Palmer Trinity School

DUR ING T HIS PA S T Y E A R , I had the unique and wonderful opportunity to offer our first-ever Leadership course for 16 of our Upper School students. For me personally, this was a real "labor of love," as I have always had a deep interest in this topic, and have spent much time in my professional life developing my own leadership philosophy and, hopefully, putting it into practice. I have attended numerous workshops, conferences, and even spent a year-long study and evaluation process (2004–2005) serving in the first cohort of the E.E. Ford Fellowship for Aspiring Heads, through the National Association of Independent Schools. My bookshelves are filled with titles encompassing a wide range of theories, perspectives, and suggestions for effective management, philosophy, and style of leadership. Entitled Lessons in Leadership, this elective course was designed around the principle that Leadership can be taught, and that there are certain skills, behaviors, and an overall mindset that can be fostered and improved upon, for effective servant leadership and good collaboration. In our work over the Fall Semester, students were asked the following questions, and given a myriad of opportunities to examine, explore, and, ultimately, come to their own conclusions regarding this ever- evolving topic: What is Leadership? How do you recognize it? Where do you see it? What are the characteristics of a Leader? Are you a Leader? Are there certain traits? Is it a "natural state"? What is the difference between Leadership and Management? Is one better than the other? What is the difference between Formal and Informal Leadership? What makes a great team? What makes an effective teammate? What does this concept, Lead with Love, mean? How do we as a School implement it and embody it? How can we be true Servant Leaders? What is your Leadership Style? What type of Leader are you? What type of Leader do you aspire to be? Throughout the Fall, students engaged in a wide variety of activities, discussions, and readings. Each student was also required to research a particular historical figure and to identify and interview a current leader whom they admire. Students also had the chance, in class, to meet and to speak with 20 individuals, as selected by me, from Palmer Trinity School, fellow independent schools, the military, our local government, the business sector, and the non-profit community. These visits provided a wealth of information and gave the class members the chance to compare and contrast various styles of leadership and engage in meaningful dialogue. Moreover, students were asked to complete their own inventory, helping to determine both their strengths and areas for growth, in terms of both their leadership style and overall effectiveness as a good team member. Our readings included but were not limited to, such works as The Captain Class (Sam Walker), The Hero Code (Admiral William H. McRaven), She Did It! 21 Women Who Changed the Way We Think (Emily Arnold McCully), Great Teams: 16 Things High Performing Organizations Do Differently (Don Yeager), Learning From Lincoln (Harvey Alvy/Pam Robbins), Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success (Phil Jackson), and The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse (Charlie Mackery). And, in an unexpected "twist," our class was given the opportunity by our local Mayor, the Honorable Karyn Cunningham, to create a new Oath for Leadership, which was unveiled at the Swearing-In of the Mayor in December. Our students worked diligently and thoughtfully in writing this pledge, and it was quite an honor to be recognized so formally within our beloved Palmetto Bay Community. As I reflect upon this past year, and, as I make plans for the next iteration of Lessons in Leadership this coming Fall, I am most grateful to have had this opportunity to connect with, engage, and serve in such enjoyable and enriching ways with our students. My sincere hope is that all members of our Palmer Trinity Community recognize that Leadership comes in a variety of shapes and forms. Each of us chooses to be a positive influence, and by ultimately serving others and walking through life with humility, a sense of gratitude, and a positive attitude, we can impact our own school, the greater community, and the world, in magnificent and life- changing ways. I draw genuine hope and continue to be inspired by our young people, and again, say "thank you" for the support given to me to create and build such a course at our School. H E A D O F S C H O O L M E S S A G E You manage things; you lead people." R E A R A DMIR A L GR A C E MUR R AY HOP P ER PAT R ICK ROBER T S Head of School 1

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