ASBA/ASA Conference Keynote

On the 16th and 17th of December, I attended the Annual Conference of the ASBA/ASA (AZ School Boards Association/AZ School Administrators).  This was certainly an educational experience.  I was able to witness the ASBA Annual Membership Business Meeting where I saw first hand how an official meeting is conducted.  We heard from the Keynote Speaker, Dr. Kent Keith, who wrote "The Case for Servant Leadhership".  He shared Robert Greenleaf's definition of servant leadership as beginning with the desire to serve.  Servant Leadership is ethical because it is about serving people, not using them; it is practical because they develop the capacity of their colleagues; and meaningful because it is about making a difference.  Now the connection was made for me.  I have chosen to be a School Board Members to make a difference.

Dr Keith also explained the difference between Power model and Service model.  This differentiation confirmed for me that I am here about the service.  The power model is about acquiring and wielding power.  The service model is about identifying and meeting the needs of others.  We had to think of a servant-leader we know and tell the person next to us.  The first person to come to mind was my dear friend, the late, Madeline Wyatt.  She told so many stories of her serving Tombstone: the district and its members.  Madeline is the person I strive to be like, in every action and decision I make while being on the School Board.