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~ J Clay Norton, Ed.D.

The Book Chamber

Category Archives: Empower

Why I Write A Leadership Blog…

20 Friday Oct 2023

Posted by The Book Chamber in Educational Leadership, Empower, Leader, Leadership, Perception

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The other day, someone asked me why I wrote a leadership blog. I had a few hundred answers, but I knew they were sincere, so I gave them a sincere answer. It was not a short answer, but one that covered the bases of what they could relate to…

Think-About-Leadership-blog-450x300

Effective leadership is crucial for success. Contrary to the popular belief that anyone can lead, leaders play a significant role in guiding and fostering a culture that empowers others. For me, this is the determining factor of the great divide between leaders and non-leaders; can they guide and foster? There are weak leaders and leadership out there, and that’s why I write a leadership blog. Hopefully, someone will read the blog and change or help them recognize the difference.

Writing a blog gives a platform to provide unique and hopefully valuable thoughts to share experiences and inspire. While most of my blog writing is geared to general leadership, many know I am passionate about educational leadership as well. Every once in a while, I’ll chase rabbits, hoping I catch one or just rant. But, deep down, I write because I care. I care about what can be better. Ideologies are fast changing with new generations, and the need for leadership truth is as valuable as it has ever been.

Essentially, I would hope that motivation and inspiration are provided for aspiring and established leaders. The adage, “the more you read, the more you know,” is still true. For me, finding that new novelty of leadership or even looking at leadership from a different perspective sparks a flame.

In the end, writing a blog is beneficial for me. It’s something I enjoy doing. It provides mental therapy and the potential to transform leadership to a level of collective empowerment, not self-serving. Perception is not reality when it comes to leadership. Leadership is reality, and it is either good or bad. It’s not how we approach or define leadership that matters. It is how it is lived for others to see and hear. That makes the difference.

So, that was my sincere answer.

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.

Want to share this leadership thought with others? Click on one of the social media sharing buttons below and help spread the good…

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Pressure Is Opportunity

13 Friday Oct 2023

Posted by The Book Chamber in Embrace, Empower, Encouragement, Experience, Leader, Leadership, Opportunity, Pressure

≈ 1 Comment

While watching ESPN College Game Day at the Cotton Bowl for the “Red River Rivalry” between Oklahoma and Texas this past Saturday morning, Brent Venables, Oklahoma’s head coach, was interviewed. During the interview, one statement he made stood out. When asked how he and his players felt about being the underdog and not picked to win, he stated, “Pressure is opportunity.” I looked at Breana and said, “There’s my blog for next week.”

We often hear phrases such as…
They can’t handle the pressure…
They were under a lot of pressure…
Subjected to pressure…
Peer pressure…
Under pressure…

All of these have a negative connotation. Pressure is often associated with stress and discomfort. When was the last time we heard about pressure being on the positive side?

Leadership will always have pressure situations, making it a natural component. How we view those pressure situations will determine our leadership mindset. Deadlines, critical decisions, crises, etc… these situational moments allow for resilience, adaptability, and maybe even ingenuity to be seen.

Leadership has only two options when confronted with pressure. Seize the moment and showcase capability, or don’t. However, it’s always an opportunity. It takes little time for true leadership to emerge.

depositphotos_168985078-stock-photo-dead-end-vs-opportunity-choice

Think about it this way: pressure is movement. It either pushes or pulls.
In essence, it’s force. An often heard quote, “A diamond is a hunk of coal that made good under pressure.” Even though this is untrue, the metaphor is good. As a leader, we all have what our perceived limits are. Will we make good under pressure?

As a result, pressure always forces change. We are where we are, adapting to the given environment and continuing to succeed or deteriorating under pressure. Suppose leaders adopt the mentality that pressure encourages personal growth and achievement; then, experiences create memory moments that help forge future opportunities, teaching invaluable lessons and ultimately shaping their character and competence.

You want to be a quality leader? Reframe how you look at pressure. Unlock the potential that pressure offers. Empower yourself and embrace the opportunity.

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.

Want to share this leadership thought with others? Click on one of the social media sharing buttons below and help spread the good…

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Star Wars and Lightsabers: A Metaphor for the Dichotomy of Leadership Styles…

01 Friday Sep 2023

Posted by The Book Chamber in Authentic, Empower, Leader, Leadership, Power, Servant, Star Wars

≈ 1 Comment

Star Wars fans… Get ready; you might like this one.

Like many people my age, we grew up watching Star Wars. Now that we are older watching the spin-offs and seeing how the storylines are bridged is fun. Also, it might take us back to our youth…

So, the new Star Wars spin-off of Ashoka is out, and we watched the first two episodes the other night. While watching, my daughter, Breana, pointed out that Ashoka’s lightsaber was white when wielded. Interesting, I thought, and then asked, “Why not green or blue like the Jedi?” Breana said that Ashoka is not affiliated with the Jedi or the Sith. I assumed that since Ashoka’s role was “good,” her lightsaber would be Jedi color.

So… the leadership segue:

I believe a leadership analogy can be drawn from the Jedi and Sith lightsabers in the vast galaxy of leadership styles. The choice of lightsaber color mirrors the fundamental contrast between selfishness and servant leadership. We usually know what role each plays by watching, but just in case we do not, we know exactly who they are as soon as their lightsaber is wielded. Everyone has a tale… and the lightsaber color does just that. Core values seen at the core…

The Sith – Red lightsabers – The Dark Side of the Force…

images (1)Love or hate them (gotta love Darth Vader, though), they radiate an aura of power, dominance, and egocentrism. They relish control and authority at any cost. Leaders with these traits are often driven by personal ambition, seeking power and influence solely for their own benefit, prioritizing their own interests over the well-being of others. The most cringing aspect is their fostering an environment of fear and submission. In essence, they want others to cower before them.

The Jedi – Green or Blue lightsabers – The Good Side of the Force…

downloadThese leaders embody the essence of servant leadership. Blue symbolizes guardianship and responsibility, while green represents harmony and growth (I had to look at a few Star Wars fan pages to figure this out). Leaders who align with these colors embrace humility, empathy, and a deep commitment to serving. Collaboration, mentorship, and the greater good are at the forefront of this leadership style. They empower, creating an atmosphere of trust and shared purpose. Their selflessness inspires loyalty and creates a legacy that outlasts anything present.

Yoda often said to look within oneself to Obi-Wan and Luke. This underscores the importance of self-awareness and the purpose of one’s leadership. Leaders should reflect on their motivations and recognize whether they are veering towards the dark path of selfishness or embracing the principles of servant leadership. But we know that selfish leaders do not do this. Authentic leaders find their success is intertwined with growth and prosperity.

As for our own leadership journey? We are faced with choices that can either cultivate a legacy that transcends individual ambitions, leaving a lasting positive impact, or be for ourselves. We must ask ourselves daily, what leadership lightsaber will I wield? This question reminds us that leadership is a choice—a reflection of our values and beliefs. The choice between red, blue, or green is akin to the choices leaders make every day: to serve oneself or to serve others.

I’ll close with this… Yoda has many great quotes and one-liners, but this one may be my favorite… In Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Season 1 Episode 1 “The Ambush” – Yoda said, “Hmm. In the end, cowards are those who follow the dark side.”

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.

Want to share this leadership thought with others? Click on one of the social media sharing buttons below and help spread the good…

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Cast Your Own Shadow…

11 Friday Aug 2023

Posted by The Book Chamber in Actions, Authentic, Choice, Deciding, Decisions, Empower, Encouragement, Importance, Influence, Insecurity, Leader, Leadership, Passion, Shadows, Value

≈ 1 Comment

Currently, we are watching the second season of Lincoln Lawyer on Netflix. During episode two, this quote was made “The more you live in someone’s shadow, kid, the longer it takes to cast your own.” I hit the pause button and told Heather, there is my blog for the week.

Screen Shot 2023-08-10 at 9.19.02 PM

The more I chewed on that, the more I realized that quote has gravity in so many areas of leadership. Not only individually but also as groups and corporate entities. The casting your shadow part of the quote made me realize how important it is to provide a reminder of the need to be who we are (not to say that we can do better, for we can, but that is not the point of today’s blog).

First, let me say we can always learn from others. That is valuable. However, true leadership emerges when we step into the light and let what we bring and can do be seen. Staying in the shadow of others is always comfortable, per se. At least you will always have shade… We need light to grow. Others need to see you doing that, and it helps us develop into who we are.

When we see what others are doing and succeeding, our default is to do what they are exactly doing. Take their template, stamp it onto ourselves, and wha la… we are the same. I think not. There are so many variables to consider, yet copy, we do.

With good reason, copying others can only take us so far. Leaders should be willing to cast their shadows and embrace their strengths and passions for who they are and whom they want to become based on a change that makes them better, not because they are “wanting to be what others are.” I’ve been trying to imitate Rory McIlroy’s golf swing and guess what… It ain’t working (bad grammar to prove the point).

Secondly, leadership should never overshadow others. To keep someone “shadowed” is nothing more than true insecurity. True leaders uplift their teams by providing guidance, support, and opportunities. By setting forth a leadership path, we should encourage others to do the same, creating a culture of empowerment and growth.

Casting your own shadow reflects on your strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations. Your unique qualities that drive your decisions are the foundation of your leadership identity. We push ourselves to improve our distinctive skills, not afraid to make mistakes. Casting your own shadow creates an authenticity that is leadership worthy. Leadership is not about imitation; it’s about inspiration. Leadership is not about mimicking others; it’s about harnessing your light to illuminate the way forward for yourself and those around you. Better yet, set a trail on fire.

Remember, “The more you live in someone’s shadow, kid, the longer it takes to cast your own.”

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.

Want to share this leadership thought with others? Click on one of the social media sharing buttons below and help spread the good…

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