As I am transitioning into my new role as a principal I am amazed at the unleashed power in human capital. Human capital is an expensive word for relationships. I have a circle of people that I lean on for advice. My eyes were opened by my cousin who is an upper level manager at a large cosmetic company. He is invaluable as a resource for me, and I always appreciate his insight. He reached out to me to give me feedback on my blind spot article that you can find on this site. He asked me if I wanted to hear my biggest blind spot as a leader, and I was eager to hear his insight. He stated that my biggest blind spot was that I do not put enough value on my likeability, and that my greatest skill is as a listener and allowing people to share what is important to them with me. He scolded me in telling me that I can sometimes become too focused on being the big man on campus and that detracts from my ability to connect with others. This was absolutely true and grounded me in what is important to everyone, and that is the ability to connect and establish trusting, authentic relationships with others. This is the definition of human capital.
So, as I began to reflect on this and focus my attention on developing relationships with a new group of stakeholders, I was inspired to put aside the educational jargon and focus on people. I presented to staff on who I am as a person in our first meeting together virtually. I shared my background personally and professionally, my family and what inspires me. I shared a touching story about a student who impacted me greatly, and I hope that I impacted that student in a positive way. I then began setting up listening sessions with individual staff members to begin that process of establishing trust, but more importantly for me to start at gaining their trust. These meetings have been incredibly enjoyable and eye opening for me as a developing leader.
Not one meeting has developed into an opportunity for me to discuss in depth the many areas that encompass leadership in education. These conversations have dived deep into the impact of the safer at home order, extensive insight into what is important to individuals outside of work, how people ended up in education and other areas of my life were inquired about at greater depth. I have enjoyed these meetings more than anything I have done in education. I am feeling more connected to the team than I have ever been in other roles. As we begin next school year there are bound to be great challenges and tough moments. I am hoping that the time invested in this process will yield results when the water gets rough or when there are tough decisions that need to be made.
This time has been valuable and precious for me to get to know others, and I hope that staff members have enjoyed and appreciated the time to connect. I am hopeful that this investment in human capital will produce great returns for our learners in the future. I am eager for a time to be together and begin this work as a team. Until then I will continue to operate from the old adage that people do not care how much you know, until they know how much you care.