It's Out There

As I attend the National Association of Secondary School Principal's Conference in a very cold Dallas, Texas this week, I am reminded at every session that principals seem to have the same struggles all over the world.  I won't name all the struggles because that's not important.  Nevertheless, as I sit through each session, take meticulous notes, review those notes each night, and speak firsthand with the leaders who inspired those notes, I am reminded that the information to improve and grow is out there--

if we want it.  Yes, It's out there and readily available.  And...it's free.  It may take a bold step to ask someone you may have never met, but you will be surprised when you find they are more than willing to help.  I am happily reminded as I discuss my challenges with other school leaders this weekend that we are own best resource.  The books are out there, so are the fees for engaging guest speakers.  However, there is no replacement for the individual relationship one develops with other leaders.  That forum is key to improving the lives and opportunities of our students and staffs.  Whatever way we wish to grow, there is someone out there that has done it and would love to share his/her story and save you some time and struggles as you go through it.  It's been done, and it's out there--we have to be enterprising and bold enough to seek it out.