As I sat across from the superintendent of one of the largest school corporations in Indiana I didn’t realize what kind of leader I was sitting across from, but I would soon find out.
Over the course of twenty-nine years Dr. Bourff has served as superintendent in three different school corporations, but like most superintendents he did not start there. He began as an English teacher in Knox Community Schools where he learned how to bring out the best in students. This same skill he continues to implement as a school corporation leader.
During his tenure at one school corporation he was able to see the graduation rate rise from 55% to 95% even though free and reduced lunch eligible students increased and the community dynamics did not improve. This man knows something about leadership.
Dr. Bourff recognizes problems are everywhere whether in a rural, urban, or affluent suburban community. As a leader he sees part of his job is to bring people around problems and address them. The people he brings around him are community leaders who serve on the board as well as internal leaders who serve on his team.
As we talked three guiding principles arose that direct how this man leads an educational institution:
- Dignify people. People are any organization’s most important asset. Dr. Bourff learned early on a way to dignify others. Once when teaching he had a student question him about something he had said, but instead of getting defensive he took pause. After a moment he admitted, with humility, the student was correct and he made a mistake. One may think this lost his credibility with the students, but it did just the opposite. This increased their trust and respect in him because he honored the student and did not cover up his error.
- Perspective. During Dr. Bourff’s time at one school he was part of a terrible student tragedy that caused a student to lose their life. He was the one who contacted the parents and even was a part of the funeral procession of this student. Recently he had a challenge that affected the community he is in on a minor level, but was important to the community and had to make a change after the decision was made. This could have really been a problem for some leaders, but he keeps everything in perspective with the bigger picture of life. This perspective helps him manage leadership challenges in a healthy way.
- Faith. Whether leading an established institution, starting a business, or simply venturing into some new unfamiliar territory faith is required. One of the best definitions I have found for faith is “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1) As leaders we venture out on faith, often calculated, but rarely are we 100% assured the plan will work out. For Dr. Bourff faith gives him confidence that how things unfold are how they are supposed to be and everything has a purpose. He did not state this, but I have a feeling this idea gives him peace and confidence amidst the multiple challenges he faces.
These were his guiding principles, but I asked what he would want people to know about leadership in general and two ideas arose.
- Constantly and Actively Listen. Actively listening is a skill and it requires energy which I discuss in my book. Tune into not just what is said, but how it is said. The second part of what he said about this idea was there “always is a lesson to learn.” We never know what we will learn from those around us so tune in fully and learn.
- Lead with Beliefs. Why? When a leader is initiating a change the people need to know why this is occurring. As people understand the rationale they may not agree, but they at least know there is logical reasoning. Change leadership expert John Kotter has written extensively on this topic of change and says: “people will not make sacrifices . . . unless they think the potential benefits of change are attractive and unless they really believe that a transformation is possible.”1 This concept explains why people need to understand the beliefs, purpose, and why behind decisions. These beliefs will help people make better decisions.
I hope you learned as much as I did from this humble, authentic leader. When you look at these principles, what do you need to apply? Are you maintaining perspective based on faith and a desire to dignify people? Do you need to listen and communicate more effectively? Whatever the application may be let me know and contact me if I can help you think into your leadership results. Lead well.
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- Kotter, John P. Leading Change. Harvard Business School Press: Boston, 1996.