challenges of the No Child Left Behind Act, voucher and tuition tax credit threats, and the list goes on.

Our ability to survive these most difficult times is solidly connected to our leadership abilities both individually and as board teams. It is these leadership abilities that will construct our "brick houses."

In traveling throughout the country this year, I have had the opportunity to observe some excellent leadership. I would like to share some common traits displayed by these leaders:

(1) They are totally committed to public education and increasing student achievement for all children. All discussions and decisions are based on the question: Is this what is best for all of our children?

I love the story about the district transportation director who came to the school board with a request for a new school bus. The board wanted to know how that purchase would increase student achievement in the district. He returned at the next meeting of the board and told them! Through that board's great leadership, every member of the board team and staff has to focus on and work toward the district's mission.

(2) Great leaders have open minds. They are always respectful of others' views. They listen intently so they can understand the opposing side of issues, and then they seek to have their own viewpoint understood.

(3) They are accessible to their constituents but they have learned to discern what is the vocal minority opinion and what is the will of the community at large. Their votes are always based on what is in the best interest of the children and never with thoughts of their own re-electability. Their integrity is absolute.

(4) Great leaders hold themselves accountable and demand accountability at all times from all team members.

(5) Most of all, it is apparent that they love what they are doing. They stand up for public education and are passionate advocates for every child's right to a most excellent education.

This is my last column as your president. I thank you so very much for the honor and privilege of representing you this year. I'm eternally grateful for your warmth, support, and welcoming hospitality. Your prayers and good wishes have strengthened me, and my heart overflows with memories that will last a lifetime.

I have loved being in your states and have learned that we have some of the greatest leaders ever on school boards in this country. I am so very proud of you!

If we have the foresight to build with bricks, then we can be reassured that in these most challenging times, we will be just fine.