The Value of Time: Leading Through Connection and Presence

Most of us understand that time is a precious commodity. There is no going back when a moment, a week, or a year has passed. So how we spend our time ought to be a key consideration. What is more, the demands of life and career are such that it can often feel as if there is not enough time to do the things we want or need to do. Time pressure is real, and I am certainly not immune.

I have many moments in my professional life where I feel like I could easily spend all day in the office, occupying myself with busy work. That said, I believe good leadership should be visible and present, so I prioritize visiting sites and schools and interacting with people across the school district. This allows me to hear from people doing important work, and also allows me a chance to learn some things, provide thoughts and/or feedback, and, wherever possible, bring clarity. It also affords me the opportunity to build authentic connections.

So far this year, I have had formally scheduled visits at ten schools and met with leaders from all our major departments (finance, facilities, etc.). For me, connecting with schools and departments informs and inspires my leadership. Sure enough, these past weeks I was able to see some extraordinary things.

Imagine how reassuring and uplifting it is to visit a school on “club day.” In this one place I noted there were more than fifty different clubs being sponsored, celebrated, and promoted for our students. One of our priorities is to ensure that students feel connected and engaged at school. To see this work in action is heartwarming and speaks to the commitment of our employees. I have no doubt these opportunities transcend the classroom.

On a visit to yet another school, I spoke with staff and students who were interested in finding ways to reflect and celebrate different cultural traditions. The result: they launched their first “Culture Club” with great success.

I learned how we are connecting with newcomer families and English Language Learners by leveraging human connection and AI tools that help us with translation in real time. I’ve seen high quality productions of broadcast news with students writing, directing, and reporting.

A visit to our Careers Department confirms we are continuing to make meaningful career and work experience options available to students, everything from aviation to cyber-security and yes, horticulture.

And so much more.

Every one of these visits leads to rich conversations. For me, time spent this way is an opportunity to help move our system forward. It is a chance to identify and amplify our successes and areas for growth, in context, in real time, while developing and maintaining a human connection.

I look forward to learning and sharing more of the good things we do to support and encourage student success in future posts. In the meantime, I wish you well. I better get to my inbox, at least for now.