Having a vision or mission statement means nothing if others don't believe in that vision.
#standtallstatement
1.1.2. Great Communicator
There are so many books and articles about being a great communicator. We hear terms like listen more and speak less, use less words, be clear, watch nonverbal communication, and be genuine. All of them are correct. I am sure you could identify several more traits that make a good communicator. No matter what communication traits you list, it comes down to being able to clearly state what you want and getting others to do it or understand it.
Each organization has its own climate, culture, and history. That will determine what type of communication works best for the people within the organization. There may be a very open and cheerful climate and less formality is necessary when communicating, and the leader may be able to continually speak openly without worry of offense or misinterpretations. The climate may be very traditional and formal where all communication from the leader needs to be doublechecked and within the guidelines of policy and contracts. The organization may have a history of leaders who have communicated poorly so there is a lack of trust about what is being said. There might be a perception that there is a hidden agenda behind every statement. The ultimate goal of a Stand Tall Leader is understanding that no matter what type of environment the organization has, it must be able to clearly identify what the climate, culture, and history is like and then communicate in a way that would allow those within the organization to understand what the leader wants and be able to do it well.
A Stand Tall Leader takes the time necessary to think carefully about what is being said and the implications of what is said. There is nothing wrong with stating that you need time to think and respond appropriately. It is better to wait and speak with power than to rush and speak with uncertainty.
With that said, I ask: Is that a common trait of leadership? If someone is able to understand the climate, culture, and history of an organization and communicate in a way that gets people to act, does that person blend in with everyone else, or does he, she stand out and stand tall?
It is better to wait and speak with power than to rush and speak with uncertainty.
#standtallstatement
1.1.3. Makes Difficult Decisions
There is a difference between making decisions and making difficult decisions. When educators were asked about traits of a leader, most of them stated that leaders make decisions. Then when I clarified and stated that leaders make difficult decisions, most would hum and nod their heads in agreement. Therefore, even though making decisions was the most popular statement, making difficult decisions was the most impactful statement.
Seriously, let's think about this. Everyone makes decisions. You have to decide if you are going to get out of bed every day. You have to decide if you are going to say good morning to someone else. You have to decide what to eat each day. Making decisions is too common an action to say about a leader. It truly comes down to making the difficult decisions that others do not want to make. Way back when I was a new administrator, I remember sitting in a meeting with a student, school counselor, and angry parent. They were all staring at me waiting for me to decide whether the student was going to be suspended. Mom had a scowl, the student looked afraid, and the school counselor had a look like, “Come on, man! You can do this!” At that moment, I realized the importance of making hard decisions as a leader.
Making hard decisions isn't easy, but someone has to do it. Some people tend to pull others into the issue so that they don't have to make the hard decisions alone and it's not all on them. Leaders don't always have the opportunity to do that. Yes, they might get the input from others to help them, but it usually rests on their shoulders. Later on, in the book I'll share with you specifically the five levels of decision-making. Not only do leaders have to make the hard decisions but they have to stick to them and make sure that others stick with their decisions. With that said, I ask again: Is that a common trait? Walk into difficult situations on a regular basis, make difficult decisions, and get others to follow those decisions. Does that person blend in with everyone else, or does he, she stand out and stand tall as a Leader?
Making hard decisions isn't easy, but someone has to do it.
#standtallstatement
1.1.4. Make Others Better
We would not be in education if we didn't want to improve the world around us. Specifically, making other people better than what they are. When educators talk about this in my workshops, they frame it as leaders helping those under them become better within their subject, with instruction, mentoring, and setting the example for others to follow. Basically, making others better through their own actions. Everyone within a school needs something different from the leader. Yes, even the 40-year veteran teacher who doesn't talk to anyone. A great leader understands the needs of those within the organization. Either individually, within groups, specific pockets, or as a whole. Being able to gain that understanding and then acting on it is a skill that not many people have. The interesting thing about leaders trying to make others better is that leaders might think they are doing a great job but are failing miserably. I am sure you have either experienced moments or know situations where the organization is failing miserably but the leader is trucking along completely unaware, thinking that everything is growing by leaps and bounds. That level of being completely unaware isn't leadership. It is the inability to self-assess and make personal changes to ensure that the growth of others is taking place in the right directions. The most successful leaders are able to self-assess and properly connect their actions to the needs of others so that each person grows. With that said, I ask: Is that a common trait? Does that person blend in with everyone else, or does he, she stand out and stand tall?
The most successful leaders are able to self-assess and properly connect their actions to the needs of others so that each person grows.
#standtallstatement
Think about the leaders that you admire. It doesn't matter if you know them or not. Do they Stand Tall?
Do they have a vision and are they able to share that vision with others in order to move people toward success?
Are they a great communicator by understanding the culture of an organization and molding their messages so that it is clearly understood?
Do they step up and make the hard decisions when it is time and stand by those decisions?
Are they making others better through continual self-assessment and personalized connections?
Think about yourself as a leader. Do you blend in with every other person in your organization? If the answer is yes, take a moment and think about how you are implementing the above into your leadership. If you noticed, none of them have to do with how tall you are. They do have everything to do with how you Stand Tall. Are you a Stand Tall Leader?
Stand Tall Action
Question people within your organization about what your vision is. If they are unable to explain it, adjust your communication style so that everyone knows it.