Sandra M. Motz, MCSBA, Executive Director of Business Services, Walled Lake Consolidated Schools

MSBO Board of Directors

The term leadership is not one easily defined. Lao-Tzu said, "To lead, one must follow, and true leadership begins with a desire to serve others." Stephen Covey states, in his book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, "leadership is more than an art; it is based on a philosophy."

Leadership goes beyond following rules and acquiring skills; it extends to qualities that do not diminish or disappear over time. Phrases associated with quality leadership are: making things happen or not happen; making people think things are possible; inspiring hope and confidence in others; creating options and opportunities; empowering and liberating people to become leaders. Each of these phrases is tied together through relationships and team effort. Leadership power is earned and is a product of personal strength that incorporates humility, wisdom, integrity, and a willingness to serve others. A leader will not try to make all decisions alone but will look for ways to share the responsibility so others may exercise their abilities. The leader of the 21st Century must be team-focused, goal-oriented, and a good communicator. Even with all these qualities in place, being a leader will never be an easy task.

The following could be used to assess one's significance as a leader. Always consider others' interests more important and show a genuine interest in others. This means surrendering to a cause beyond self, which calls for a sacrifice of time and energy. Always look for opportunities to serve others, and wear a mantle of humility and servitude. Look for ways to build morale and coalitions while providing a vision of possibilities of something better than what currently exists. Once again, this is not an easy task.

As leaders in school business, we have the opportunity to go beyond tunnel vision and debits and credits to offer valuable leadership to our districts. As school business leaders, it is our responsibility to deliver finance and management services that are effective in meeting the needs of our students, employees, and community. At the same time, school business leaders should not only be viewed as the people who control the allocation of dollars but as facilitators who work in collaboration with Boards of Education, staff members, and communities to develop a budget process that embraces the needs of curriculum.

Last, but not least, a leader must be able to strike a balance between the world of work and personal goals. The stress of constant change is very real in today's educational arena. A leader must be able to provide a stabilizing influence and not allow problems to rob one of victories. Trust and patience along with a strong communications network are crucial links to survival and success.

"Leadership power is earned and is a product of personal strength that incorporates humility, wisdom, integrity, and a willingness to serve others."