Category Archives: Deciding

It’s a Wonderful Life – Leadership Found in Good ole George Bailey…

06 Friday Dec 2024

Posted by in A Christmas Story, Actions, Charlie Brown, Christmas, Christmas Vacation, Circumstances, Clarity, Compassion, Crisis, Deciding, Decisions, Heart, Inspiration, It's a Wonderful Life, Know Your Why, Leader, Leadership, Legacy, Purpose, Relationships, Respect, Sacrifice, Servant, Transactional, Transformational

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Well, it’s that time of year again… when we watch the same movies we have seen dozens of times over and over. I have my favorites (Charlie Brown, Christmas Vacation, and The Christmas Story) some that are so-so ok, and then there are those that are no way.

For me, It’s a Wonderful Life falls into a different category. I really like it, but do not watch it often (really cannot tell you why or why not). I do realize that many think it is a holiday classic, and that’s ok; I’m not opposed to turning the channel if it is on. However, I do realize and appreciate that there is a profound amount of leadership, sacrifice, and what can truly define success in the movie.

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Good ole George Bailey… he’s the one many will say, “Go live your life, forget the people.” While others recognize the fact that he spends his life setting aside his dreams of travel, adventure, and ambition to serve the small town of Bedford Falls.

You can be worn out watching George by the movie’s end; even George feels worn out. He sees himself as a failure, convinced he’s achieved nothing he desired, talking to anyone who will listen while at the same time talking to himself. Yet, for the pure of heart, at the end of the movie, we are given a glimpse of the truth… George has everything that truly matters.

This glimpse holds valuable lessons for all, especially those in leadership…

Impact Over Accomplishment

George is a big-time dreamer, wanting to build skyscrapers and see the world. All of this is over shadowed by the transformative impact he has on the lives of others. The older I get, the more I realize that leadership is not measured by trophies, plaques, certificates, or accolades but by how others thrive because of your influence in their lives. Every sacrifice George makes keeps Bedford Falls alive. He ensures families they have homes and hope. I realize here that the true leadership shown by George builds communities, not personal legacies.

The Power of Relationships

There is a scene in the movie where George is at his lowest point. However, he learns his worth is from the outpouring of love and support from those he served; yes, we see servant leadership at its finest. We see in George’s character that leadership is relational, not transactional. Through George’s trust, loyalty, and goodwill, he cultivated his greatest wealth. This is what is needed in times of crisis, the value of relationships.

Redefining Success

Success of achievements vs meaning… This is a hard one, and you are the only one who can answer. We can read books, listen to podcasts, and ask for advice, but in the end… only you can answer what you want out of the decisions you make. If you have seen the movie, you know how it ends. George Bailey did not build skyscrapers, but he built up the lives of others. His success was not in what he gained (he only had $2 left in the cash register) but in what he gave, which was himself. If you understand this, you know that fulfillment can be found when you prioritize purpose over prestige.

Good ole George Bailey… he wanted to chase personal dreams, but not at the expense of others. His greatest triumph could be ours… realizing that a life poured out for others is a wonderful life. This Christmas season, let’s give it a try.

As you step into your role today, remember that you are not just an educator and leader but a shaper of the future. Your actions and decisions profoundly impact the lives of those you guide. Go, be the great educator and leader that our future needs.

Remember… Think Leadership and Be For Others…

©2024 J Clay Norton

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(T)Issues of Leadership… It’s just one letter away! 

27 Friday Sep 2024

Posted by in Choice, Circumstances, Conflict, Consistency, Crisis, Culture, Deciding, Decisions, Disaster, Distractions, Education, Educational Leadership, Emotion, Emotional Temperature, Importance, Influence, Insecurity, Inspiration, Integrity, Intentional, Intentions, Issues, Knowledge, Leader, Leadership, Reality, Transparent, Trust, Understanding, Unity, Useful, Value

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I love analogies. I believe they are a better part of describing situations and are key in leadership thinking and reflection. So, today’s topic…

Let’s start with a simple yet profound observation: the word “issues” is just one letter away from “tissues.” This clever play on words serves as a powerful analogy for how personal issues can influence leadership.

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This simple play on words is a powerful reminder of how personal struggles can influence leadership. No leader has it all together, and those who think they do need to quit believing it; others know the truth. By default, I would venture into saying that many leaders carry some form of unresolved issues, good or bad. These issues might be deep-seeded from past experiences and might even be people in your unwanted circle. Still, when leaders carry unresolved issues, they burden themselves first and then affect the emotional and operational well-being of everyone around them. It’s like having the box of tissues ready handy for emotional spills (these can be good or bad also) – except, in this case, it’s needing those tissues to clean up the mess caused by unchecked issues that a leader has caused.

Leaders with unresolved issues often project their insecurities or frustrations onto others. What’s worse is that they make it seem as if you are the one at fault. I hate it when this happens. It’s like knowing a tornado is coming, and you need to run, take cover, at a right angle from that path. Whether it’s stress, poor communication, or unchecked ego (hello!), these personal challenges create a ripple effect. Everyone around becomes confused (for sure), demoralized (yes, it can happen), or even disengaged (probably so) because of the leader’s inconsistency or emotional volatility.

When leaders bring their personal issues into the working environment, they can inadvertently stifle innovation, breed negativity, and weaken the overall culture. This is where it gets serious…

But the sun is always shining behind the clouds… great leadership is about recognizing those issues and addressing them head-on. No leader is perfect, but the best ones are self-aware. They understand that their personal issues can affect their ability to make clear decisions, offer effective guidance, and create a positive culture.

Instead of burdening the team with their issues, emotionally intelligent leaders create an environment where challenges are tackled together—turning potential “tissue moments” into opportunities for growth and connection. Leadership is not about being flawless but about continually striving for improvement and ensuring personal issues don’t bleed into professional spaces. Sometimes, it is worth hearing to get out of your own way… and let’s leave the tissues for blowing our nose instead…

Go be a great educator and leader today… Our future needs it…

Remember… Think Leadership and Be For Others…

©2024 J Clay Norton

Want more Leadership Thoughts? Follow me on… X @thebookchamber or follow the blog directly.

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Educational Leadership – What Is The End Goal?

10 Friday Nov 2023

Posted by in Culture, Deciding, Decisions, Educational Leadership, Fair and Equitable Education, Leader, Leadership, Transactional, Transformational

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In case you didn’t know, education is essential to human development…

The other day, I was having a conversation with a graduate student, and we were discussing their future classes, their future, and such. While wrapping up our discussion, I asked them, “What is your end goal?” They said, “To graduate the program.” To which I said, “Good idea.”

As I reflected on that conversation, I started thinking about what are the “end goals” of leadership, especially educational leadership…

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At its central core, the end goals of educational leadership revolve around fostering an environment where learning isn’t a mere transaction but a transformational empowerment of others. I think of it as using compound interest formulas… We can lead with compounding interest based on periods, or we can lead with compounding continuously. When educational leaders lead continuously and cultivate the culture, improvement becomes a natural progression.

A perpetual cycle of growth is what we are going after. Where all stakeholders, from the students to the community, are engaged. It’s more than just academic achievement but extends to personal and professional development.

Another core concept for educational leadership is equity. All educational leaders should strive to build an educational system that ensures every student, regardless of background or circumstance, has equal access to a quality education. Leaders who break down barriers for the right reasons foster an environment where strength is recognized and enables a commitment to enrich education for all.

I have often said that education is that one last stronghold society has that can help it be better. Education goes beyond just academic knowledge of a certain topic. It helps with understanding cultural diversity and helping a person understand the complexities of the world we live in. Educational leaders who provide this learning for academics and culture create an enduring impact on the future.

The “end goal” – what is it for you as an educational leader?

When we enhance students’ learning and provide a dynamic atmosphere where students want to come, not because it is easy or laid back, but because they can feel and see future success with high standards that mark excellence, society’s future is shaped for the better. Educational leadership and leaders are the hinges that open or close those doors.

Go be a great educator and leader today… Our future needs it…

Remember… Think Leadership and Be For Others…

©2023 J Clay Norton

Want more Leadership Thoughts? Follow me on… Twitter @thebookchamber or follow the blog directly.

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Leadership About Nothing…

22 Friday Sep 2023

Posted by in Actions, Character, Connections, Culture, Deciding, Decisions, Distractions, Leader, Leadership, Vision

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For many of us, we are showing our age now. From 1989 – 1998, Seinfeld was on the air. The plot… Nothing. Unless you heard Jerry and George say it when they were trying to pitch their show in one of the episodes, I wonder if it really ever registered. Now, we watch the reruns on Netflix, fast-forwarding thirty-plus years; I pick up on different aspects of the episodes and the nuisances.

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Thinking on this the other day, I realized I couldn’t wrap my mind around a topic that wasn’t a needed discussion for this week’s blog. So I thought, “How do I write about nothing?” That’s when I realized that maybe I do have something…

Think about it this way: society constantly urges us to be on the move, achieve more, and accumulate stuff. These unofficial mandates bring to mind the profound lessons that “nothing” can teach and help us with our leadership. Now, you might be thinking, where is this going, and isn’t “nothing” about leadership paradoxical?

Well, a few thoughts… the more I think about it, the more I realize that “nothing” provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of our leadership and its self-awareness…

When “nothing” happens, a state of stillness happens, and the mind is clear of preconceived notions. This allows for the open space of creativity, critical thinking, and, most importantly, active listening (something that I will continue to work on personally).

Many leaders who have the characteristics of “look at me,” “see me,” and “hear me” cannot set aside their ego. They constantly want to assert themselves, creating an environment where others are fearful to speak and contribute. These are the leaders who definitely think they are and have “something.”

Leadership is also about letting go of unnecessary burdens, distractions, and clutter… essentially embracing “nothingness” to focus on what truly matters. Quality leadership prioritizes goals and actions aligned with the overall well-being of others. They simplify the complexities and remove barriers to progress. They discern what is essential from what is not needed, leading successfully with clarity and purpose.

“Nothing” also symbolizes humility and the willingness to admit when one doesn’t know or understand something. We need more leaders who can accept this. Great leadership is not afraid to acknowledge gaps in their knowledge or experience, seeking guidance and learning from others. When this happens, humility fosters a culture of continuous growth and improvement, benefiting everyone.

My great mentor, Dr. Hassleman, used to say, “Leadership is not hard; just do the right thing by people.” In some way, I see the value of “nothingness” in this. By taking myself out and putting others in, we open ourselves up to endless possibilities. It’s a fascinating concept when we think of leadership this way. Our decision-making will be better, and connections will become more genuine. That’s what leadership needs… genuineness. It’s amazing what you can get out of nothing.

Go be a great educator and leader today… Our future needs it…

Remember… Think Leadership and Be For Others…

©2023 J Clay Norton

Want more Leadership Thoughts? Follow me on… Twitter @thebookchamber or follow the blog directly.

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