On Matters of Substance
Recently, I was an audience member at a presentation being given by a very accomplished business leader. As she gave her presentation, I was struck by her level of precision, EQ, preparation, control, discipline, and humility. She displayed a tangible strength and depth.
After further reflection, I placed these superlatives into a mental framework. In doing so, a particular word seemed to effectively combine the spirit of each: substance. This was a leader of unmistakable substance. In leadership, substance shines through when a leader has done the work to operate at an elite level and can thus authentically rise to the moment - to the meeting, to the presentation, to the negotiation.
Peters and Waterman (2004) described the substantive leader as “...willing to study, analyze, define the problem...steeped in specialization, standardization, efficiency, productivity, and quantification...highly rational and analytical…” (p. 36). Substantive leaders are sturdy and secure. They deploy a depth of experience and training, while leveraging capability over style.
Substantive school leaders are in short supply and high demand. It is a level of leadership worth aspiring towards. Consider these 5 observations on becoming a school leader of substance.
To be a school leader of substance...
- Intently study those who have obtained this elite level of leadership.
- Get comfortable with the “patient-hustle” - run hard every day towards growth but recognize it will take many years to achieve this level of leadership.
- Take risks...you will never get there being overly cautious.
- Get Past Hard…(a great challenge issued by leadership consultant Kevin Eastman) - it will take a lot of work. You may need to sacrifice some sleep, turn off Netflix, watch less sporting events on TV, be more strategic with your time.
- Live intentionally - establish your mission/vision; identify goals aligned with your mission/vision; take massive action; stay the course.
Schools will always be in need of substantive leaders. Students and families deserve them. The journey is long, but worthwhile. I hope you will embark on it.
Peters, Thomas & Waterman, Robert. (2004). In Search of Excellence: Lessons from America’s Best-Run Companies. New York, NY: HarperCollins.