I particularly love the summer here in the United States. There is such a focus on being with family and enjoying the company of loved ones without many of the distractions that normally permeate our lives. The greatest thing in my life is being a husband and father so having time dedicated to my family is truly a gift.
If someone asked about the main priority in my life, my family would instantly come to mind. How we spend our time is often a greater indicator of our priorities than what we say. I recently heard a fascinating interview with Richard Eyre, a prominent author on topics of family and parenting. The following quote has led me to reflect on how I approach my role as a father and husband, compared to my role as a school administrator:
“We speak a lot to entrepreneurs and to CEOs of companies and when you ask them for their business mission statement, or vision statement, or their pro forma, or their goals they’ve got it right on the tip of their tongue. When you say, “What are your goals with your family?” There is kind of a glazing over and there is sort of a, “Well I don’t know, I just want to be a good dad, I just want to be a good parent, I just want to be a good husband.” Well no one would say that in answer to a business question. “What’s your goal for your company?” “Well I just want to be a good CEO, you know, I just hope things go well.” You need to have the same kind of planning and effort and goal setting and execution in your own home that you do in a business that is really succeeding.”
As we shift from plentiful time with family, back to the intense commitments most school leaders have, I encourage you to reflect on whether it would be helpful for your family to establish clear values, a mission, and goals, as most businesses and schools do.
To get started, work with your family to create a list of your top twelve family values or principles. Focus on one each month, and take steps as a family to discuss and embody this value. The process of determining your family's values or principles can be powerful. It can help guide decision making, especially during difficult times. Having this clarity could have an incredible impact on your family, your school and the broader community.
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