Connection precedes content. Each shift in technology, work process, curriculum design, role or responsibility demands trust, dialogue, and relationship if it is to succeed. Patience is required, feelings need to be valued, and relationships discussed. History needs to be acknowledged and put to rest. Spend more time on purpose and collectively define it rather than expecting the leader to answer all questions and sell the change.
Freedom is a choice.
Every one of us has a part in creating a culture, living a vision, resolving a conflict, and ensuring that the institution fulfills its mission. Each of us needs to walk our talk, articulate longings, offer hope and inspiration. When we leave such tasks to leaders, we let people off the hook and undermine accountability. In such redefined institutions the tasks of leadership would be to convene people and engage them in the everyday challenges of how to plan, organize, discipline, and ensure that the right people are on the team and doing the job right. It is time to create organizations that fit the committed and caring.