At the Los Angeles Vistage Executive Summit, we had a hugely inspirational talk about leadership from a High School Principal – Linda Cliatt-Wayman. She is the Principal for Strawberry Mansion — a high school in North Philadelphia that had been listed as one of the 50 persistently dangerous high schools in the United States for 5 years when she took over as Principal in 2012.
Ms. Cliatt-Wayman grew up in North Philadelphia and knew how it felt to live in poverty. Her description of all the things that were wrong at the school was long and scary. How she addressed them came from her courage and perseverance. I recommend you watch her TED talk.
Here are Ms. Cliatt-Wayman’s 3 leadership slogans:
“If you are going to lead, lead.” You must have a clear vision of where you want to go and try things. Give the people who follow you non-negotiables and stand behind them.
“So what?, now what?” There are a thousand reasons and excuses for the way things have been. They are real obstacles.”So what?” She says you make a plan and address the obstacles, but don’t let them stop you. You must put intense focus on solving the issues.That is the “now what?” It takes courage and persistence.
“If no one told you they loved you today, remember I do, and always will.” Her mission is to get kids out of poverty through education. It comes from intense love and a willingness to fight for each and every child.
What do you need to do today, to create a clear vision, inspire hope, remove obstacles and reach your dreams? Can you narrow your leadership code down to a few memorable phrases that can guide you and your organization to success? It might be your personal and organizational vision statement. It might be guiding principles. Make them authentic and inspiring-for yourself, your team and the community. What is your first step, and when will you do it? Don’t wait too long.
Photo of Principal Wayman from her website: http://principalwayman.com/