Modeling Leadership

I was fortunate this week as an education leader: I spent two full days working with students. Our graduating students are working hard on their Senior Projects, all of which are interesting and impactful. I was asked to help with one senior’s project in particular; training a cadre of younger students to take over running the A/V booth in our performance theater.

Let’s get this straight – I know about 10 buttons to work the A/V booth. This was not my training. I was there to assist, supervise and observe. Our senior student (assisted by his good friend and fellow Class of 2022 member) designed a full two-day course to teach mentees all they would need to know as production assistants. He developed a schedule, a syllabus and training materials. He provided information, demonstrations and hands-on opportunities for students to learn. Finally, he stepped back and gave them time to use the equipment in a supportive environment.

For hours, I worked on my laptop with an eye and ear tuned into their work. I was impressed by the commitment to excellence, the level of respect and the variety of lessons taught. I learned a WHOLE lot more about our A/V capabilities!

After lunch on Day 2, students started working together to run “productions” on the stage. At times the auditorium was filled with the sounds of music. At other times, the theater was so dark, I could only see my computer screen. As students grew in their knowledge and comfort level, I started to see their skills gel and the theater came to life.

At the same time, I was thoroughly enjoying myself. Singing along from my seat, tapping my feet, smiling as students got up, sang and danced to give those in the booth something to track.

Soon… I was starting to think I wanted to get up and sing. It would not be the first time I’ve wished to do something similar. I love to sing. I LOVE LOVE to sing. However? I am not a singer. Since my strokes? I am REALLY not a singer. I usually chicken out and just enjoy the show, always wishing later that I at least spoke up. Today, I went up to the booth and asked the kids if I could sing. After their surprised reaction, they gave me a mic, helped me find the track I wanted and I headed to the stage.

I’m sharing this video with you… NOT because I’m awaiting a record deal. I am sharing because of how it models vulnerability, community building, risk-taking and having fun with students. In my role, I have limited ways to build relationships with our students. During these two days, I observed them coming out of their shell, creating a small community, taking risks and having lots of fun together while LEARNING. I wanted to be part of the experience!

I’ve decided to share the experience here for many reasons… Leaders need to find ways to spend quality time with those whom they serve. Find ways to have fun. Find ways to model vulnerability and facing fears. Laugh at yourself; don’t just TELL students everyone makes mistakes. SHOW them.

It makes me feel wicked uncomfortable and super proud to watch this video. I sound WAY better inside my head. I keep up with the rhythm singing along from my seat. I remember EVERY single word when singing in my car. I felt as silly and awkward and self-conscious as I look on stage. But listen to and watch the students in this video. Teaching and learning is going on all around me, without my having to teach a thing. In the end, this experience wasn’t about me. It was about building the capacity of students.

I think that’s magical.

What are you teaching your students, or your staff, when you aren’t teaching at all?

Simply,
Suzy

Want to see part of the song we did together after this?