"Without a vision the people lose restraint; but happy is the one who follows instruction."
-Proverbs 29:18
Leadership matters.
Whether titled or assumed, the leader of a group determines its trajectory. Just as a rising tide lifts all ships, an effective leader can bring out the best in others and amplify the efforts of the collective. Similarly, leaders can create unnecessary tension, anxiety, doubt, and fear.
The cart follows the ox.
In turn, discipleship matters.
Jesus' messages throughout scripture include, “Follow me”, “Go, make disciples”, and “Feed my lambs.” He gives the disciples “authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness” and instructs His followers to proclaim the kingdom of God, cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse leapers, and to give without cost (Mt. 10:1-15). Christ gives Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven during his installation as the first Pope, declaring that Peter is the “rock” upon which Jesus “will build (His) Church” (Mt. 16:13-20). The apostle Paul describes himself as a minister or steward, recognizing that “God cause(s) the growth” behind our human efforts” (1 Corinthians 3:1-9).
Catholic school leaders must understand that we are called to inspire others to follow Christ and establish His kingdom here on earth “making (social) structures more conformed to the principles of the Gospel…form(ing) human beings who will make human society more peaceful, fraternal, and communitarian” (Sacred Congregation for Catholic Education, 1982, para. 19).
Research demonstrates the power of strong building-level leaders in schools: effective principals can yield an increase in student learning in reading and math of about three months (Grissom, Egalite, & Lindsay, 2021). Compared to the effects of a strong teacher, which remains confined to only the grade-level and/or subject of that educator, the positive gains of an effective principal affect the entire school community. Actions of these leaders include an emphasis on learning, building a productive climate, facilitating collaboration, and managing resources and personnel strategically.
Additionally, effective leaders foster trust through humility, honesty, open and frequent communication, care for the human person, and following through on obligations consistently and with conviction. Strong leaders attract and surround themselves with dynamic teammates and they empower these members to use their gifts and lead others in turn.
Finally and somewhat paradoxically, strong leaders embrace joyful and strategic servanthood, casting a vision for the future, designing systems and structures to bring it to life, and then selflessly offering his/her own gifts and talents to help others find success.
Leadership matters.
Discipleship does, too.
