Over these past few weeks, I have been teaching a program on The Authentic Leader. Twenty-six leaders from around the world came together via Zoom to self-reflect, examine their life journey, and envision who they are (and want to be) as authentic leaders. Leaders leading organizations where people thrive and are encouraged to be themselves and where teamwork fosters inclusion and development.
During our final session, we explored participants' "crucible moments" (True North, Bill George). It struck me as I prepared for the session that every single educator is likely experiencing their own crucible moment as we prepare for the 2020/2021 academic year. A crucible moment is the real test of our character. It provides an opportunity for learning and growth and is often formative for what comes next in our life. Too often though, crucible moments can be incapacitating; they can cause anger and grief, and prompt us to feel like a victim. As a result, the temptation is to go into denial and to shut down.
How do we pull ourselves through a crucible moment? By relying on ourselves - and others. Ground yourself in your purpose, your authentic self, and your self belief that you can and will get through this. Reflect back on previous crucible moments and remind yourself how you got through them. Perhaps the most helpful strategy I have used to navigate my own crucibles has been the support of others. Surround yourself with positive, forward-thinking friends and colleagues. While nobody can do your internal work for you, these friends and colleagues provide much needed perspective, encouragement and comfort.
As we reflect on this crucible year for schools across the country, if this crucible moment is formative for what comes next, what would you like that to be? How might this crucible moment be the genesis of THAT vision?
I hope you find the below resources to be helpful this month. I will leave the last words of this newsletter to the master of the crucible, John Lewis,
"I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe."
