Lesson #1: You Don’t Have a People Problem—You Have a Systems Problem
For 12 years, I’ve worked with school leaders in every situation you can imagine—new schools, schools in transition, and schools on the brink of failure.
And there’s one pattern I see over and over again:
Leaders think they have a people problem.
They say:
- “My team isn’t strong enough.”
- “This person isn’t the right fit.”
- “I need better people.”
But in most cases…
That’s not the real issue.
The Real Problem
Most leadership challenges are not people problems.
They are systems problems.
I’ve seen this in my own leadership.
There was a time when I had individuals in key roles that I didn’t believe were equipped for the job.
I questioned whether they were the right people.
But when I stepped back, I realized something:
They weren’t failing because of capability.
They were struggling because we didn’t have the right systems in place.
There were no clear systems for:
- Purchasing
- Student meetings
- Parent communication
- Daily priorities
- Provide feedback (to students or ...
Become a Stronger and More Effective Leader (Law of Process)
Most people will last anywhere between three hours and three weeks when it comes to implementing new behaviors in their lives. Most quit because they do not see the results. Growth happens on the inside before it will show on the outside. Basically, just because you do not see it, doesn’t mean it is not working.Â
Becoming a stronger, more effective leader takes time. John Maxwell’s third law of leadership from his 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, the Law of Process, states that leadership evolves daily, not in a day.
As a leadership coach, speaker and trainer, I am privileged to interact with hundreds of organizational leaders each year. There are many who believe that because they attend a conference, read a book, or participate in one of our leadership calls that they are now a leader.
Successful leaders are indeed learners but the learning process is ongoing - a result of self-discipline and perseverance. As said by John Maxwell, “Microwave leaders do not have any staying pow...
Follow the Law of Consistency
I believe that consistency wins over intensity.
Here is what I mean.
Ever jump into a project, diet or other life-changing program with incredible determination and intensity; but after 5-10 days we find that it is more difficult than anticipated and we end up quitting. Allowing our previous habits to win out and overwhelm our new found passion?Â
Ever say as a principal, I am going to get all of my observations (10) done this week. Then on Friday realizing you barely completed two.Â
The feeling of guilt, disappointment or blame overwhelms the need for true reflection and growth.Â
“Well, I got a lot done.” “Well, we had those issues with the angry parents.” “We had two birthdays, I couldn’t not eat the cake!” “It was a long week, exercise just didn’t fit in the schedule.”
We blame everything from the program to our genetics.Â
At the end, choosing what is comfortable or easy over the change we so desperately desired.Â
When what we need to do is take a look in the mirror, be gentl...
