Growing up in the 80s, there was a commercial from Dunkin' Donuts featuring Fred the Baker in which his refrain was, "Time to make the donuts." Through fatigue, wind, and snow, this series of commercials saw Fred diligently rising to bake these tasty, albeit unhealthy, breakfast treats.
Fred's refrain can serve as a rallying cry for our efforts to be diligent: "Time to carry out our mission."
Time to write thank you notes. Time to be with the students in the hallways/lunchroom/after school. Time to do observations. Time to meet with teachers. Time to call a donor. Time to pray. Time to analyze the data. Time to eat lunch with a colleague. Time to check references. Time to ensure volunteers have background screenings and safe environment training.
Unlike Fred's singular pursuit of delivering delicious donuts, our work takes on many forms and tasks. But, our unrelenting pursuit to accomplish the mission of our schools should match the diligence of Fred the Baker.
Time to advance the mission.
This week, consider what you can do to more singularly pursue the most important aspect of your roles as Catholic school leaders: the mission of our schools. What do you need to do more of? What do you need to delegate to others? What do you need to dump altogether?
Similarly, how can you offer even greater clarity and shared understanding about what it means to advance your missions? Ask community members what it looks like to "serve" or "excel" or "strive" or "inspire life-long learners" or "lead with integrity" or any other words and phrases from your missions. Interrogate your handbooks and policies for areas in which what we do misaligns with who we say we are. Engage people in conversations about how you will know that the school has accomplished/advanced its mission. What data will you collect and/or construct?
In other words, provide the directional clarity to your school communities to "make the donuts" as it pertains to your specific mission.
It's time. It's always time.
Go make the donuts.
Go advance your mission.
